In a notable item of discussion, several athletic teams were recognized for their outstanding performances. The East Boys Swimming team was celebrated for their remarkable season, having been crowned the South Jersey Swim League Pacific Division champions and finishing ranked sixth in New Jersey. Head coach Joe Cucinotti expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the significance of community support for the sport. Meanwhile, the East Boys Basketball team was acknowledged for clinching the Olympic Conference American Division championship. Coach Dave Allen, named Camden County Coach of the Year, reflected on the team’s impressive turnaround from the previous year and the historic nature of their achievements. The West Girls Basketball team also received accolades for winning multiple championships, including the New Jersey Group 3 State Championship. Coach Dan Butler praised the senior players’ dedication and the supportive community that contributed to their success.

The meeting also addressed the SAC program’s growth, which provides before and after school care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Enrollment has seen a significant increase of 22% since 2022, now serving 876 students. The program offers various activities, such as arts and crafts, outdoor play, and STEAM projects, and includes summer camp and holiday programs catering to over a thousand students. However, the program faces challenges with managing waitlists and staffing due to its growing popularity and the diverse scheduling needs of families. Approximately 40 students are currently on the waitlist, and the board discussed strategies for effective recruitment and retention of staff, including potential outreach to local colleges and high schools.

Board members expressed their appreciation for the SAC staff’s commitment, noting that 25% of the current staff have been with the program for over a decade. The program’s flexibility was both praised and identified as a challenge, as families often request varying schedules that complicate staffing and capacity management. The board discussed future capacity planning, with a focus on integrating the SAC program into new Additional Program Rooms (APRs) being built, although specific plans are still under consideration.

In addition to the athletic recognitions and SAC program discussions, the board addressed the implementation of restorative practices in schools. This approach focuses on conflict resolution and student discipline through restorative conversations rather than punitive measures. The board members acknowledged the importance of these practices in ensuring student safety and well-being, with one member equating the approach to parenting techniques that emphasize discussions over punishment. The ongoing engagement of external stakeholders in these initiatives was noted positively, with the board showing unified support for the adoption of restorative practices.

Construction projects across the district were another point of discussion. Updates were provided on progress at various schools, including SHARP, which is behind schedule, and other sites where ongoing work includes roofing, wall installations, and playground preparations. The completion timeline for Rod Grant projects was set for December 20, with significant work anticipated over the spring break period. The board emphasized the urgency of completing construction before the next school year and discussed the importance of installing security vestibules across schools as a priority, despite the complexities of coordinating these measures with other construction efforts.

The meeting also covered funding issues and community engagement, with board members urging the community to submit testimony to the legislature regarding state funding changes. They highlighted the importance of fair funding for Cherry Hill and encouraged participation in upcoming committee meetings. The public comments section saw a variety of opinions, including concerns about the district’s financial model for preschool funding and the implementation of school safety measures.