The meeting began with a detailed presentation on the district’s performance in the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) and I-Ready assessments. The district reported strong proficiency gains, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science for the 2023-2024 school year. Notably, at Ritter School, all student groups met proficiency standards, with the district observing substantial improvements in reading and writing proficiency rates. Specifically, the seventh-grade cohort showed a marked increase in proficiency, rising from 35% to 60% over several years. Despite these gains, areas such as writing conventions and vocabulary in the sixth grade were identified as needing further attention, especially among economically disadvantaged and special education students.

The conversation also delved into the increasing participation of special education students in assessments, with a reported 504 students involved. Performance metrics for different grades highlighted both progress and areas needing improvement, such as a decrease in mathematical reasoning proficiency. The board discussed a plan to enhance student performance, which included building fluency and accuracy in lower grades and focusing on comprehension strategies for informational texts.

Turning to operational matters, the board addressed the issue of substitute teacher pay. Comparative data revealed that pay rates in the district, ranging from $110 to $125 per day, placed Franklin in the middle of the spectrum compared to other districts in Gloucester County and surrounding areas, where rates varied from $16 to $190 per day.

In addition to substitute pay, the board reviewed the district improvement plan, which is assessed by the county every two to three years. The district had fallen short in one area due to low test scores from two years prior. Efforts to rectify this include a new English Language Arts program, with a committee currently evaluating several options for implementation by March.

The board also discussed logistical and operational topics, such as transportation costs and the need for a new boiler at Main Road School. Concerns were raised about a $106,000 transportation contract, with discussions on potentially reducing costs through legislative changes that might allow smaller vehicles for student transport.

Finally, the meeting concluded with routine approvals of educational and operational items, alongside a strategic shift to streamline future meetings by moving executive sessions to precede regular meetings. The board confirmed the next meeting date for December 16 at 6 p.m., and members exchanged Thanksgiving wishes as the session adjourned.