A focal point of the meeting was the public comment session, where Dr. Maggie Georgees, a parent of three young children in the district, voiced concerns about the new reading pilot program, Amplify. She criticized the district’s communication, emphasizing the challenges parents face in understanding educational changes. “It should not be this difficult for parents to understand what is happening with their children’s education,” Dr. Georgees stated, pointing to a lack of clarity about the program’s purpose and outcomes. Additionally, she raised questions about the adequacy of the training provided to teachers, citing that only minimal time was allocated for training when implementing such a significant curriculum change. The board was questioned about the timeline for full implementation and the supports available for students who were identified as being below grade level.

Following Dr. Georgees, Michelle Bethy addressed the board, discussing the “Matthew effect” in literacy. Her concerns focused on the widening gap between proficient readers and those who struggle, advocating for equitable access to grade-level materials for all students. Bethy argued that students in resource room settings had been excluded from language arts pilots, which could exacerbate literacy gaps. “Every student deserves access to grade level learning,” she asserted, stressing the importance of providing adequate resources to all learners.

The meeting also touched on broader community engagement issues, particularly concerning a recent survey about funding and district needs. A board member expressed frustration that the survey was distributed to board members just two days before its closing, thereby limiting community input. This participant stressed the importance of timely communication, stating that community support could be enhanced if more opportunities were provided for public feedback. Concerns were raised about the district’s funding formula, with discussions about potential deficits and the need for strategic advocacy efforts involving community members.

The issue of communication extended to transportation concerns, with a member bringing up recent bus delays that led to confusion among families. The discussion centered on the need for a more effective communication protocol to inform parents about delays, noting the reliance on students’ cell phones, which conflicted with the district’s no-cell-phone policy. This highlighted a gap in the current system, prompting calls for a revised approach to ensure that families are promptly informed about transportation changes.

In addition to these issues, the meeting featured updates on various school initiatives and events. The superintendent’s report included commendations for student achievements in sports and events like the inaugural Math Olympics and the Families Learning Together night. The high school’s “Tricks and Treats” event was also praised for its success and positive impact on student role models. Upcoming activities, such as the East Brunswick Education Foundation’s annual 5K Walk Run and the high school’s production of “Radium Girls,” were announced.

Members emphasized the importance of engaging the community in discussions about educational programs, funding challenges, and transportation issues. Suggestions were made to organize special meetings dedicated to informational presentations, allowing for greater public participation and dialogue.