A central topic of the meeting was the implementation of the new dyslexia screening mandate. The curriculum committee, led by Susan Ross, detailed the requirement for all districts to adopt a universal dyslexia screener by the start of the next academic year. They presented two options: the existing MAP Reading Fluency tool and a new program called Imagine Learning’s Early Bird. Both tools will be administered three times a year, with staff training sessions scheduled for August and October to ensure effective rollout.

The board also discussed the retirement of Mike DeOyo, the long-standing library media specialist at K-2 schools, and the decision not to replace him due to budget constraints and the upcoming exit of third graders from elementary schools. Instead, a rotating schedule will allow the current media specialist to provide library instruction bi-weekly, with classroom teachers assisting with book selection on alternate weeks. This approach aims to use resources while supporting the addition of library staff at the middle school and introducing full-day tuition-free kindergarten, a long-held goal of the board.

The finance and facilities committee reported on the reconfiguration of Chatham Middle School, which includes a new playground with a budget of $200,000. This project is partially funded by an $82,000 New Jersey playground grant and contributions from the Chatham Middle School PTO. Additionally, two new Gaga pits were installed as part of an Eagle Scout project. The committee reviewed ongoing projects, including the construction of an annex for grade 5, summer roof repairs, and electrical upgrades. A sinkhole behind Lafayette School was also noted as repaired.

During the public commentary section, community member Bill Heap advocated for a cell phone ban in classrooms, referencing a Wall Street Journal article that emphasized the benefits of such bans in improving mental health and academic performance. Heap highlighted positive outcomes from schools with similar policies, such as improved concentration and reduced violence, urging the board to explore this measure.

Following Heap, Emily Smith, a student, spoke about the ISL program, advocating for its preservation and recognition of dance as a sport. She expressed her commitment to ballet and academics, emphasizing the need for gym credits through dance, and offered to assist with legal contracts to ensure safety standards. Smith referenced New Jersey law regarding individualized learning experiences and urged the board to reconsider their stance on the program.

Sophia Smith, another senior, shared her positive experiences with ISL, crediting it for helping her balance academic responsibilities with rigorous dance training. She remarked on the program’s dual benefits, noting its impact on local businesses through her marketing project. Sophia strongly urged the board to maintain ISL, warning that its removal would be a significant loss for future students.

The administration acknowledged the students’ experiences with ISL but expressed concerns about the program’s alignment with state standards. They assured students of their willingness to consider changes and emphasized the importance of safety and compliance with state regulations. The challenges of monitoring private programs were also noted.

The board further discussed cell phone management within the school, questioning the feasibility of a bell-to-bell phone ban. While acknowledging the potential benefits, concerns were raised about the resources required for enforcement, including staff to oversee the process. The issue of students using dummy phones was also mentioned, highlighting the practical difficulties of implementing such a ban.

Other meeting highlights included the approval of community donations, such as a $25,000 contribution from the Chatham Middle School PTO for a new playground, a $6,000 donation from the Chatham High School PTO for lobby renovations, and a $10,000 donation from the Chatham Baseball Club for maintenance. The Chatham Education Foundation also made a donation in honor of a board member. A board member emphasized the importance of community involvement and encouraged exploring corporate donation programs to benefit the district.

During board business, a member inquired about the cost of updating demographic reports compared to creating new ones, expressing concern over potential future expenses. The last demographic report update occurred in December 2022 and is valid for five years.