The most notable topic was the board’s plan to address the financial challenges posed by transportation costs, which have escalated to $7.8 million annually. The superintendent outlined a proposal to consolidate transportation routes for Peasley Road Middle School (PRM) and Kinnelon High School (KHS) in the 2026-2027 school year. This plan includes extending the school day at PRM by 20 minutes to facilitate scheduling changes and improve efficiency. This initiative is part of the board’s goal of financial stewardship, with discussions ongoing among staff to refine routing and scheduling.

In parallel, the board is advancing a cell phone-free environment for grades K-5, responding to strong parental support for minimizing technology use in classrooms. The district’s technology use policy was finalized and adopted in prior meetings, with modifications made to address concerns about technology use before and after school. The board anticipates further adjustments with new leadership at the high school and will continue to seek input from the student council and other stakeholders.

Efforts to enhance student achievement were highlighted, with a focus on literacy and math resources for grades K-5. A rubric developed to evaluate these resources, combined with teacher feedback, has shown positive trends in student performance. The board also introduced a middle school science sequence to replace the previous spiral model. High school offerings have expanded with new courses such as an algebra-based honors physics class and engineering electives, alongside strengthened dual enrollment partnerships.

Community engagement was a recurring theme, with a successful intergenerational prom held in collaboration with Cedar Crest Retired Educators, despite initial concerns about its potential cancellation. The board expressed interest in integrating a new teacher cadet program into interactions with retired educators to foster mentorship. These efforts align with the board’s goal of enhancing communication and community outreach.

Facility upgrades remain a priority, with ongoing discussions about the Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) and related referendum decisions. The finance, facilities, and security committee reported a productive meeting with town officials, resulting in a drafted memorandum of agreement on sewer responsibilities, pending review by school and town attorneys. The board aims to finalize this agreement in upcoming meetings.

The board also explored improvements to recreational facilities, particularly outdoor fields and community center plans. Collaborative efforts with the town are underway to enhance recreational opportunities, considering the potential for developing land under the Highlands Act exemption. Traffic and parking issues at the KRP fields were identified as logistical challenges needing attention.

In other business, the board discussed the disposal of old textbooks and the transition to digital resources, though specific details about the replacement process were not provided. A generous $5,000 donation from the Yang family to the PRM student activity fund was acknowledged, along with inquiries about replacing outdated microscopes. Six old microscopes are being retired, but plans for acquiring new ones remain unclear.