The approved virtual or remote instruction plan carefully outlines measures to pivot to virtual learning in response to public health emergencies or outbreaks of contagious diseases. The plan ensures that teachers will provide daily instruction, maintains full-day schedules, and prioritizes the needs of special education students and English Language Learners (ELL). It includes provisions for transportation, extracurricular programs, childcare, and community programming, detailing methods to meet state and federal mandates.

The virtual instruction initiative is further enhanced with a commitment to maximizing student learning through synchronous delivery methods, such as Google Classroom and Schoology, while providing devices like Chromebooks and Verizon mobile WiFi hotspots to students in need. The plan demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure continuity of service and learning for all students, along with measures for maintaining facilities and supporting students’ and staff’s social and emotional well-being.

Also capturing attention was Superintendent Vincent McHale’s discussion of a Board of Education bond referendum vote. If approved, the funds would facilitate significant upgrades to the district, such as replacing boilers, roofs, and windows, and adding HVAC in the Tenakill Middle School gymnasium. Details of the referendum were made available on the district webpage, signifying its importance to the upcoming school year’s preparation.

In addition to these decisions, the meeting saw the approval of West Bergen Mental Health Care, Inc. as the district’s mental health support services provider, accepting a bid from Valley Transportation, LLC for student athletic transportation, and approving various appointments and resignations.