The appointment of Angela as the new principal of Franklin Park School marked a notable moment in the meeting. Angela expressed her gratitude and commitment to the community she has been part of for over a decade. With a background as an ESL teacher and her current role as vice principal at Claremont Elementary School, Angela highlighted her dedication to continuing the legacy of the previous principal, Miss Stein, and her eagerness to work collaboratively with educators, families, and students. Meanwhile, Anthony Bridto, with 27 years of service in the district, took on the role of athletic director. Bridto underscored the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and character in nurturing student athletes not only in their sports endeavors but in their overall personal development.

In a recent presentation on student achievement, Dr. Daniel Lurn shared detailed data on student performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. The presentation highlighted growth in ELA proficiency across grades, except for a noted dip in one grade. For instance, grade three saw an increase in proficiency levels from 38.5% in 2024 to 40.5% in 2025. Mathematics also showed positive trends, with grade five exceeding state averages by an increase of approximately eleven percentage points. Dr. Lurn acknowledged challenges, particularly in grades seven and eight, where dips were attributed to students taking algebra or geometry assessments instead of standard grade-level assessments. Staffing issues from the previous year were noted as a factor impacting performance, but these were addressed in the current academic year.

The presentation also detailed student performance in science assessments, particularly for fifth, eighth, and eleventh grades. While fifth and eleventh grades showed growth, eighth-grade scores exhibited a decline. A bar chart compared district performance against state averages, revealing that the district performed above the mean in science assessments. The report included demographic breakdowns, highlighting proficiency levels among special education, multilingual, and economically disadvantaged students, where 17% were proficient and 36% near proficient. Title 2A funds are being utilized for professional development in fifth-grade science to enhance understanding of assessment questions and methodologies.

Advanced Placement (AP) results were discussed, with a noted improvement in disproportional representation among enrolled students. For example, although 12% of the student body at Franklin High School identifies as Asian or Pacific Islander, 27.6% of students in AP courses belong to this demographic. The district continues its efforts to ensure equitable access to advanced courses, with improved enrollment statistics in the AP program observed over the past year.

Social-emotional learning and school climate were also addressed. Data from the NJ Sky survey captured the perspectives of parents, teachers, and students regarding physical safety, staff relationships, and student belonging. This information informs programming and support initiatives within the district. The meeting further discussed the process of placing students in enrichment and gifted programs and announced a new initiative called the Warrior Next Tech Academy. This program will focus on interdisciplinary connections and 21st-century learning skills, engaging sixth graders in subjects such as coding and cybersecurity with plans to expand to higher grade levels.

Board members expressed general approval of the presentations, with one member recalling a previous initiative involving magnet schools. The board also reviewed reports on discipline data and bullying interventions, noting a decrease in office discipline referrals at the high school level and a reduction in middle school referrals. However, elementary schools saw a slight increase in physical aggression incidents. The district employs a Positive Behavioral Support framework, including mentoring programs, counseling services, and restorative practices, to address behavior and foster a supportive learning environment.

The meeting featured public comments, where attendees congratulated the new appointees and raised concerns about NJ SLA scores for science, with reports of students being tested on material not taught. The board addressed these concerns, pledging to resolve the reimbursement issue raised by a parent and to ensure curriculum alignment.