The meeting began with a celebration of the Glen Ridge High School marching band’s achievements. The band recently secured a group one state championship and earned a bronze medal at the Nationals held at MetLife Stadium. This success was marked by a spirited performance at the meeting, which Principal Lawler praised, emphasizing the band’s camaraderie and the leadership of the drum major and drill sergeants.

Following the band’s celebration, the focus shifted to the school’s photography program, which has seen notable advancements under the guidance of instructor Alysa Herrera. She presented an overview of the program’s courses, which range from foundational photography skills in Photo 1 to more advanced techniques and career readiness in Photo 2. Of particular interest is the introduction of an honors darkroom photography course, which allows students to engage in traditional black-and-white film processing, providing a hands-on alternative to digital photography. This course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the photographic process, from capturing images to developing prints, and has been met with enthusiasm from students, one of whom described it as their favorite class.

The meeting also addressed important district initiatives, including ongoing efforts to comply with New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws. A detailed presentation explained the school’s self-assessment process under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, which includes evaluating schools on eight core elements with a maximum score of 78 points. The data, which drives discussions on restorative practices and the code of conduct, revealed high scores for Glen Ridge High School, reflecting effective implementation of anti-bullying measures.

Community engagement was another focal point of the meeting, with updates on successful fundraising events such as the Ashenfelter 8K and Tom Fleming 2K races. These events, supported by over 200 volunteers, including many high school students, are significant sources of funding for the district. The board acknowledged the contributions of various student groups and community organizations.

In addition to celebrating achievements and community involvement, the board acknowledged the departure of Dave Campbell, a board member who served for 12 years. His contributions, particularly in leading a successful superintendent search, were appreciated, with a presentation from Superintendent Dirk Phillips marking his farewell.

The meeting also touched upon upcoming school events and initiatives. Student representative Meg mentioned the organization of a spirit week and the drama club’s upcoming production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The board also expressed gratitude for generous donations from community organizations, including a significant monetary donation for auditorium risers and a 3D printer for CAD and engineering classes.

In addressing previous parental concerns, the board confirmed a resolution regarding playground equipment funding. An agreement was reached between the parents and the Home and School Association to replace old equipment and install new mulch, with completion scheduled for after the last school day.