A major focus of the meeting was the proposed changes to the school district’s schedules and transportation. Kinnelon High School (KHS) will begin later in the day, while Peeking Ridge Middle School (PRM) and the elementary schools, Kiel and Stony Brook, will start earlier. These changes are designed to optimize transportation efficiency and align with a new collective bargaining agreement that extends PRM’s daily schedule by 20 minutes. Bus routes will be consolidated to reduce the number of stops, with students from grades 6 through 11 sharing transportation, a move expected to generate budget savings.

The possibility of eighth-grade students attending KHS, either for electives or as full-time students, was discussed as a strategy to utilize resources effectively and prevent staff reductions due to declining enrollment. However, this proposal has raised concerns among students and parents. Julia Gutkin, a senior vice president of the KHS student council, voiced apprehensions about crowding and the impact on high school students’ schedules. She emphasized that aligning start times for PRM and KHS could restrict high school students’ flexibility in balancing academics with extracurricular activities. Concerns were also raised about the potential elimination of the drop schedule in favor of shorter periods, which students argued would hinder in-depth learning, particularly in Advanced Placement courses.

Public input highlighted the need for careful consideration of these changes, acknowledging the unique demands faced by high school students. The board acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of community engagement in the decision-making process. A decision regarding the integration of eighth-grade students is expected by the end of January, following further assessments of the district’s financial status and capacity.

In addition to operational updates, the meeting celebrated numerous student achievements. The Kinnelon High School football team was recognized for a record-breaking season, with several players earning all-conference and all-county honors. The team’s coach was named coach of the year. Academic accomplishments were also highlighted, with 59 students honored at a high honor roll breakfast and KHS journalism students receiving awards for excellence in print and online media.

The meeting also included a presentation on the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) self-assessment, which showed an improvement in scores. The finance and facilities committee reported ongoing projects, including the preparation for an energy audit and maintenance work at Stony Brook.

The board concluded with discussions on policy developments, including a new regulation for reviewing library materials and the formation of a sick leave bank for staff. Community involvement was encouraged through citizen advisory committee meetings.