One focus of the meeting was the presentation by Miss Keller on the NJGPA results for the district. The assessments, which test 11th graders’ readiness for graduation, revealed that 94% of Fair Lawn students in language arts were deemed “graduation ready,” outpacing the state average of 81%. In mathematics, Fair Lawn students also surpassed the state average with 79% meeting the graduation criteria, a 21 percentage point lead. Miss Keller provided a historical comparison, noting an improvement in language arts proficiency from 87% to 92% over three years, while mathematics saw a slight increase. The presentation highlighted the performance of various student subgroups, particularly multilingual learners whose language arts proficiency rose from 33% to 57%.

In the ensuing discussion, board members and presenters focused on the performance of different educational categories, including multilingual and special education students. Data showed that about 70% of students fell into the “developing” and “expanding” categories, with significant numbers achieving proficiency. The presenters credited collaborative efforts among teachers, administrators, and the multilingual learner department for these results. A noteworthy aspect was the performance of economically disadvantaged students and those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), with growth observed among these groups.

The conversation also touched upon concerns regarding the academic performance of Hispanic and Black students, particularly in math compared to reading. One speaker pointed out a decline in proficiency percentages for Hispanic students in English Language Arts (ELA) and raised concerns about the overall proficiency of Black students, which stood at 33% in the ACCESS test.

A significant policy discussion emerged around item 12B, specifically policy 2460.1, concerning parent-initiated referrals for special education services. Dr. Bertolini raised concerns about the lack of a designated individual responsible for receiving written requests for evaluations, arguing for a specific point person to ensure accountability. Despite arguments in favor of the current open policy, which allows any district recipient to receive requests, the discussion highlighted differing opinions on whether designating a specific recipient would enhance or hinder the process for parents.

In leadership news, the board acknowledged the resignation of the school business administrator and board secretary, Ms. Manuso, who will be taking on a new role in another district. Mr. Jorge Cruz was recommended to fill the vacancy, bringing over 17 years of experience in school finance and operations. The board expressed confidence in his leadership, looking forward to his contributions to Fair Lawn.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of committee meetings, which had been canceled over the summer. Board members expressed frustration over the lack of in-person discussions, emphasizing the need for proper communication and adherence to bylaws. The board chair acknowledged the challenges in scheduling meetings but assured that future meetings were planned to address pending topics. The session ended with a motion to enter into a closed session.