During the meeting, the superintendent’s report included an in-depth presentation on the district’s HIB self-assessment results. Each building in the district is evaluated annually by a safety team against state rubrics, with the highest possible score being 78. This year, the high school and Ramapo Ridge Middle School both scored 77, missing full marks in only one core element. Joyce Kilmer and Let it Be Meadows achieved perfect scores of 78, while Betsy Ross and George Washington scored 77. This led to an impressive district average of 77 out of 78. These scores will be submitted to the Department of Education for review. Miss Rizzo provided additional context, noting that there were 83 investigations last year, with 26 cases confirmed, a decrease attributed to the impact of COVID-19.

Goals for the coming year include analyzing safety team data to identify patterns and enhance educational opportunities. Efforts to educate parents on HIB definitions and reporting processes will continue, primarily through back-to-school nights and other communications.

Another highlight was the recognition of the Thunderbird Times, the district’s newsletter, which received the 2025 NJSP Communications Award. The newsletter, which reaches about 11,000 homes, was honored for its role in strengthening community connections. This award follows previous recognition for media relations pertaining to student participation in Habitat for Humanity initiatives.

Community engagement was also a focal point, with a recent gathering held on September 29 aimed at collecting insights from parents across different school levels. This feedback will guide future projects and budget planning, with an eye toward the upcoming referendum scheduled for March 10, 2026. The board underscored the importance of these sessions in aligning strategic planning with community needs.

The meeting also covered updates from the school counseling department, noting the positive impact of the new director of guidance, Mr. O’Hara. Enhanced communication with parents and the inclusion of comprehensive newsletters were highlighted as key improvements. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to keep families informed and connected to the school community.

Additionally, the board discussed proactive programs to boost student safety and well-being. Initiatives such as the Week of Respect, character education lessons, and new student orientation days were highlighted for their role in fostering a positive school culture. Training for staff on crisis intervention and restraint protocols was also discussed, emphasizing that restraints are only used when necessary and by trained personnel.

The meeting celebrated the district’s accomplishments, including the achievements of students recognized as National Merit Scholars. Upcoming events such as an alumni homecoming on October 23 and the Thunderbird Run on October 26 were mentioned. A call for board trustees to attend a student capstone presentation on October 30 was also extended.

Logistical updates included a new transportation agreement with Mercer County Educational Services Commission, projected to save costs compared to private contracts. The board is also preparing to advertise bids for HVAC and refrigeration repairs to enhance maintenance flexibility. Other administrative tasks, such as the disposal of records and compliance with state maintenance requirements, were addressed.