In light of a recent hoax threat that impacted the community, Haledon School Board members and representatives from the local police department stressed their commitment to student safety. One police representative assured attendees, “We are always ready to prepare for the worst and we hope for the best,” highlighting the swift response and zero-tolerance policy for threats within the school environment. Previous arrests related to bomb threats and firearm incidents were cited.

Parents voiced frustrations about delays in communication from the school administration during emergencies. One parent emphasized, “The communication, as I’ve said before, needs to improve times 100,” pointing to a specific incident where they did not receive timely updates, which heightened anxiety amid recent violent events in nearby areas. This parent advocated for more proactive and immediate communication, especially during situations that directly affect student safety.

The board acknowledged these concerns, detailing the various communication methods employed, including emails, Robocalls, text messages, and social media. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of communication remained a contentious topic, with some parents mentioning that important emails were sometimes found in spam folders. The board reiterated the need for parents to keep their contact information current to ensure they receive timely updates.

In terms of physical security measures, the board highlighted the presence of an armed security director, a school resource officer from the local police department, and front desk security personnel. Plans to improve access control at the school’s front entrance were discussed, including the creation of a security vestibule to enhance safety protocols. A board member with law enforcement experience affirmed that the school’s security setup is robust compared to other institutions, though improvements are always possible.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction of Alexandra Sahar as the new parental liaison. This role, funded through Title One funding, aims to enhance communication between parents and the school, providing resources for academic and social support without additional cost to the district. The board expressed hope that this position would address some of the communication gaps highlighted by parents.

In the personnel section, the resignation of two math teachers from the same department was noted, sparking discussion about potential underlying issues. However, it was clarified that both teachers had received promotions, and the board assured that the school is fully staffed, with ongoing efforts to fill specialized positions.

The board also celebrated the reopening of the playground, which now includes new inclusive structures. However, the need to remove trees damaging the playground’s surface and the implementation of a concrete pathway to preserve it were discussed. An expansion project aimed at increasing preschool capacity to 105 seats was also on the agenda.

Further, the board approved several items related to ongoing construction projects, including resolutions for surveillance cameras and speakers for the new addition. The establishment of a bid threshold for vendor signatures was decided, streamlining the purchasing process and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

During the public comment portion, a representative from the police department addressed community safety concerns, particularly in light of recent social media incidents involving threats. The representative emphasized that these threats are part of a broader trend affecting many schools and assured the board and community of the police department’s active investigation and collaboration with the school to ensure student safety.

The need for continuing education and safety training was also highlighted, with 90 staff members trained in CPR thus far, and plans for further training were mentioned. Additionally, the board noted a planned presentation regarding the hiring process and state test scores at the next meeting to enhance transparency regarding school operations.