The meeting was marked by a detailed presentation from Promejin Architects, highlighting changes to the athletic center proposal that aim to modernize facilities while reducing costs. The revised plan proposes a one-story building of approximately 7,080 square feet with a budget of $8.5 million, lower than the previous two-story proposal. The new design seeks to provide equal facilities for male and female athletes, addressing past criticisms regarding restroom facilities and privacy issues. The board emphasized the necessity of community approval through a referendum, explaining that the tax impact, should it pass, would be between $83 and $84 annually for the average assessed home. This referendum is set for the regular board election on November 4th, with a single question regarding support for the athletic center on the ballot.

Public comments centered on cost concerns and the building’s operational expenses. A resident, Liz Hart, questioned the $2.5 million estimated for HVAC and plumbing, expressing worries over rising utility costs. The board noted that high costs are typical for public school projects due to prevailing wage regulations. Another resident, Linda German, pointed out the fieldhouse’s outdated state and confirmed the new facility would be entirely new construction. She also raised the possibility of solar panels to mitigate costs, but it was noted that without state subsidies, the return on investment in New Jersey is generally poor. Kathy Moano expressed optimism about the revised proposal and inquired about contingency funds for unforeseen issues, which the board confirmed were included in the budget as required by the Department of Education.

The meeting also addressed the introduction of new sports programs, particularly girls flag football. A community member, Kathy Moano, representing her daughter’s interest, inquired about the status of this initiative. The administration acknowledged the community’s interest and revealed plans to establish a girls flag football club in the spring, with intentions to hire a coach and field a team. This approach would allow the program to begin without the immediate complexities of integrating it into the existing athletic framework. Moano also advocated for a marching band unit and vocational education programs, emphasizing the need for trade-related classes for students not pursuing college.

Linda German brought additional concerns to the board’s attention, including the challenges of summer packets and the impact of mobile phone usage in schools. She argued against summer packets, citing their impracticality for working parents and the ineffectiveness in mitigating summer learning loss. German also advocated for a policy prohibiting mobile phones during school hours, referencing positive outcomes in other districts and a similar law in New York State. She expressed her intent to garner community support for such a policy through a petition.