21:30The board detailed a letter from the state of New Jersey indicating a reduction in state aid for the district, projecting a loss of $274,000 and a potential overall loss of $1.3 million, equating to a 14.6% decrease. This financial strain directly impacts Haddon taxpayers, with the anticipated tax increase estimated at approximately $58.56 per month, contributing to a total local tax levy of $30 million—a 15% increase. This move, approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, was deemed necessary to maintain the schools’ operational capacity, despite the board’s awareness of the burden it places on the community.

The district plans to reduce staffing to mitigate the financial shortfall, eliminating six positions: one administrator, a business education teacher, a student assistance counselor, a physics teacher, a math teacher, and an elementary teacher. The superintendent acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, highlighting the need to balance taxpayer respect with the delivery of quality education. To alleviate some fiscal pressure, the board is exploring a tax levy incentive program offering a $189,000 one-time incentive, which cannot be allocated for staffing. Furthermore, the district seeks partnerships with the New Jersey Tutoring Corps and has secured a philanthropic donor willing to match contributions over three years to enhance student services.

04:13A key educational initiative discussed was the introduction of the Magma Math program, which leverages artificial intelligence to offer differentiated learning experiences. This program aims to cater to both gifted students and those requiring foundational skills, thereby addressing the diverse performance levels within classrooms. The superintendent emphasized the program’s necessity, noting the varied performance levels in classes of 25 to 28 students.

27:10The board also addressed the continuation of the CLA mental health program, which has proven effective at the middle school level and is funded through child care resources. This program supports students’ mental health needs confidentially, encouraging collaboration between students, families, and the school district.

Another focal point of the meeting was the configuration of schools for the 2026-27 academic year, considering past challenges with reconfiguration. The superintendent expressed readiness to reevaluate these configurations. Community engagement was underscored as a vital component, with the board noting improvements in communication through various forums.

During public input, concerns were raised about the timing and communication of the 15% tax increase to the community. Suggestions for more proactive communication strategies were put forth to ensure the public is adequately informed. Additionally, the district’s reliance on property taxes was discussed, acknowledging the constraints posed by New Jersey’s tax structure. The superintendent noted, “We have to tax on property. We can only play by the rules that are put before us,” highlighting the district’s limited options.

In terms of educational achievements, the board celebrated progress, including a notable rise in Advanced Placement (AP) scores, increased student enrollment in AP classes, and high SAT average scores, ranking among the county’s best. The district also acknowledged several students recognized as national merit semi-finalists and finalists. Middle school disciplinary incidents decreased by 41%, and 95% of middle school students taking Algebra met or exceeded state assessment expectations, with marked improvements in seventh-grade math and language arts performance. Elementary schools saw a 20% reduction in the basic skills population among fourth graders due to targeted interventions.

The district also implemented a new program, Operation Hero, to enhance maintenance response times and streamline community facility reservations. The child care program’s shift to online registration improved efficiency for summer recreation and enrichment programs. The communications consortium received recognition from the New Jersey School Boards Association as an exemplary model.

Looking forward, the board anticipates discussions on the grading scale, focusing on consistency across departments and levels. The need for a reassessment process allowing students to learn from failures and retake assessments was emphasized, drawing parallels to professional testing scenarios. Innovations such as the growth of the TV studio, the launch of an esports club, and discussions on cell phone policies were noted as exciting developments.