Hilderbrandt reported on the intensified efforts to identify and address residency issues, stating that the department investigated 175 cases, a number consistent with the previous year. However, the findings this year were more pronounced, with 23 students found attending schools outside their designated areas, compared to 10 the previous year. More alarmingly, 103 students residing outside the district were discovered to be attending district schools without authorization, an increase from 61 cases the year before.

The financial impact of these investigations was significant. Through the removal of non-resident students, the district saved approximately $786,000, calculated using the New Jersey administrative code’s formula. This figure represented a massive increase from the previous year’s savings of $35,600. The department has 10 active investigations and has prepared a list for immediate investigation come September.

The board praised the department for its work, with one member highlighting that while the district is eager to educate students within Gloucester Township, it is imperative to ensure that only residents benefit from local education resources. The Superintendent, John Bilodeau, and other board members agreed, acknowledging the considerable financial recovery and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the district’s admissions.

Additionally, the meeting covered a variety of administrative adjustments, particularly in instructional appointments and employee allocations funded by federal Title I resources. Superintendent Bilodeau requested minor edits to the agenda items, including changes in teacher assignments within Blackwood Elementary School and the addition of new instructional appointments, effective September 1st, 2024.

The discussion briefly touched on an incident involving an unnotified placement of a student in a residential school, raising questions about communication processes and the financial implications of such placements. There was also a conversation regarding the potential exchange of bus donations for job fair opportunities at a local Pumpkin Festival.

In other business, the board addressed cybersecurity, with a nod to a timely decision made by the district’s technology team to opt for a security provider different from Cloud Strike, which had recently experienced a significant breach affecting major U.S. airports and banks. This proactive choice by the district prevented any security risks to the district’s systems.