Fair Lawn School Board Grapples with Reassignment Controversy and Budget Shortfalls

Overview: The Fair Lawn School Board meeting on August 22nd was marked by discussions on staff reassignments, budget constraints, and community concerns, reflecting ongoing challenges and opportunities within the district.

Fair Lawn Schools Excel in Standardized Tests, Debate Curriculum and Rebranding

Overview: The Fair Lawn School Board meeting highlighted students’ performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, as reflected in the latest New Jersey Proficiency Assessment (NJPA) results, with Fair Lawn students scoring higher than the state average. Amid these academic achievements, board members engaged in a substantive discussion on the efficacy of the current math curriculum, particularly the “Everyday Math” program. The meeting also addressed concerns about the district’s rebranding efforts and resource allocation, with community members contributing to the debate.

Fair Lawn Community Rallies Behind High School Guidance Counselor’s Reassignment

Overview: At a recent Fair Lawn School Board meeting, the community voiced strong opposition to the involuntary reassignment of Dena DeSantis, a high school guidance counselor with 20 years of experience, to a middle school student assistance counselor position. The issue brought forth a debate on the implications of staff reassignments for the school community, the decision-making process, and the potential disruption to student support systems, particularly for those entering the college application process.

Fair Lawn School Board Addresses Student Wellness and Academic Excellence

Overview: The Fair Lawn School Board meeting on May 30th, 2024, encompassed discussions on a range of topics, including the implementation of student wellness initiatives, the progress of the gifted and talented program, the introduction of new academic courses, and the analysis of the district’s enrollment trends. Additionally, the meeting honored educators for their service and presented a comprehensive state of the schools report.

Fair Lawn School Board Addresses Student Safety and Equity Initiatives

Overview: The Fair Lawn School Board focused on student safety concerns and recognition of equity initiatives during its latest meeting. Topmost on the agenda was the issue of pedestrian safety around Forest Elementary School, highlighted by residents’ reports of a recent traumatic accident involving students. Additionally, Fair Lawn High School’s participation in the “No Place for Hate” program, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, was acknowledged, with the school set to be honored for fostering a safe and inclusive environment. The board also entertained the idea of monthly work sessions to enhance decision-making efficiency but reached no definitive resolution on implementing them.