The presentations from the social studies and family and consumer science departments took center stage. Staff member Rebecca Lucas and teacher Allison Weiss, along with her students, shared how project-based learning and the Little Devils preschool program foster autonomy and active engagement among students. The board members engaged in a discussion around the importance of empowering students to take charge of their learning and connect classroom experiences with real-world applications.

Jack Brunetti outlined the structure and activities within the Early Childhood Little Devils classroom, emphasizing community involvement and the educational value of play. Dr. Butler discussed the role of inquiry in social studies, detailing a project in the Global Studies curriculum that encourages students to develop questions, conduct research, and make connections to real-world issues. The board, including Sue Duggan and Dr. Jeffrey Moore, expressed support for these innovative teaching methods and the positive impact of community participation in education.

During the personnel committee segment, the retirement of Steve Gibble after 28.5 years was acknowledged, noting his service to the school through coaching and his positive influence on students. However, community member Steve Fario brought up past concerns related to Mr. Gibble’s treatment, calling for a fair assessment of the situation and requesting information on the testimony from a 2014 incident. This brought attention to the importance of recognizing the contributions of long-standing staff members and the need for transparency in addressing past issues.

A pressing matter arose when parent Joseph Balos spoke about his son’s experience with bullying, outlining the negative impact on his well-being and academics. This statement spurred a discussion about the school’s approach to handling bullying incidents and the urgency of implementing improved measures to create a safe environment for all students. The board’s recognition of School Board Recognition Month and the unanimous approval of a resolution acknowledging the services of local school board members underpinned the conversation about the responsibilities of educational leaders in fostering a supportive school culture.

The board also tackled organizational items, including a calendar revision due to emergency school closures and approvals for field trips, new student clubs, tuition and transportation contracts for special education students, and donations from corporate sponsors. In the operations and transportation discussion, financial reports, an agreement with the Raritan Township Police Department, a settlement agreement, and architectural projects for the school’s capital budget were addressed, with a focus on renovations to enhance the learning environment.

Staffing changes were a key topic, with the Superintendent announcing retirements, including a district business administrator and a director of special services, and the resignation of a Spanish teacher and security officer. The board approved appointments for replacements and discussed a plan to conduct two searches: one for an interim superintendent and another for a full-time superintendent, emphasizing the need to hire a consultant and gather feedback from various constituents.

Public comments revealed concerns about the appointment of Rebecca Peterson as chair of the policy committee, ethical implications, and the need for a cohesive board with a unified objective for education. Additionally, issues about diversity and inclusivity, historical and social issues in the curriculum, and the importance of factual education were raised. Superintendent Dr. Moore addressed the concerns about safety and a positive learning environment, leading to a motion to convene to executive session without further action items.