A highlight of the meeting was the celebration of the Glen Ridge High School marching band’s accomplishments. The band recently concluded a successful season, securing fourth place in the New Jersey state championships and seventh in the national championships held in Allentown, Pennsylvania, out of 33 participating programs. Drum majors Emma R and Manny Guardiola led the band in a performance titled “Quincy Jones, the man behind the music,” capturing the audience’s attention with their tribute to the legendary music producer. The marching band’s performance marked their highest national score since 2021.

The championship game is scheduled for Saturday night at Franklin High School, where they will face the winner of an ongoing match. Despite the girls’ soccer team being eliminated in sectionals by Verona, they were commended for their strong season performance.

Superintendent Miss Keit expressed her enthusiasm for the student performances, emphasizing the joy and community spirit they bring. Furthermore, she acknowledged the receipt of the Blue Ribbon Award by Ridgwood Avenue School, a prestigious recognition presented in Trenton that reflects the collective efforts of staff and students.

The meeting addressed the ongoing search for a new superintendent, with applications closing on November 10th and 52 submissions received. The board’s personnel and policy committee is in the process of scheduling first-round interviews, with potential adjustments to the timeline for subsequent rounds. This search is critical as the district seeks a leader to guide the implementation of newly set board and district goals, which were slated for approval during the meeting.

In the president’s report, condolences were extended to Louise Cox, a member of the board finance office, following her mother’s unexpected passing. The president also touched upon the transition in Trenton due to the new governor-elect and the ongoing lame duck session, noting that several education bills under consideration could impact the district.

The board expressed gratitude towards the Glen Ridge community for its proactive support during a time when SNAP benefits were unavailable to families in need. Various associations, including the home and school associations, organized food drives to assist those requiring help.

Reports from the Glen Ridge Home and School Associations revealed a plethora of activities and initiatives across the district. The Central School Home and School Association shared updates on their book fair and fall festival, as well as their plans to expand outdoor space with a new fence, delayed by HVAC system upgrades. Similarly, the Lyndon Avenue association celebrated the success of their book fair and family movie night, while preparing for a family fun night and a cold weather accessory drive to benefit Tony’s Kitchen.

The Forest Avenue Home and School Association recounted their October events, including a yoga enrichment month, a Scholastic book fair, and a Diwali assembly. They are currently planning their largest community service event, “Neighbors in Need,” focused on collecting Thanksgiving food items for distribution. Additionally, preparations for a fundraiser called “Firefly Fest” are underway for early March.

In administrative matters, the board approved the meeting schedule for the upcoming year, along with district and board goals. Personnel items were moved to executive session for further discussion, and curriculum items were addressed, including a planned STEM-related trip for second-grade gifted and talented students. Monetary contributions from the Glen Ridge Home and School Association for various school improvements were acknowledged, including donations for cafeteria tables, a water cooler, and athletic trainer office renovations.