A prominent feature of the meeting was the presentation by Kelly Education Services, which detailed their approach to improving the management of substitutes and par educators in the district. The company’s representative, Michael Tresa, outlined the benefits offered to employees, the dedicated management teams, and the Managed Par Educator Program (MPP) that positions Kelly Education Services as the employer of record for par educators. The transition of substitutes to Kelly and the hiring of new substitutes were reported as successful. The board inquired about the costs associated with training and sought clarification on the qualifications of the on-site liaison provided by Kelly Education Services.

In terms of academic performance, the assistant superintendent presented the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA) results for the spring 2024 administration, which measures 11th-grade students’ proficiency in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. While the graduation readiness rates for ELA increased by 2% from the previous year, matching the state rate at 82%, the mathematics readiness rate decreased by 4% and lagged behind the state’s rate at 30%, compared to the state’s 55%. This discrepancy sparked discussions on the need for additional math proficiency courses and a district-wide strategy to ensure that grade-level standards are effectively taught from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Public comments reflected community concerns, with topics ranging from the denial of a transfer request for a student to confusion about the role of Kelly Education Services in relation to paraprofessional staff. Concerns were also voiced about the changing middle school configuration and safety in certain schools. Requests for transparency and equitable treatment for students and families were emphasized.

The board entered an executive session to deliberate on various confidential matters, including legal and personnel issues, student-related matters, and negotiations. Upon returning, the approval of minutes from previous meetings was granted.

The meeting also included discussions on policy updates, with a focus on the conduct of board meetings and the order of business. A motion to table Policy 0164, which pertains to the conduct of board meetings, led to a tie vote and a need for clarification from the board attorney, who confirmed that the current agenda format was approved in January and required no immediate action. The board navigated through procedural confusion and debates over the voting process and adherence to the agenda.

In the realm of finance, the board deferred the discussion of the calendar to the next meeting. The buildings and grounds report highlighted waivers for restroom facilities in pre-K and kindergarten classrooms and a grant for manual products district-wide. The community relations committee addressed the application process for community representation from various Hackensack areas, emphasizing the importance of diversity.

Calendar planning emerged as a significant topic, with the board choosing to maintain its usual pattern of holding most meetings on the third Wednesday of the month to minimize school event conflicts. Concerns were raised about the proposed calendar, and the need for alignment across schools to prevent surprises was discussed. The accessibility of meeting materials was also brought up as a point of concern.

Expressions of appreciation concluded the meeting, with various board members acknowledging educational events, summer sports, and the dedication of staff and administrators. The meeting adjourned following a motion that passed unanimously.