16:32The most pressing topic was the struggle faced by the Dramatics improv group, a student-led organization at Fort Lee High School that has been active since 2017. Despite its contributions to the school community, Dramatics has not been officially recognized as a school club, thus missing out on the automatic $2,000 funding typically allocated to recognized clubs. Jack Robertson, a junior representing the group, presented their case to the board, emphasizing the importance of the group for students seeking a creative, judgment-free space to experiment with their peers. “Dramatics provides a unique space for students who don’t necessarily want to perform on the big stage,” Robertson stated, highlighting the organization’s impact.

Despite its active presence and successful performances, the lack of official recognition has left Dramatics at risk of termination. This situation has sparked frustration among students and parents, particularly given the recent establishment of new clubs such as “No Place for Hate” and a social media club. A board member attempted to clarify the club formation process, noting that a teacher advisor must be involved and the union must approve any new club. The board committed to investigating why Dramatics had not been recognized officially and expressed a willingness to address any oversights in the approval process.

31:03The meeting also addressed concerns about the special education program within the district. A parent expressed frustration over inadequate instruction for their child in a special education class, citing the teacher’s extended absence and the rushed curriculum delivery as major issues. The parent questioned the fairness of testing students on material not adequately covered, emphasizing the negative impact on their child’s learning and report card grades. In response, a board member stressed the importance of direct communication with teachers and case managers to resolve individual concerns, while acknowledging the need for systemic improvements in special education resources.

47:20Another major discussion point was the challenges faced by paraprofessionals in the district, particularly concerning their professional development and pathways to certification. Paraprofessionals expressed a desire to pursue teaching careers but faced financial barriers in meeting certification requirements. The board discussed potential solutions, such as applying for grants similar to those used by other towns to alleviate certification costs and exploring options for reimbursing paraprofessionals who meet specific criteria.

The board also examined the district’s financial constraints, particularly in relation to the 2% cap on budget increases. The absence of a full-time grant writer was noted as a limiting factor in securing additional funding for the district’s needs. Members discussed the potential benefits of pursuing grant opportunities, citing past successes with security grants as an example.

0:00In other updates, Superintendent Robert Kravitz shared positive news from Fort Lee High School, including several notable college acceptances and the promotion of the high school marching band to open class for the 2025 season. The board also discussed curriculum initiatives, such as the potential implementation of block scheduling and unit lunch, and planned community information sessions to gather feedback and assess the impact of these changes.