The most significant portion of the meeting was the in-depth discussion surrounding the management of students’ cell phone use. The board emphasized the necessity for students to engage in their own learning and personal management. Concerns were raised about the impact of constant connectivity on student well-being, with one speaker mentioning that students often go to bed with their phones and wake up with them, leading to social media pressures and attention span issues.

A national conversation regarding mobile phone policies in schools was highlighted, emphasizing the need for community input on this topic. The dialogue included a personal perspective on the impact of screen time on adolescents. The principal underscored the importance of engaging the community in developing any policy changes, acknowledging that “a major change needs a little bit of time.”

Next on the agenda was a review of the district’s recent Quality Assurance Check (QAC), a triennial evaluation. The district received a perfect compliance score across all evaluated areas, including utility bills, curriculum, and background checks. However, the student performance metrics, encompassing New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) scores in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, student attendance, and graduation rates, resulted in a score of 34 out of a possible 60 points. This score was noted as typical, with most districts facing similar challenges. The results derived from the 2022-2023 school year highlighted the need for focused improvement in student performance metrics.

A significant part of the discussion revolved around chronic absenteeism, defined as the percentage of students absent more than 10% of school days. The board discussed an action plan to address this issue, in compliance with state requirements for districts exceeding a 10% absenteeism rate. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student performance was also acknowledged, noting fluctuations in proficiency rates statewide. Despite these challenges, confidence was expressed in the progress made in areas such as the graduation rate, which had not yet been released, and improvements in English and math test scores, along with a substantial drop in chronic absenteeism rates.

Further inquiries about the significance of the assessments for students were met with the acknowledgment that these tests had been initially positioned as critical for graduation requirements. The speaker noted that teachers have built relationships with their students that encourage them to take the tests seriously, and the data from the assessments are used to track student performance. It was mentioned that the number of students merely clicking through the tests has been decreasing.

In terms of targeted intervention, the district has implemented a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) team that meets weekly to analyze data and devise support plans for students, focusing particularly on seniors identified as at risk of failing to earn credits. The investment in additional guidance counselors was cited as a significant effort to ensure that at-risk students do not fall through the cracks. The importance of personal relationships between students and adults in the educational environment was emphasized, maintaining that these connections are essential for fostering a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning.

The board also discussed the sustainability of extracurricular positions within the High Point School District. Financial constraints have necessitated offering many extracurricular opportunities on a volunteer basis. Despite this, there remains a strong desire among staff to contribute their expertise for the benefit of the student body.

Additionally, the board reviewed various policies, including the approval of revised policies and regulations covering several areas such as curriculum content, physical examinations, attendance, student suicide prevention, emergency situations, and volunteer athletic coaches. It was highlighted that the majority of these revisions were mandated by the state.

The meeting also addressed the logistics of scheduling and attendance, particularly in relation to weather-related cancellations, and acknowledged the importance of maintaining effective communication about calendar changes. There was a discussion about a new nursing service agreement established among several districts, enabling the sharing of nursing services to avoid school closures due to a lack of available nursing staff.

Transportation needs for the upcoming school year were also addressed, covering regular transport, sports activities, and interscholastic transportation.