The board engaged in a detailed debate over the implications of two new laws affecting the budget. One law provides aid back to districts that lost state aid for the years 2024-25, while the other permits school districts to increase their tax levy by amending the budget. The possibility of using additional funds for academic achievement, staff positions, and program improvements was a point of discussion. The board scrutinized the need for consensus on revising the budget and gauged public reaction to the current budget. There was also a discussion on whether to commit to a 0% tax levy increase in the following year, with members expressing differing opinions on the level of commitment the board should make. Additionally, the decrease in the high school tax rate and the additional aid received by the high school were examined for their impact on the overall tax levy.

Another major topic of discussion at the meeting was the district’s preschool program. The board evaluated the potential of expanding preschool services to include tuition-paying students from outside the district, weighing the market for preschool services and the potential impact on enrollment. Positive feedback on efforts made to support students during testing was acknowledged, and plans for a new preschool location in Milford were discussed. The board considered this expansion as a strategy to enhance academic support, which was consistent with their priorities for funding allocation.

The board also took action on several motions, including the approval of minutes, an HIV report, the 2022-2023 self-assessment district grade report, and the submission of the 2024-2025 New Jersey child assault prevention grant. A $700 donation from Country Chep for the FES arts program was accepted, and Machado Law Group was appointed as special education counsel effective May 15, 2024.

Further administrative matters included a debate and clarification on the implementation of a digital record storage service for personnel records, with a focus on the associated cost and necessity. The board’s contribution to the preschool expansion program was approved as part of the consent agenda items. Additionally, strategies for handling disruptive student behavior were discussed, with the consideration of involving counselors, teachers, and the possibility of a family engagement person to address such situations.

The community’s involvement was recognized with the board expressing gratitude for the support shown during a recent fundraiser and announcing plans for a community survey. The survey aimed to collect feedback from students, staff, and families and to compare the data with previous surveys. The board also acknowledged a regional efficiency grant awarded to Fallen Township for a regionalization study.