The meeting, held on November 16, 2023, was punctuated by the introduction of the new superintendent, Dr. Dionisio, who outlined his future plans and acknowledged the commendable work of the administrative staff. His predecessor, Superintendent Camille DeFranco, was also thanked. However, the meeting quickly dove into more concerns.

One issue on the table was the potential overcrowding in Fair Lawn schools. An issue raised by a community member who pointed to a demographic study predicting an influx of students that could strain the district’s resources. The board acknowledged the importance of this concern and expressed the need to proactively address it.

In a related matter, one of the board members, Joseph Baldofsky, expressed reservations about the staff Wellness Day program. While recognizing its good intentions, Baldofsky suggested that incentivizing teachers to remain in the classroom would ensure more consistent education for the students. He proposed an alternative approach, referencing NJ Well, a program that offers financial rewards to staff members who undergo physical examinations. His proposal sparked a debate among board members, with Dr. Bertolini emphasizing the importance of staff mental health and Lisa Yourman calling for the consideration of after-care staff in the program.

Amid challenging discussions, the board also took the time to honor a local hero, Dylan, a firefighter with ties to the Fair Lawn community who recently passed away. Board member Michael Rosenberg moved the audience with a heartfelt story about Dylan’s leadership qualities and achievements, garnering unanimous support for a resolution to honor him.

The board also addressed the issue of a rising tide of anti-Semitism in schools, a problem that has been growing not only in Fair Lawn but nationwide. The urgency of this issue was stressed, and a request for comprehensive information on the incidents and the measures taken to combat them was tabled.

On a more positive note, board member Julie Mahan welcomed the contributions of the PTA, Sunade Guards of California, and Lisa Cohen of LMC Architecture to the school district. She also expressed gratitude to the community for their support of the family of Lieutenant Ronaldo, a local serviceman who had made a brave sacrifice.

The board also took a strong stance on the importance of community service in schools. A member proposed embedding a community service program in the high school curriculum, emphasizing its positive impact on college resumes. This proposal was met with mixed reactions, with one member cautioning against forced volunteerism, arguing it should come from the heart.