The meeting opened with recognition of educational excellence as the board honored high-achieving students from the previous school year. Among the standout students was Jake Agustini, who not only achieved the highest score on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) for English Language Arts (ELA) in the third grade but also secured the only perfect score of 850. Additionally, he earned the highest math score in his grade. Other students honored included Aiden Miaso for ELA in fourth grade, Cameron Carter for math in fourth grade, Carson Anderson for ELA in fifth grade, Madison Manning for math in fifth grade, Joseph Pulo for science in fifth grade, Ariela Galindo for ELA in sixth grade, and R. Soler for math in sixth grade. The board encouraged the community to support these students’ achievements and expressed a desire to continue recognizing excellence through monthly awards, such as “Bulldogs of the Month” and “Cardinals of the Month.”

The awards segment concluded with a commendation of the recent variety show and the logistical efforts involved in transitioning the gym into a cafeteria for the Church Hill Feast, thanking class moms for their efficiency. The board also acknowledged the successful holiday events, including fairs and a special screening of “The Polar Express” for first graders, which were well-received by the community.

A key agenda item at the meeting was the discussion of a grant proposal aimed at recreational improvements at Stevenson school. The grant, offered by the Department of Local Government Services and the Department of Community Affairs, is a competitive opportunity with a maximum award of $100,000. The board explored plans to enhance the playground area, focusing on mulch replacement, drainage, and possible asphalt work. The superintendent emphasized that the funds are strictly for recreational purposes and will not affect educational budgets, stating, “we’re not going to take $100,000 away from the curriculum.”

Discussion also covered the district’s financial status and capital reserves. A board member stressed the importance of maintaining funds designated for capital projects, explaining that these resources cannot be redirected for general expenses like instructional resources or salaries. This separation ensures school facilities remain well-maintained and prevents disrepair.

The board also heard updates from various committees. The completed paving project was highlighted, with future projects slated for discussion in January. The special education committee announced an upcoming presentation titled “Digitally Distracted Parenting in the Age of Technology,” scheduled for January 16, 2025, featuring nationally renowned psychotherapist Tom Ksing. The committee encouraged parent participation to better equip them with resources for managing technology’s impact on parenting.

Negotiations with teachers resulted in a successful agreement on the salary guide, with anticipation for ratification and retroactive compensation. Board members expressed eagerness to shift focus from financial discussions to educational initiatives in 2025.

During the public comment segment, a community member raised concerns about the drop-off and pickup process, especially in adverse weather. They suggested seeking additional funding to improve these logistics, acknowledging the current system’s effectiveness but recognizing potential challenges during winter. Another comment emphasized the importance of ongoing facility improvements, particularly upgrading fencing around fields to ensure student safety.