During the meeting, Joseph Jarislaw emphasized the importance of focusing on the educational needs of all students, not just the top performers, sharing the philosophy of his late father, a former superintendent. This perspective resonates with the community’s desire for a superintendent who will raise the district’s overall standard of success.

Another concern was the handling of bullying and harassment incidents. Maha, a Cherry Hill parent, discussed the need for a superintendent who would address the district’s culture and climate. David Kuzmanich shared a distressing account of his son being bullied, criticizing the district’s response and the lack of transparency in the investigation process.

Zana, speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, expressed disappointment regarding the delay in promised staff training to combat Islamophobia and criticized the lack of communication from the board. Her sentiments were echoed by her husband, Omar Rashid, who also urged the new superintendent to prioritize addressing systemic issues with the district’s handling of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) cases.

Penina Mans argued for a singular focus on academic achievement for the selection of the new superintendent, urging the cessation of programs like the Anti-Defamation League’s anti-bias education, which she claims creates division among students.