A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of an eighth-grade waiver for field hockey, which allows eighth graders to participate at the junior varsity (JV) level. The athletic director, supported by the principals of both the high school and middle school, submitted a memo endorsing the waiver. The expectation was that seven or eight students might be interested. Concerns about potential conflicts with other sports were addressed, with assurances that eighth graders would prioritize high school activities but could participate in middle school teams if no conflicts existed. The motion to approve the waiver passed with a vote of 4-1.

Financial updates were another focal point of the meeting. The assistant superintendent for business reported on ELPS bus transportation, noting 1,328 riders for the current year compared to 1,371 from the previous year. Fourteen regular education buses were operational, and the late bus service had begun the previous Monday. However, a glitch in the new software system meant that 250 bus letters did not reach families, leading to confusion. The issue was identified and addressed, and important information was made available through PowerSchool. Additionally, the school district is expecting the arrival of electric buses by the end of October.

Grants for the 2024-2025 school year were presented, including Title I funding of $279,600 and Title IV funding of $221,119, with a total grant amount of $1,658,565, consistent with the previous year. The motion to approve the grants passed with a vote of 4-1. The fourth quarter report revealed that 83% of the budget was allocated to salaries, totaling $28,621,194. Clarifications were provided regarding the differentiation between office supplies and educational supplies, emphasizing that the former pertains to administrative needs and the latter to classroom requirements. The committee also discussed the use of permanent building substitutes, funded through the ESSER program, which aimed to provide consistent support amid staffing challenges.

Another discussion revolved around the financial status and utilization of various grants and accounts. The committee noted a rollover amount of $4,660.00 currently being processed and emphasized the need to finalize the encumbrance of funds by September 30th. The athletic revolving account showed a deficit this year, a concern since it usually carries over $25,000 to $30,000. The athletic stadium had no revenue reported and an expenditure of $5,150, primarily for reimbursements to the Department of Public Works for supplies.

The school lunch program’s financial health was also reviewed, with a reported budget of $814,000. Recent projects included a walk-in freezer at Meadow Brook, costing nearly $100,000, and plans for a $35,000 steam table at Maple Shade. There was a discussion about the accuracy of operating expense estimates, with previous figures suggesting $220,000 but a higher need closer to $280,000 to ensure sufficient operating funds. The school choice account had a rollover balance of approximately $789,618, funding various summer programs totaling around $94,000 against a budget projection of $108,000. A safety project involving a PA intercom system at Mountain View school was completed at a cost of about $22,000, receiving positive feedback from the community.

Policy revisions, particularly concerning sexual harassment and misconduct, also took center stage. The committee discussed necessary updates to the sexual harassment policy, known as ACAB. The revisions aimed to clarify the policies and ensure effective communication methods to reach all students, especially those who may feel marginalized. The discussion included creating a standardized presentation format for teachers and incorporating a QR code in the code of conduct to direct students to online resources for reporting harassment.

The committee also reviewed a new policy, ACB, focusing on privacy, confidentiality, and student records. The policy highlighted that students aged 14 or older have the authority to consent to disclosures, while those under 14 require parental involvement. The members debated the inclusion of specific language from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regarding the use of students’ chosen names versus their legal names, ultimately deciding to maintain it to ensure clear guidance and support for families.