The reconfiguration plan for CMS was the focal point, with an emphasis on the transition of fifth graders into the school. The board presented a comprehensive approach, including staff team building, student orientation programs, and parent orientation nights. A new course, “Middle School 101,” was proposed to help students with study skills and organization, which would be a part of the effort to create a unified CMS culture.

Further discussions covered the maintenance of team structures for grades six through eight and the development of two-person teams for fifth graders. The board also proposed leveraging the leadership of seventh and eighth graders to aid incoming students and highlighted the need for dedicated spaces within the school for students to decompress.

The meeting touched on the implementation of a rotating block drop schedule aimed at making the school environment feel smaller and fostering cross-curricular connections. Transitioning to trimesters from the current quarter system was discussed, with the intention of enabling more meaningful assessments and providing a breather for students. The proposed first-floor layout detailed the location of fifth and sixth-grade classrooms and the provision of World Language sections for all grades.

The logistics of the building’s reconfiguration included adding a new staircase and updating science labs to accommodate the additional grade. Parking reconfiguration plans aimed to add about 20 spaces were also discussed. The logistics team anticipated the integration of recess and team activities for the fifth grade, and working groups for teachers were planned to address curricular adjustments and the logistics for the move.

A noteworthy proposal was the introduction of an advisory period at CMS. The advisory period aims to establish relationships between teachers, counselors, administrators, and students, providing a trusted adult in the school setting. The board engaged in discussions about the logistics and protocols for this period, emphasizing the importance of teacher comfort and student connection.

The meeting also addressed the proposed 2026 school calendar, debating the addition of an extra day and a day off on March 20th to accommodate religious observances. The board discussed the impact of these changes on graduation dates and the importance of parent input on the calendar options.

The appointment of a company as the low bidder for the security vestibule project was discussed, with plans to start ordering materials and begin the project after graduation. Updates on school activities, including ongoing AP exams, spring concerts, the senior internship program, and upcoming events like the district art show, were shared.

The Finance Committee reported on bids for the security vestibules project, and the Policy and Planning Committee discussed kindergarten appeals and tuition student requests. Liaison Reports from the Borough Township and the Recreation Department covered field usage and maintenance.

Public commentary featured announcements about community events, and the board approved motions for various agenda items. Discussions also included logistics of future meetings, committee updates, and public commentary. There was no executive session, and the meeting was adjourned with expressions of gratitude for community support.