Jason Muriel, the director of 21st Century Learning and data analysis, delivered a report on the district’s performance in the Access and NJ GPA assessments. The Access test, which assesses English language proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking, was administered to 332 students, with 50 achieving a score of 4.5 or higher, thereby exiting the ESL program.

The NJ GPA assessments, which are graduation requirements focusing on English language arts and mathematics for 11th graders, showed that 90% of the district’s students were deemed “graduation ready” in English language arts. Despite this figure, there has been a worrisome decrease from 93% to 90% over three years in the district, while statewide, there has been an increase from 80% to 82%. However, this still marks a decline from the previous year’s 80% in the district. The results by gender showed females slightly outperforming males in English language arts, while males had a slight edge in math. Disparities in performance were also evident across different ethnic and racial subgroups.

The board engaged in discussions about the implications of these results on future district actions, including the provision of services for students requiring additional support, the availability of retakes for the NJ GPA, and the offering of preparatory classes for assessments. Attendees raised questions about the success rate of students in meeting graduation standards, exemptions for specific students, testing accommodations in different languages, and expectations for language acquisition across grade levels.

Amidst these academic concerns, the board addressed the larger context of education within the district. The impact of COVID-19 was a topic of concern, particularly regarding its effect on English language arts and math education from the middle school level to Algebra 1. The board also expressed worries over the dwindling interest in the German language program, challenged by staffing issues and the popularity of other language courses.

The Academic Committee reported on special education updates and new textbook recommendations for AP courses, along with the decline in German language program enrollment. In the area of business, the Finance, Facilities, and Transportation Committee discussed the agenda, project updates, and convenience fees linked to the My School Bucks program. Additionally, the District’s baseball team was acknowledged at a Town council meeting.

Moving beyond academics, the board acknowledged the importance of mental health by discussing the rollout of various support programs, including peer support and suicide prevention resources. A second grade teacher, newly appointed as the second vice president of the BREA, introduced herself during the public comments section. Another community member shared insights from a mental health awareness event and recommended the integration of particular groups to bolster student support.

The board also deliberated on operational matters such as the approval of E-ticketing and expressed gratitude for the donations received, including a water filling station and playground equipment. Additionally, a debate over the scheduling of an upcoming retreat was held before the meeting concluded.