One item at the meeting was the board’s approval of the district’s inaugural study abroad trip to China scheduled for early August. The superintendent expressed gratitude for the board’s swift organization and support of this educational opportunity, which will allow students to engage firsthand with Chinese culture and language.

Further attention was drawn to the School Safety Data System (SSDS) report, which revealed a 40% reduction in incidents for the 2024-2025 school year compared to the previous year. Notably, the high school’s substance-related incidents decreased from twelve to five, and the confirmed harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) incidents at Pearl R. Miller Middle School dropped dramatically from eighteen to six. This improvement was attributed to targeted educational initiatives that clarified what constitutes HIB and its repercussions.

The board also focused on security enhancements across school facilities. New security gates and surveillance systems are being installed. In addition to security measures, the district is advancing various facility projects such as track resurfacing and paving at Kinnelon High School, concrete step repairs between Pearl R. Miller and Kiel School, and boiler maintenance. Classroom comfort is being addressed with the installation of window units in areas lacking HVAC.

This meeting also featured updates on summer academic programs. The superintendent highlighted the success of the second Summer Learning Academy at Stony Brook School, as well as the completion of the first STEAM program. The Extended School Year program was set to conclude with a car wash event, and gratitude was expressed to staff involved in these initiatives, particularly in the math academy, which focused on introductory algebra and geometry courses.

Looking forward, the board discussed upcoming events for the fall, such as back-to-school nights, homecoming, and drama performances. These events were emphasized as vital components of the school calendar, with a packed schedule anticipated for September and October.

The director of curriculum presented the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) results. The results showed a 97% proficiency rate in English Language Arts and an 86.7% rate in math for 11th-grade students. For those students who did not meet the required proficiency level, alternative pathways such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or portfolio appeals were available. The portfolio assessment was not required in the previous year as all students had successfully passed the ACUPLACER test.

The finance committee provided updates on several topics, including the progress of the high school’s track project and plans for a new cafeteria point of sale system linked to the parent portal. Discussions included facility scheduling, technology improvements, network additions, and Chromebook updates. Security measures were reviewed, encompassing the installation of security gates and surveillance systems.

The education committee expressed enthusiasm for reintroducing lockers at Pearl R. Miller and Kinnelon High School, a change anticipated to benefit students. The committee also revisited a cell phone policy and discussed plans for an inspirational keynote speaker and a club fair to kickstart the school year. Additionally, they highlighted the upcoming China trip for 14 students, which promises substantial educational opportunities.

The policy committee reported on the first reading of a policy concerning volunteer coaches. Discussions also covered the virtual remote plan, ensuring compliance with current guidelines, and a draft version of board and district goals.