South Orange-Maplewood School Board Targets Educational Enhancement and Equity

Overview: The South Orange-Maplewood School Board recently convened to address various topics, with a strong emphasis on educational improvements, equity, and infrastructural enhancements within the district. The meeting’s cornerstone was the superintendent’s 100-day plan, which outlined key priorities, including community engagement, financial and organizational reviews, curriculum enhancements, and the launch of a new bus arrival time app. The superintendent also underscored the pending appointment of a new director of communications and the potential expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Berkeley Heights School Board Faces Controversy Over Prism Club Rejection

Overview: The Berkeley Heights School Board meeting was predominantly occupied by the discussion of the Prism Club’s rejection, the hiring of a new director of Elementary Education Intervention, and the debate over the Lower Columbia field lease agreement. The board was confronted with community pushback regarding the decision not to fund the Prism Club, a proposed safe space for LGBTQ+ students within the district.

Sussex Wantage School Board Welcomes New Member Amidst Transition Plans

Overview: In a recent Sussex Wantage School Board meeting, the appointment of a new board member stood out as the most newsworthy event. The board conducted interviews for candidates to fill the vacancy, ultimately approving a nomination. Alongside this, the celebration of retirees and discussions about the school’s infrastructural updates and transitioning preschool classrooms to a new location were topics of interest.

Verona Board Advances Assisted Living and Co-Working Space Zoning

Overview: In an effort to update the local zoning ordinances, the Verona Town Planning Board has passed a proposal to amend the standards of the C2 professional Zone, facilitating the establishment of assisted living facilities as a conditional use and co-working spaces as permitted uses. The decisions, made at the July 25th, 2024 meeting, followed extensive deliberations on the compatibility of these developments with the master plan and the character of the community.

North Middlesex Approves Bullying Prevention Plan Amid Asbestos Removal

Overview: The North Middlesex Regional School Committee meeting addressed a range of issues, headlined by the approval of a bullying prevention intervention plan that includes legal recommendations to address the challenge of social media-related bullying occurring outside of school hours. The plan will be reviewed annually with students and staff and incorporated into open houses to increase family awareness. Additionally, the committee approved a contract for the removal of asbestos in the Ashby Elementary School tunnels, authorized the superintendent’s proficient evaluation rating, and debated the appointment process for subcommittee community members.