The Board devoted attention to the departure of Ann Pressimone and Prof. Jeremy Teigen, who had served the community for 13 and over 10 years respectively. Pressimone was praised for her strategic leadership in financial negotiations and her consistent prioritization of student and community well-being. Teigen was commended for his academic contributions and steadfast support of the administration. Both members were presented with tokens of appreciation for their dedication and service.

The meeting also celebrated the accomplishments of coaches Christopher Shama and Michael Farrell. Shama, who coaches the girls’ tennis team, received the NJIC Patriot Division Coach of the Year award, while Farrell was honored with the NJIC Meadowlands Division Coach of the Year award for his work with the boys’ cross country team. The Board lauded both for their positive impact on their respective teams.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the professional development initiatives funded by the American Rescue Plan COVID funding. A group of teachers had completed a 12-credit certification program in Orton Gillingham reading instruction, designed to enhance reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills for struggling students, including those with dyslexia. Another group of teachers had received their English as a Second Language (ESL) certification through a program funded by the same grant. The Board underscored the importance of these initiatives in improving the learning experience for students and supporting teachers in refining their instructional practices.

In their remarks, Pressimone and Teigen voiced gratitude for the support they had received from the community, administrative staff, teachers, students, and parents. They also acknowledged the advancements made in the district, including improvements to the turf field and referenda. Both expressed confidence in the district’s continued success under the leadership of Superintendent Phillip H. Nisonoff.

The meeting progressed to discuss the maintenance and upgrade endeavors in the district’s facilities. The Board mentioned the completion of a Quality Assurance Checklist (QAC) walk-through for the facilities at Memorial and the high school, HVAC repairs, the need for boiler replacements in all three buildings, and the progress of the High School electrical service upgrade.

The curriculum and instruction committee reported on new math standards, social studies curriculum changes, new report cards for pre-students, and pilot programs for measuring and reporting proficiency. They also celebrated the professional development of teachers and the presentation of certificates to the OG cohort.

The meeting concluded with an open forum for public input and comments on agenda items, followed by the adoption of the consent agenda and committee reports. A debate regarding the policy of opening and closing the meeting to the public for input on agenda items only was also held. The Board members expressed gratitude, celebrated achievements, and shared insights on the district’s progress.