Susan Payne Appointed to Academy District 20 School Board Amid Focus on Safety and Achievement

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Academy District 20 School Board appointed Susan Payne as a new board member. The meeting also touched on issues such as student achievement, school security, and funding challenges.

Anoka-Hennepin Community Voices Concerns Over Curriculum and Cell Phone Policies

Overview: During the Anoka-Hennepin School Board meeting on May 19, 2025, discussions unfolded regarding the district’s curriculum review, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, and the management of cell phone usage in schools. The meeting drew community input, highlighting diverse perspectives on the board’s decisions. Alongside these discussions, budgetary issues and student recognitions were also addressed.

Rochester Community School Board Faces Backlash Over Behavioral Interventionist Cuts

Overview: During the recent Rochester Community School Board meeting, a contentious decision to eliminate behavioral interventionist positions due to a $1.7 million cut in funding from the 31 AA grant took center stage. The cuts impacted several elementary schools, leading to public outcry and emotional testimonies during the meeting’s public comment section. The move, attributed to budgetary constraints, has raised concerns among parents, educators, and community members about the adequacy of support for students facing behavioral and mental health challenges.

Ridgewood School Board Students Lead AI Discussion Amid Facility and Policy Updates

Overview: In a notable Ridgewood School Board meeting, students from the Ridgewood High School Principal Advisory Committee delivered an engaging presentation on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education, emphasizing its benefits and challenges. The meeting also addressed facility upgrades, strategic planning, and policy updates, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the educational environment and administrative processes.

Bernards Township Planning Board Hears Debate on Proposed Mosque and Affordable Housing Obligations

Overview: The Bernards Township Planning Board meeting focused on two primary topics: the proposal by the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge (ISBR) to build a mosque on Church Street and the township’s obligations regarding affordable housing.