0:28The Taco Cats, the middle school robotics team, impressed attendees with their detailed presentation on their accomplishments and the educational value of their program. The team, part of the FIRST Lego League, detailed their year-long project focused on ocean exploration and the impact of plastics on sonar exploration. Students worked closely with industry professionals, including local water quality experts, to enhance their research and project outcomes. The team has achieved notable success, placing 11th out of 80 teams at the New Jersey championships, a result that placed them in the top 25% of teams statewide.

The student presenters, including a sixth grader named Ryan and an eighth-grade captain, shared their experiences and the technical skills they developed, such as coding and programming robots to perform autonomous tasks. The team emphasized the importance of teamwork and resilience, recounting how they overcame challenges like accidentally erasing their robot’s code during a competition. The Taco Cats’ commitment, with over 180 hours dedicated to their project, underscored the educational and collaborative benefits of the program, preparing students for future opportunities in technology and teamwork.

32:41Following the robotics presentation, the meeting shifted to a budget discussion, which was characterized by concerns over rising expenses and decreased enrollment. The board addressed the implications of Governor Murphy’s proposal for free full-day kindergarten, noting the absence of a specific implementation timeline but acknowledging its increasing feasibility. The budget presentation outlined anticipated revenues and expenditures, with a proposed tax levy increase of 4.76% for the 2025-2026 school year. This increase translates to an estimated annual cost of $433 per average home in the borough and $461 in the township.

49:44The board discussed the financial challenges posed by rising health insurance premiums and transportation costs, emphasizing the need for strategic financial planning to accommodate these increases. The potential for federal funding reductions, particularly under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, added to the fiscal pressures facing the district.

1:07:23Public commentary during the meeting included discussions on the Independent Study Learning (ISL) program’s discontinuation, which had previously supported students balancing academic and athletic commitments. Freshman Emily Smith and community member Meredith Tuminaro advocated for the program’s reinstatement, highlighting its benefits for students like Tuminaro’s son, who balanced rowing with academic excellence. The board was urged to consider restructuring the program to maintain educational integrity while supporting student-athletes.

49:44The meeting also addressed potential infrastructure improvements, with plans for roof replacements, boiler upgrades, and HVAC work at various schools. The district plans to leverage the state’s School Development Authority program, which offers 40% reimbursement for qualifying projects, to support these maintenance efforts.

1:22:52As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the contributions of retiring staff members and the appointment of Dr. Audra Berger as supervisor of literacy and technology education. Public commentary extended to the potential for preschool expansion, with board members discussing ongoing state support for universal preschool and the possibility of future program development.