The board’s approach to full-day kindergarten dominated much of the meeting. The initiative aims to accommodate both classified and non-classified students within a full-day format, requiring logistical coordination across the district’s three elementary schools: Central, Tatum, and Haddon. A lottery system will be employed to distribute available spots evenly among the schools. This plan was put forth in light of anticipated space expansions, including the completion of the 1890s building by September 2026, which will provide additional classroom space.

Extensive efforts are being made to adapt current facilities, such as converting library spaces into classrooms, while also addressing special education needs within these new configurations. The involvement of elementary school principals and special education staff is crucial in developing a cohesive plan that balances the new schedule and space allocations. The board acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded approach to educational offerings that cater to diverse student needs.

The meeting also placed a spotlight on the district’s biannual report on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB), presented by the Anti-Bullying Coordinator. During the reporting period from September to December, 15 incidents were logged, with two confirmed as meeting the criteria for HIB. The report detailed the nature of these incidents, which included factors such as race, sexual orientation, and disability, while no incidents were reported based on religion. This comprehensive report underlined the proactive measures being taken, such as creating visually engaging anti-bullying flyers and conducting assemblies focused on cyber safety and bullying awareness.

A comparative analysis with the previous year showed an increase in total reports but stability in the number of investigations. The district’s approach includes ongoing training for anti-bullying specialists and collaboration with community partners to enhance awareness and prevention efforts. There was also concern about incidents that may go unreported due to not fitting neatly into defined categories, prompting discussions on how to better address these gaps.

In addressing student behavior and suspensions, the board reviewed data revealing a significant reduction in out-of-school suspensions, dropping from 34 to 17 incidents. This positive trend is attributed to new disciplinary strategies, such as the introduction of Saturday detentions, which aim to deter misbehavior more effectively than traditional suspension methods. The board highlighted the critical period of middle school as a focus for intervention, acknowledging the developmental changes students face during this time that can lead to behavioral challenges, including cyberbullying.

Financial planning was another key topic, with discussions on the implementation of a cashless transaction system for athletic events to streamline operations. The board also addressed infrastructure needs, such as repairing a stormwater pipe and evaluating bathroom facilities across the district. Planning for the 2025-2026 budget was noted as a priority, with separate finance meetings planned to focus on economic factors impacting budget decisions.

The use of technology in the classroom was raised during the public comment section, where concerns about excessive screen time and its effects on students were discussed. One resident, Carol Stoner, brought attention to the lack of a live feed for the meeting and questioned the district’s plans for pre-kindergarten, seeking clarification on how it fits into the broader educational framework. She also critiqued the increased reliance on educational programs like the i-Ready math curriculum, advocating for a balanced approach that includes traditional learning methods.