18:24The meeting began with a detailed presentation of the district’s financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30. An auditor provided a clean opinion on the financial statements, despite challenges from a recent change in the business administrator position. The audit underscored the district’s financial prudence, with over $3 million withdrawn from the capital reserve, of which $2 million was replenished.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing potential changes in the curriculum, sparked by a resignation within the industrial arts department. The director of curriculum reported findings from an elective survey conducted among students in grades 6 through 11. The survey, with an 80% response rate, revealed a strong interest in arts, technology, and life skills subjects, prompting discussions on expanding elective offerings. Middle school students showed enthusiasm for hands-on activities, while high school students preferred electives that aligned with career paths, with heightened interest in STEM and language courses including Italian and ASL.

The board members deliberated on the implications of these survey results for future course offerings and the potential integration of eighth graders into high school programs. Plans were discussed for realigning schedules to utilize staff certifications better, allowing students to explore hands-on learning experiences like woodworking and potentially new courses in industrial and culinary arts. There was optimism about expanding the curriculum to include drama and theater programs, contingent on budget considerations.

42:01Facility issues were also addressed, particularly regarding persistent water problems beneath the Kinnelon High School gym floor. Engineering assessments, including core samples, are needed to determine the water source, which is suspected to be linked to water table levels. The gym floor, replaced in 2017, is again showing signs of warping, necessitating a permanent solution before further replacements. An environmental engineering firm’s involvement was anticipated to diagnose the problem accurately.

In terms of transportation, the finance, facilities, and security committee proposed a lease agreement for a new bus, to be paid over five years, as part of addressing transportation needs for KHS and PRM. Additionally, the preschool program plans to add two more seats to accommodate a waitlist, with tuition set to increase to $1,200 per month, remaining competitive with local preschools.

56:50Policy discussions featured prominently, with a proposal allowing board members to participate in meetings remotely, a response to attendance concerns amid illness and COVID-19. This policy was slated for a first reading. Another policy under consideration involved cell phone usage, with more data needed before proceeding. Furthermore, a new state-mandated policy on artificial intelligence requires districts to appoint an AI coordinator and develop implementation steps, despite a lack of state funding. These policies aimed to keep the district aligned with evolving educational standards and technological advancements.

During public comments, inquiries were made about the timeline for implementing new AI policies and managing devices by the school year’s end. A commitment was made to hold another Tri Forum in May to discuss budget and program definitions with parents.