14:42The board grappled with the district’s financial health amidst economic pressures, with a focus on navigating increased costs for goods and services. Despite having over $10 million in capital reserves and $35 million in maintenance reserves, concerns were raised about potential budget cuts stemming from a projected 3% reduction in state aid.

0:00The auditor’s financial update for the 2023-2024 school year reported a clean audit outcome, with six compliance-related findings. The board debated the implications of managing excess funds and the strategic allocation of resources, particularly in the food service program. The auditor noted that federal funding during the pandemic contributed to an abundance of cash reserves, which now necessitates careful management to align with state regulations.

30:30Amid financial discussions, there was focus on curriculum issues, particularly concerning materials provided by a company named Atlas. A resident expressed skepticism about Atlas’s ownership, questioning influences from foreign entities on the curriculum. The board clarified that Atlas serves as a platform for storing curriculum content, not as the creator, addressing concerns about the lack of American history and civics content in the materials.

The board also acknowledged the approval of Juneteenth as a recognized holiday on the school calendar, with community members expressing appreciation for this inclusive gesture. The importance of listening to community advocacy for inclusivity in school celebrations was underscored.

Hiring for special needs classrooms was also discussed, with no current vacancies reported. The process for filling positions is initiated upon retirements, resignations, or medical leaves. Despite proactive hiring measures, a shortage of teachers for temporary leave replacements persists, as many educators prefer long-term positions in other districts.

A point of interest was the upcoming Zoom meeting featuring Rachel Hy, a teacher for the Fortress program serving students aged 18 to 21. The board emphasized the need for awareness among parents about this program, with plans to clarify details and share a video from a recent parent event.

14:42During public comments, a parent representing the Community Parent Advisory Group (CPAG) expressed gratitude for a presentation by the Fort Lee fire prevention team, highlighting its importance for families with special needs members. Concerns were also raised about teacher vacancies in special needs classrooms and the potential use of paraprofessionals to fill these gaps. The board committed to addressing these issues and providing updates in the coming weeks.

30:30The meeting concluded with the approval of several resolutions concerning curriculum and calendar changes, alongside recognition of four students who successfully auditioned for the North Jersey Regional Orchestra. The board also expressed support for paraprofessionals seeking additional training to better assist special education students, acknowledging the need to enhance support beyond current provisions.