The most notable discussion centered on the AP exam performance and participation rates. It was reported that the district has seen a remarkable increase in the number of AP exams administered, growing from 200 students to over 500 in a span of two years, making it the largest number ever recorded in the district. The transition to online testing formats, successfully piloted for three tests, has been a key component of this growth. The College Board’s announcement to shift more assessments online was highlighted. The Board was pleased to note a significant rise in the percentage of students achieving a passing score of three or higher, especially in STEM fields. These scores are outperforming both state and global averages.

Concerns were raised about the participation rates, with a Board member requesting information on how many students opted out of testing compared to those who participated. Although specific data was not available at the meeting, the administration expressed enthusiasm about the increased participation and emphasized the importance of students achieving passing scores to facilitate future dual enrollment opportunities.

In parallel, the Board also delved into the latest New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (GPA) scores. The Director of Student Achievement, Gene Mzy, reported that 86% of juniors assessed in English were deemed graduation-ready, surpassing the state average of 82%. This marked a steady improvement from previous years, where 59% and 57% of students were graduation-ready. A focus was placed on supporting students who did not meet graduation requirements, with pathways such as the Acuplacer and PSAT tests being made available. Mzy emphasized that every junior is required to take the GPA as a critical checkpoint for graduation readiness.

The Board also examined the performance disparities across different student demographics. There were notable challenges faced by Hispanic and Black students, with the Board recognizing the need for continued focus on these groups. Mzy highlighted that 30% of English Language Learners (ELLs) passed the GPA math exam, despite the exam’s language-intensive nature.

The discussion on ELLs extended to the challenges faced by newcomer students in standardized testing. Many students, particularly in elementary grades three through six, are not achieving the highest scores on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (SLA), which emphasizes critical thinking skills. Concerns were raised about the lack of preparation and English instruction for these students prior to taking the test. The ACCESS test, which evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, further underscored the multi-faceted challenges faced by these learners.

Ongoing tracking of ELL students’ progress was requested, particularly comparing those who have been in the district for various lengths of time. The Board noted that there is a noticeable difference in performance between newcomers who have been in the district for a shorter time versus those who have been there longer. Kindergarten students, for instance, showed lower proficiency levels initially, while older students, such as those in third and fourth grade, began to show improvement.

The meeting also addressed school environment and student well-being. Efforts to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in schools were discussed, with specific mention of beautification projects at Lis. The importance of mental health was a key theme, with discussions on managing cell phone usage during instructional time. A policy requiring students to park their devices was proposed to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on mental health, aligning with concerns articulated by the Surgeon General.

In terms of preparation for the upcoming school year, the Board discussed staff convocation and professional development days. The administration expressed excitement about new school logos and the launch of a mobile app and website designed to improve communication with families and the community. A partnership with the New Jersey Center for Future Educators was also highlighted, focusing on recruiting future teachers, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Lastly, the Board acknowledged various personnel matters, including the retirement of Dorene Welsh, a school counselor with 35 years of service. Her dedication and impact on students and families were emphasized, with the Board president urging a round of applause in recognition of her contributions.