22:20A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the needs of multilingual students and their families, who face increased challenges due to federal immigration policies. The district plans to host a “know your rights” session for parents, educating them on constitutional rights when questioned by immigration authorities. This initiative will highlight the importance of having an action plan in case of detention or deportation, including appointing power of attorney for children to ensure their care during emergencies. Additionally, the district is implementing protocols to assist students and families affected by deportation, offering resources such as legal support and guidance on discussing these sensitive issues with children.

Training for counselors and teachers is underway to adopt culturally competent and trauma-informed practices. The district’s SEAL teams are involved in these efforts, providing essential support and resources to affected families. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that each Hackensack public school has tailored safety plans that address current immigration challenges, with training for office staff who interact with families on how to handle these sensitive situations effectively.

0:00Superintendent McBryde also provided updates on a district-wide initiative titled “Are My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper,” which aligns with Black History Month and focuses on social-emotional learning for students of color.

The meeting also addressed safety and security plans for schools, with a focus on enhancing campus safety through the development of a plan that includes random metal detector screenings and the transition to hiring community-affiliated monitors. The collaboration between the school board and the Hackensack Police Department has led to the establishment of clear protocols for immigration-related situations. In the event of an immigration agent seeking access to school grounds, administrators are advised not to grant access without consulting legal counsel and notifying the superintendent immediately.

22:20Further discussions during the meeting revolved around the responsibilities and availability of school nurses, especially during emergencies. The district has implemented a system to track nursing absences and ensure substitute nurses are available to fill any gaps. However, concerns were raised during the public comments section regarding the adequacy of emergency responses during unscheduled times. A parent and substitute nurse highlighted scenarios where students faced injuries without immediate nursing care, emphasizing the need for consistent nurse availability and effective emergency procedures.

1:04:24In response, the board reiterated the existing protocols, which involve contacting 911 and relying on trained staff members to manage emergencies when nurses are unavailable. The lead nurse has been tasked with reviewing emergency procedures with the nursing team and gathering insights from other districts to enhance safety measures.

42:45The meeting concluded with reports on various board initiatives, including a Bergen County resource development application to support youth with emotional and behavioral needs and an Army Educational Outreach Program mini-grant aimed at fostering STEM education. Trustees also discussed the success of the first community relations committee meeting, which focused on engaging the community and executing ideas generated by a diverse group of participants.

0:00Additionally, the board welcomed new members and expressed optimism for the year ahead. Trustee reports included acknowledgments of the Hackensack High School dance team’s Black History Month performance and the achievements of the academic decathlon team, which earned 81 medals and ranked second in the state.