The “No Hate Tour” aims to address bullying through a schoolwide assembly that emphasizes themes of kindness and compassion, and the role of bystanders in bullying situations. This is the first time High Point will host such an event, and it has been positively received by other schools. The assembly represents a step by the school to engage students in meaningful discussions about bullying and to foster a supportive school environment.

Another topic was the Hope Squad, a mental health awareness club established in partnership with Jordan’s Relay. This initiative seeks to provide staff and students with training and resources to address mental health challenges. The board unanimously approved this partnership, and guidance counselors Cara Pagan and Cheyenne Kiario will act as advisers, with all costs covered by grant funding from Jordan’s Relay.

The board also discussed the upcoming eighth-grade tours set for October 14th and 16th. These visits are designed to ease the transition for incoming eighth graders by allowing them to experience the school environment and engage with current students and peer leaders. This initiative aims to create a smoother transition to high school for new students.

In terms of academic performance, the board reviewed a presentation from Sheamus Campbell, the director of curriculum and instruction, though he was not present at the meeting. The presentation highlighted mixed results from recent assessments, with a slight decline in English and math scores but an improvement in science. Campbell noted the challenges in comparing test results across different districts and mentioned ongoing efforts to bridge the performance gap between male and female students, particularly in English and science.

Additionally, the meeting included a series of approvals and acknowledgments. George Rolano was officially approved as the student representative to the board. His role includes attending meetings, representing student interests, and reporting board activities back to the student council. The board also approved several agreements, including memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement agencies and a shared service agreement for nursing services with nearby school districts.

The board addressed numerous personnel items, including appointments, resignations, and medical leaves. Among these was the approval of Nicholas Nolan as a student teacher through William Patterson University. Extracurricular activities were another focus, with the resignation of Corey Lyola as the bait and mock trial coach being accepted, and Josh Wagner was appointed as a volunteer girls’ wrestling coach.

Policy revisions were also a part of the meeting, with the board approving the first reading of a new policy on student sun protection and revisions to several existing policies related to legal services, administrative contracts, and curriculum requirements.

Financial matters were discussed as well, with the board approving various reports, bill payments, and account reconciliations for July and August 2025. The board acknowledged a generous donation of $6,649 from the High Point Wrestling Booster Club for new wrestling mats and a $1,000 donation from T-Mobile.