A significant portion of the meeting focused on concerns over the absence of a paraprofessional in an inclusion classroom at School Number One. Sylvia Hannah, a resident, highlighted the challenges faced by both teachers and students in a kindergarten inclusion class where neurodiverse and neurotypical students learn together. She noted that the lack of support staff placed considerable strain on the special education teacher, impacting the effectiveness of the learning environment. Hannah called for the board to provide a paraprofessional to alleviate this burden and enhance the support for all students.

In response, a board member explained that the allocation of paraprofessionals is typically based on individual education programs (IEPs) or class sizes exceeding certain thresholds. They acknowledged that the issue would require further discussion.

Transportation services also emerged as a topic during the meeting. A community member raised issues about bus availability, particularly for students living at eligible distances from the school. With two buses out of service, concerns were voiced about the adequacy of the fleet and the potential impact of colder weather on young students walking to school. The board acknowledged these concerns and mentioned that they were leasing additional buses from nearby Leonia to meet the demand. However, the speaker emphasized the need for a more comprehensive solution, requesting a presentation on transportation services to provide clarity on the number of buses and routes available.

In addition to these discussions, the board reviewed the implementation of new medical services for grades 5 through 8, provided by Insight Medical Health Services. The initiative aims to offer counseling and family therapy, with a clinician on-site five days a week at the middle school. This service is intended to support students requiring additional mental health resources.

During the public comment section, various residents expressed concerns over transparency and communication within the district. One resident questioned the absence of a treasury report amidst rising expenses and inquired about compliance with a Supreme Court ruling on religious accommodations in the curriculum. The board responded by stating that curriculum materials are accessible online through the Atlas platform and that a model policy was being developed in line with newly enacted legislation.

Another resident, identified as Justin Rivera, addressed the board regarding the recent election results, denouncing the use of bullying and fear tactics during the campaign. Rivera called for the newly elected board members to prioritize transparency and integrity, urging them to serve all families and educators fairly.

Concerns about the visibility of curriculum materials were reiterated by Steph Cotzo, who noted that parents often lacked prior knowledge of classroom discussions. Cotzo also mentioned that inappropriate materials had been accessed by some students, causing distress among families. The board confirmed that curriculum details are available online and encouraged parents to reach out to teachers with any concerns.

The meeting also recognized Fort Lee High School’s achievements, such as the boys’ varsity soccer team advancing in the state tournament and the football team completing an undefeated season. Senior Luke Senator was celebrated as North Jersey Athlete of the Week for his leadership on the football team. Additionally, the superintendent announced upcoming performances of “Our Town” by the Fort Lee High School Theater and a Veterans Day ceremony to honor local veterans.