The strategic planning presentation was a focal point of the meeting, detailing the district’s achievements and objectives in numerous areas. The facilities component of the plan was highlighted, with the board examining the evaluation of learning spaces, updating innovative learning spaces, identifying outdated and underutilized spaces, and focusing on safety.

The meeting further outlined the SEL program’s success, which aims to support students’ social and emotional well-being. The establishment of the Thunderbird partnership was noted as a key accomplishment, empowering students to share knowledge within the district. The board also discussed resources and tools for parents, including the creation of a Parent Academy and a document offering guidance to support children’s social and emotional needs. Plans for a drop-in center and annual screenings to assess student resilience were also on the agenda.

Curriculum updates were a subject of keen interest, with the board addressing the completion of the Quality Assurance Continuum (QAC) process, which offered insights into curriculum development. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) were instrumental in identifying curriculum gaps, and steps to address these gaps were discussed.

The board also focused on enhancing community connections, emphasizing the growth of internship, externship, and mentorship opportunities for students. The growth of the Thunderbird partnership program and career pathways program was highlighted, alongside efforts to engage local experts and expand career education. Support for the district’s diverse population was discussed, with an inclusivity audit and increased opportunities for student partnerships and engagement with multilingual families being notable topics.

In addition to strategic planning, the meeting celebrated the dedication and impact of several educators within the district. Ellen Mahoney, a kindergarten teacher, and other teachers such as Kelly Picarello and Courtney Bird were recognized for their exemplary commitment to creating positive and inclusive learning environments for their students. Honorees expressed gratitude and shared their experiences, emphasizing their dedication to the school community.

The superintendent provided updates on various achievements and initiatives, including student projects submitted for the New Jersey Board of Education student recognition award, which focused on community outreach and support for multilingual learners. Additionally, the proposal for a school security officer to enhance security at Ramapo Ridge School was discussed, with the board acknowledging the recommendation and welcoming new appointees to the leadership team.

Negotiations with the supervisors association culminated in a preliminary agreement for a four-year contract. A gas piping project at the high school was addressed, with plans to re-engineer the project due to higher than anticipated bids. The introduction of a new pre-kindergarten partnership with B County Special Services was announced.

Instruction and curriculum updates included the introduction of a new course, pre-algebra Solutions, aimed at supporting multilingual learners in mathematics, and positive results from the I-Ready program. Additionally, public comments were addressed, including a question about the integration of climate change into the curriculum, to which the district’s approach was described as a thoughtful infusion into various subjects.