Highland Park School Board Addresses Student Performance and Equity Concerns
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
05/13/2024
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Recording Published:
05/14/2024
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Duration:
133 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Highland Park
- Meeting Overview:
The Highland Park School Board meeting focused on a review of the district’s performance, instructional practices, and equitable access to advanced learning programs. In particular, the board discussed the latest state performance reports, which showed an increase in overall enrollment and highlighted the need for improvement in certain areas. The reports, published in April, are accessible on the State and district websites and include data on student enrollment demographics, growth, participation and proficiency rates, standardized testing outcomes, graduation rates, AP exam performance, chronic absenteeism, and the accountability system.
One significant area of discussion was the Middle School’s identification as a comprehensive support and improvement school and Bartle Elementary’s designation as a targeted support and improvement school. In response, the district outlined plans for professional development, data collection, progress monitoring, and family engagement events. They also discussed revising the curriculum to align with new state learning standards.
Instructional practices, particularly in K-5 reading and writing foundational skills, were also on the agenda.
The board addressed the challenges in math intervention and discussed strategies to target more specific student support. They also stressed the importance of exiting students out of intervention programs after meeting their needs. There was acknowledgment of improvement in serving all students, especially low-income students, but concerns remained about underrepresentation of certain social groups in AP courses. The board considered creating alternative internal measures for assessing student progress and emphasized the use of data walls to track performance across different metrics, including demographics, discipline, attendance, and tardiness.
During public comments, Highland Park High School students expressed concern over the transfer of a beloved staff member, Miss Karen Abs, from the teen center to another location. They described her as a critical support figure, creating a safe and comforting environment for students. Students urged the board to reconsider the decision to transfer her.
The board also discussed the potential impact of new technologies, such as the introduction of the AI assistant edifi, on student mental wellness and the need to ensure accessibility and equity in the Advanced Learning Program (ALP). Concerns were raised regarding the scheduling of morning band rehearsals and their impact on students.
Financial aspects included the approval of various contracts and expenses, engagement of consultants to address distracted driving, and evaluations of school data related to discipline. Personnel matters were addressed with multiple appointments, resignations, and reappointments, including the replacement of a nurse at Camp Bernie and a new head secretary following the retirement of Miss Moran. The superintendent stressed the importance of filling positions internally through attrition and the significance of the outgoing staff.
Community involvement initiatives were also a topic, with discussions on town halls, advisory events, and the need for improved surveys to gather feedback effectively.
Lastly, the board agreed to examine the impact of cell phone use on student behavior and academic performance over the summer. Concerns about the observance of Juneteenth as a Federal holiday were voiced, emphasizing the need for recognition of its historical importance.
Kristina Susca
School Board Officials:
Allison Casal-Dunn, Marilyn Pruce, Dr. Dan Battey, Dr. Monique Coleman, Nicole Longoria Stanio, Dr. Sara Pixley, Dr. Ethan Schoolman, Ann Vardeman, Jennifer Voorhees
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
05/13/2024
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Recording Published:
05/14/2024
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Duration:
133 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Highland Park
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