A major topic of concern was the district’s health insurance costs, with the business administrator revealing a troubling claims rate of 129% between July 2023 and June 2025.

The implications for the district’s budget were significant, with projections indicating a possible $2.6 million increase in the budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027 due to compounding insurance costs. The open enrollment period had recently ended, with a notable shift from legacy plans to the educators plan, leading to a projected $364,000 deficit for the fiscal year 2025-2026. While there was hope that aggressive hiring might offset this deficit, concerns loomed about further rate increases.

In an effort to mitigate some of these costs, the board discussed a proposal to offer AFLAC coverage for employees, allowing them to purchase supplemental insurance options at their own expense. This initiative aimed to provide options such as dental, vision, short-term disability, and accident coverage, particularly benefiting non-aligned employees who currently lack short-term disability coverage.

The district received “unmodified opinions” on its financial statements, indicating no exceptions or qualifications, and the audit found no deficiencies, material non-compliance, or illegal acts. The clean audit report was a point of pride, especially when compared to other districts experiencing financial difficulties.

The audit detailed the district’s expenditures, including over $18 million in state aid and $1.4 million in federal funding, with particular mention of the ARPA ESSA preschool expansion program. The capital project fund was reported to have approximately $6.6 million remaining, with a new project worth around $4 million initiated during the fiscal year. The general fund concluded the year with a total fund balance of $10,014,000, slightly down from the previous year, and the district’s financial stability was emphasized.

In educational matters, the board discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum, with a focus on adapting teaching methodologies in light of technological advancements. A presentation highlighted the evolution of AI tools in education, noting the district’s efforts to adapt educational practices in real-time. The administration’s approach includes two guiding questions: how teachers can ethically use AI in their instruction and how to ensure academic integrity in assessments.

The meeting also featured a proposal from students advocating for a playground at Glen Rock Middle School. The students presented their reasoning, highlighting the lack of recreational facilities and the need for a space where students could engage in physical activity during recess. The board expressed appreciation for the students’ initiative and acknowledged the importance of addressing recreational needs alongside educational priorities.

In policy matters, the board discussed amendments to long-range facility plans and a review of health insurance policies. A proposal from the architects of record, PSA, was approved for a review of the district’s five buildings, deemed essential for creating a prioritized action plan.