One item at the meeting was the approval of a new mental health initiative spearheaded by the superintendent. An app called Clayful, designed to offer mental health and emotional support to middle school students, was introduced. Originating from a suicide prevention initiative, the app provides students with access to a live person for support up until 10:00 PM. The superintendent emphasized the importance of supporting students in the digital age and the duty of care that extends beyond school hours. This initiative will be funded through the childcare enterprise account.

In a moment, the board also recognized Mrs. Allison Rodman, who was stepping down after serving on the Haddon Township Board of Education from January 2016 to December 2024. Mrs. Rodman was celebrated for her contributions and dedication over the years, with a resolution presented in her honor. Photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion, and Mrs. Rodman reflected on the unique demands of her role, the emotional weight of board decisions, and the importance of maintaining respectful and collaborative discussions, even amidst disagreements. Her involvement in educational conferences and leadership in various committees was acknowledged as instrumental to the board’s initiatives.

The meeting further delved into updates on the district’s attendance policies. Proposed changes aim to standardize attendance across educational levels, specifying what qualifies as excused versus unexcused absences. The superintendent explained that more than 12 unexcused absences could prompt discussions with parents about truancy, while a total of 30 combined absences might lead to non-credit status in high school or retention in elementary school. These revisions aim to uphold academic integrity and ensure students receive the education they are required to attend.

Another agenda item was the proposal for a karate camp at Strawbridge School during the summer. The camp is expected to generate around $30,000 for the district while providing additional summer activity options for students. This initiative seeks to address capacity issues faced in previous years by complementing existing summer programs.

The board also reviewed the homeschooling policy, which had not been discussed since September 2022. A minor amendment was proposed to allow homeschooled students in kindergarten through sixth grade to participate in after-school activities, provided there are no additional costs to the district and required documentation is submitted. This change aims to offer opportunities for integration into the district while maintaining cost neutrality.

Substitute teacher shortages were a concern, with the board exploring the possibility of hiring support staff as temporary replacements for absent teachers. This discussion highlighted the challenges posed by increased maternity leaves and other health-related absences exceeding budgeted figures. The administration’s efforts to manage these shortages were acknowledged, with high school administration stepping up to fill gaps. A proposal for remote teaching through an established New Jersey center was mentioned as a costly alternative if local hiring continued to be problematic.

Student representatives provided updates on school events, including fundraising efforts for a food pantry, successful performances in music concerts, and college acceptances, with students gaining admission to institutions such as Notre Dame and the University of Pittsburgh. A student action plan was also highlighted to address disciplinary issues at the middle school level.

The meeting concluded with public comments, including a community member, Chris Cook, discussing a successful fundraiser by the Education Foundation. Jennings School won the contest, and Cook presented a check during a winter concert. The board expressed gratitude for the community’s engagement.