The meeting began with a presentation by Carol Roscoff, the Supervisor of Special Projects, who outlined a comprehensive community engagement plan. Roscoff, a long-standing member of the Cherry Hill community, emphasized the importance of addressing the perceived communication gaps between the district and its stakeholders. She highlighted several paradoxes affecting community relations, such as the accessibility and overwhelming nature of information dissemination, as well as the disconnect felt by some residents despite their intrinsic ties to the schools.

Roscoff’s recommendations, based on a recent communications audit, included expanding the district’s communication infrastructure, enhancing the website, and utilizing social media more effectively. She stressed building robust relationships with various stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and local businesses. A particular focus was placed on increasing experiential learning opportunities for students and fostering partnerships with local organizations and colleges to allow students to earn college credits before graduation.

In tandem with community engagement efforts, the board discussed the expansion of AP courses, particularly for 9th and 10th graders. The proposed framework aims to prepare students for future AP coursework without altering the current curriculum content. Training for staff in AP African American Studies and AP Seminar for 10th-grade English was highlighted, alongside the introduction of AP Precalculus. These initiatives are designed to increase access for underrepresented students, facilitating a broader range of AP course offerings, particularly at High School West.

The board expressed excitement about the potential for increased student participation in AP programs, recognizing the need for professional development to support these changes. Discussions also touched on assistive technology services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the implementation of a new cell phone policy to accommodate individual needs.

Furthering the focus on academic enrichment, Dr. Morton shared updates on the district’s strategic goals, which include increasing math scores among economically disadvantaged students at Barton Elementary. The district is employing a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Oriented) approach to goal-setting, with ongoing training for staff on multi-tier systems of support (MTSS) to ensure timely interventions for students not meeting academic benchmarks.

In addition to academic initiatives, the board provided updates on ongoing bond construction projects. Progress was reported across several schools, with renovations and accessibility improvements underway. The board discussed the implications of potential supply chain issues on construction timelines, emphasizing transparency and proactive communication regarding these challenges.

Public comments during the meeting reflected community concerns about staffing and communication. Parents expressed frustration over the frequency and quality of feedback concerning their children’s education, particularly regarding the reliance on daily substitutes. Superintendent Dr. Morton acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the district’s efforts to address staffing challenges and improve communication with families.