A significant highlight of the meeting was the analysis of student performance metrics using the I Ready platform. The board reviewed data reflecting substantial improvements in reading and math achievements across various grade levels. Kindergarten students achieved a 91% success rate in foundational reading, while first-grade students reached 82%. The second-grade students excelled with a 94% achievement rate using the developmental spelling assessment. For grades three through five, the focus was on math, where a new program, Envisions, was implemented. The third-grade students met their performance goal with a 95% success rate, fourth graders reached 90%, and fifth graders excelled with a 97% achievement rate.

In the middle school performance metrics, the board highlighted the achievements in English Language Arts (ELA) and math goals. Middle school language arts students achieved an 87% success rate in argumentative writing as measured by the NJSLA rubric. Progress was also noted in science and social studies, with the development and analysis of district common assessments aligning with standards. The board emphasized data-driven decision-making and the importance of instructional resources in enhancing student learning outcomes.

The meeting also covered the I Ready platform’s role in improving student performance, with a notable increase in the percentage of students meeting grade-level proficiency, rising from 44% at the beginning of the year to 71% by spring. There was also a reduction in the number of students performing two or more grade levels below, dropping from 19% to 10%. The board discussed the use of the I Ready personalized pathway system, which provides tailored lessons for students after each diagnostic assessment.

The board then shifted focus to the management of ongoing construction projects, with an estimated cost of approximately one million dollars. The selection of a construction management team was highlighted as a decision. The committee emphasized the importance of meeting the individuals who would manage the construction sites directly and noted the proximity of one company’s office to the borough as beneficial for addressing construction emergencies quickly. The board expressed satisfaction with the professionalism exhibited by all interviewed teams, recognizing the high qualifications of the candidates.

Environmental concerns were another topic of discussion, particularly in light of recent mold issues. The custodial staff was monitoring construction areas, and a formal training request from the district’s environmental insurance provider was mentioned. The board acknowledged the need for vigilance and expressed confidence in the preparations being made to address these concerns.

Personnel changes were discussed as well, with the board reviewing resignations, new hires, and contract renewals for the upcoming school year. The curriculum segment included updates to the school calendar, removing snow days to establish a definitive end date for the school year. This change aimed to enhance instructional time, a priority expressed by the board.

In financial matters, the board approved bills totaling over $4.7 million and discussed various contracts and services for the 2025-2026 school year, including nursing services and out-of-district contracts. The selection of Epic for construction management was described as a well-considered decision.