The discussion of the 2022-2023 school performance reports released by the New Jersey Department of Education took center stage during the Elizabeth School Board meeting. The reports provided a comprehensive view of the district’s academic and demographic data, revealing that the district’s performance in English language arts and Mathematics exceeded state averages. This was the first inclusion of student growth data since the 2018-2019 school year, owing to the cancellation of state assessments during the pandemic.

The reports also detailed an increase in district enrollment, highlighting a rise in the population of English Learners. Additional positive notes included an increase in graduation rates and a higher percentage of seniors earning a seal of biliteracy. The district has seen lower rates of chronic absenteeism compared to the state and fewer incidents of violence, vandalism, and HIV. Impressively, several schools have exited targeted support and improvement status thanks to improved performance.

The board’s meeting continued with the consideration of the authorization report. The superintendent discussed the submission of the New Jersey Department of Education’s Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System (EVVRS) for the 2023-2024 school year, a key component in maintaining a safe and orderly school environment. The district’s emergency action plan for the upcoming school year was also approved without questions or comments from the board members.

Contracts and partnerships formed another significant portion of the meeting’s agenda. Professional development contracts for non-public schools and K-12 administrators were presented, funded through various educational allocations and initiatives. The board explored questions related to the ESL program, adult education recruitment, and outreach to parents.

The Director of Food and Nutrition Services proposed a contract with a food service provider, while the Director of Student Services introduced contracts with the Monique Burr Foundation and the Stepping Stones Group. These partnerships are aimed at enhancing student safety education and providing additional social worker support in schools, respectively. The Goya Cares initiative was mentioned as a benefactor for these programs, emphasizing community involvement in educational development.

Operational issues were also on the agenda, with discussions on rejected bids for paper supplies and grocery items due to bid modification and significant miscalculations. The board members inquired about the process of re-bidding and the criteria for selecting contracted vendors. A recommendation was made to contract with Mclusky Mechanical Contractors for servicing and maintenance of refrigerators and freezers.

Several contracts were recommended for recision, including one for sign language interpretation services following the disenrollment of a student by their parent.

In addition to the academic and operational discussions, the meeting was punctuated by moments of recognition and celebration. A moment of silence honored a retired personal assistant and the mother of a school director. Upcoming school events and milestones were announced, such as parent workshops, high school graduations, and heritage month recognitions. The board also discussed the successful implementation of a self-funded health insurance program, which has avoided significant premium increases for the district.