One of the most critical agenda items was the facilities committee’s report on the need to upgrade the district’s phone system. The current system was described as outdated and costly to maintain. After reviewing proposals from multiple vendors, the board favored Extel’s offer to provide approximately 600 new phones at a cost of about $93,000, with monthly maintenance fees of $3,200. The committee requested Mr. Beavers to obtain an additional quote from Verizon, a local operator, before finalizing the decision. The board unanimously agreed on moving forward with Extel’s proposal.

In the public comment section, concerns were raised by Kirsten Light regarding recent executive orders signed by President Trump. Light argued that these orders could impact the district’s policies on equity and gender identity. She questioned the board’s plans for implementing these orders transparently and expressed worries about potential budget implications, specifically regarding federal funding and possible tax increases if compliance was not met. The board assured attendees that they were aware of these developments and were working closely with legal counsel to ensure appropriate responses and adaptations.

The meeting also highlighted an educational collaboration with a professor from Drew University, who is set to assist teachers during upcoming in-service training focused on information literacy. This initiative received unanimous approval from board members. This collaboration aims to strengthen the district’s educational framework by equipping teachers with advanced tools for information literacy.

Additionally, the board discussed a corrective action plan following a minor audit finding related to the Student Activity Fund. The issue involved some receipts not being deposited promptly. As a corrective measure, the board plans to reinforce the policy to all staff members, ensuring compliance and accountability in the handling of funds, which is vital for maintaining financial integrity.

The personnel committee presented seven items for approval, all passing unanimously. Meanwhile, the wellness committee shared outcomes from the January 29 Wellness Day, which focused on academic and career planning for students. The event featured a course fair and a professional panel, which were well-received by students, emphasizing the district’s dedication to comprehensive student development.

The meeting also included a detailed presentation on the Panorama platform, which assists in gathering and analyzing student data. This tool helps counselors and teachers identify trends and form small groups for targeted lessons, with an emphasis on cultural awareness, an area identified as needing improvement based on student survey scores. The board expressed admiration for the platform’s ability to integrate various data systems, committing to ensure the executive summary of results is distributed among board members for further strategic planning.

Arya Ral, filling in for the student representative, provided updates from Ridge High School. Noteworthy achievements included the boys’ basketball team’s impressive 17-4 record and the girls’ basketball team’s advancement in the Somerset County tournament. The wrestling team celebrated an 18-5 record and Gavin Duran’s milestone of 100 career wins. Additionally, the boys’ and girls’ fencing teams concluded their seasons with outstanding 12-1 records. Ral also highlighted the successful phone-free practice days initiative, which received mixed feedback from students and parents, pointing to the district’s focus on student well-being and screen time reduction.