A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of three students who achieved perfect scores on the New Jersey SLA test. This academic success was part of a broader report detailing improvements in the district’s academic performance. The district saw a 10.9% increase in third-grade ELA scores, higher than the state’s 1.6% growth. Math scores saw an impressive 99.5% increase, outpacing the state’s 1.6% growth. These results underscore the effectiveness of new curriculum implementations and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes. Efforts such as introducing Orton-Gillingham training for elementary staff and after-school support programs were highlighted as contributing factors to these improvements.

In addition to academic achievements, the meeting addressed concerns raised by a parent about Keansburg High School being used as a polling location for upcoming elections. The parent expressed discomfort with this practice, citing safety concerns despite assurances of school and town security presence. The board confirmed that the high school would not be utilized as a polling site in future elections.

The board also discussed various initiatives to improve the school climate and culture. The introduction of flexible seating options in special education rooms was highlighted. The Week of Respect was celebrated with themed days to promote a positive school culture, while community events such as a trip to Dixie Lee and a fire department presentation emphasized the importance of safety and community involvement. However, a fire alarm malfunction during the fire safety presentation served as a reminder of the need for robust safety protocols.

Extracurricular activities were another focus, with strong participation reported in clubs, sports, and student council.

In terms of administration, the board approved various personnel actions, including the appointment of substitute teachers and the correction of professional employment salaries. There were also discussions regarding the rescinding of certain coaching positions due to insufficient student involvement. The board secretary confirmed that the district’s financial standing was secure, with no line items overexpended, and sufficient funds available to meet district obligations.

The meeting also touched on the importance of recognizing teachers for their years of service, with members expressing a desire to celebrate those achieving tenure. Concerns about student behavior, specifically suspensions, were raised, highlighting the need for parental support in addressing aggressive behaviors. The board emphasized the importance of creating a conducive learning environment and encouraged parents to communicate any issues they may be experiencing with their children.

Community events such as the upcoming Titan 5K were discussed, with board members highlighting the importance of supporting local initiatives. Public safety concerns were also addressed, with a member noting issues with streetlights and urging residents to report outages.