During the public comments section, students Mia Debiasi and Victoria Seli, along with other supporters, expressed their disappointment over the decision not to support the gymnastics team for the upcoming fall season. They highlighted their efforts to establish the team, mentioning their willingness to fundraise and meet participation requirements. The students noted that comparable schools like Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Westfield have smaller teams. They also proposed merging with nearby schools to keep the team viable.

Superintendent Edward Grande responded by explaining that the decision was based on a survey conducted by the district’s athletic director, which showed insufficient numbers to sustain a team. He mentioned that the district missed the deadline for forming a cooperative team with other schools but is exploring individual competition options for interested students. Grande assured the students and parents that efforts to form a cooperative team for the following school year are ongoing, with updates expected in early fall.

In another public comment, a senior student, Ava Ladic, shared her experience of competing as an individual and emphasized the lack of team spirit and support she felt. She and other students urged the board to consider providing Johnson-branded leotards and a dedicated coach, even if they compete as individuals with Scotch Plains.

On the administrative side, the board approved several new hires and thanked the Personnel Committee for their efforts. The Superintendent also highlighted the district’s strong performance in state assessments, with high proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics compared to state averages.

The board also dealt with routine approvals of personnel, curriculum, policy, and governance items. Notably, a financial proposal was withdrawn for further review.