Superintendent Gatens emphasized the importance of the high school’s role in providing a structured environment for the summer camp. This arrangement, approved by the board, was necessitated by the lack of alternative facilities to host the camp during the summer months. Gatens commended the efforts of the administrators and supervisors in preparing the preliminary budgets and expressed optimism about the district’s growth, citing the support for program expansion in the forthcoming year.

The board’s financial planning was a focal point, with the announcement of a planned tax relief of $550,000 for the 2424-2425 budget, thanks to the surplus from the annual audit, which reported no findings. The capital reserve and maintenance reserve will see an increase through transfers of surplus. The upcoming budget, set to be submitted for review on March 12th, promises further development in the district’s infrastructure, with capital projects like roof replacements, exterior door upgrades, and FEMA mitigation efforts underway. However, the delay in the arrival of seven electric buses was noted, with the board maintaining ongoing communications with the vendor to resolve the issue.

Student representatives provided updates on high school activities, highlighting sports achievements and social events. Particular recognition was given to student Emily Gilbart, who was acknowledged by the Bergen County School Board Association for her contributions. The board’s support for students was evident as they rescheduled a committee meeting to allow attendance at an event honoring Emily.

Safety and security measures were also on the agenda, as evidenced by the discussions around the placement of planters in the town. The board debated their location, considering the sidewalk width and historical context, as the planters were initially placed as a safety precaution following accidents. The Buildings and Grounds committee is collaborating with the town to find a resolution to the concerns raised.

The selection process for educational materials, as well as the incorporation of AI and predictive software in the curriculum, were also addressed. The Policy committee reviewed facility use and updated policies to reflect new legislation, indicative of the board’s ongoing efforts to stay current with legal and regulatory changes.

The Finance and Planning committee highlighted the expansion of access to school meals, in line with new legislation passed by Governor Murphy. The initiative aims to provide meal opportunities for families.

During the public comment period, attendees voiced concerns about safety and security. The board acknowledged these concerns and assured they would be addressed in further discussions.

In addition to these matters, the board discussed the success of the new Ski Club at the high school, which saw 44 students participating and discussed the need for a donation from Mountain Creek. After a closed session lasting about 30 minutes, the board moved to approve personnel items before adjourning the meeting.