A major focus of the meeting was the discussion of graduation pathways for seniors. The board highlighted the various methods available for students to meet graduation requirements. The primary pathway involves passing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA). Alternative pathways include achieving certain scores on standardized tests like the PSAT or SAT, or through a portfolio appeal process. Last year, 27 students graduated from Cinnaminson High School through these pathways, with no students denied graduation due to failure to meet assessment requirements. The board emphasized the importance of these assessments and detailed the annual state-mandated graduation report, which summarizes success rates and is due by August 31.

Following the discussion on graduation, the board moved on to updates from Mr. Capello regarding district activities and preparations for the new school year. He shared that the district had recently held several orientation events, including a kindergarten orientation with over 200 new students, a transportation orientation for drivers, and a freshman picnic for incoming high school students. Staff efforts in organizing these events were acknowledged, and the new teachers had begun their training, which included icebreakers and a bus tour of the district to help them acclimate to the community.

Mr. Capello also provided details on summer projects, such as the revamping of the culinary room at the middle school, classroom upgrades, and the installation of two new HVAC units. Plans for adding two learning cottages at the W.B. Dony School and Elano Rush School were discussed, pending approval from the Department of Education. The completion of an outdoor fueling system at the high school was also noted.

In terms of staffing, Mr. Capello called for the community to consider joining the district as it seeks substitutes for various positions, including transportation aides and hallway supervisors. The board approved a lengthy list of personnel items, including appointments, reappointments, transfers, resignations, retirements, and other staffing changes. New staff introductions were made, with principals presenting their new team members, emphasizing the quality of the hires.

During the public comment section, concerns were raised about financial transparency and new policies. One individual questioned the breakdown of IDEA funding, specifically the “other purchased services” category. Concerns about a new contract with a mental health provider were also voiced, particularly regarding the “blanket information release” clause and how parents could opt out to protect their children’s information.

Another public comment addressed the proposed cell phone ban in the middle school. Eric Hyman, identifying himself as a young adult, argued against the ban, emphasizing the necessity of cell phones for communication between parents and children, especially for families with health concerns. He called for open dialogue about the policy.

Additionally, a representative from the Cinnaminson Special Education Parent Advisory Group (CPAG) provided updates on their activities and goals. The group advocated for students with disabilities, shared their accomplishments from the previous school year, and outlined their goals for the current year. They requested that a board member be designated as a liaison to the CPAG to facilitate better communication and support.

The meeting also included updates on student assessment results from the previous school year. Dr. Gburn and Mrs. Suzanne Fisher presented data on the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) and ACCESS test for multilingual learners. The NJGPA results showed improved passing rates, with analysis highlighting disparities among different demographics.

Committee reports covered various topics, including a new math club proposal, behavioral expectations for students, and adjustments to the school calendar. The finance and personnel committee discussed staffing for the upcoming school year and reviewed the bus driver salary guide. The policy and legislation committee recommended maintaining the current policy regarding homeschool students’ participation in district sports, citing fairness and accountability concerns.

In other business, the board approved several contracts and agreements for the upcoming school year, including those with Cooper Health System and Insight Health. They also approved a joint transportation agreement with Camden City School District and settlement agreements with the Cinnaminson Education Association and Altria.