The meeting began with an in-depth presentation on the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA) results. Dr. Herzog and Mr. Perowsky detailed the performance of MHS students, who participated in the NJ GPA implemented in March 2024.

In English Language Arts (ELA), MHS reported a graduation readiness rate of 97.1%, higher than the state’s average of 81.6%. The board acknowledged this achievement while emphasizing the need to improve in areas such as analyzing complex characters and historical sources. Over a three-year period, MHS showed a consistent trend of outperforming state averages, with a notable increase of 27.8% in performance. Moving forward, the board plans to use assessment data to inform instructional planning and enhance critical reading and writing skills across various subjects.

In mathematics, MHS students also excelled, achieving a graduation readiness percentage of 84.3%, surpassing the state average of 54.7% by 29.6 percentage points. Students demonstrated proficiency in areas like geometric proofs and problem-solving. However, growth areas such as applying geometric reasoning and solving multi-step contextual problems were identified. The board reiterated the importance of utilizing assessment data to differentiate learning and improve instruction.

Dr. Herzog provided a analysis of subgroup performance, focusing on Latino and Hispanic, Asian, White, and special education students. All subgroups showed increased proficiency in ELA, and three out of four showed improvements in math compared to 2022. To protect student privacy, data for subgroups with fewer than ten students was not publicly reported. The board discussed next steps, including continued data analysis, tiered intervention supports, and differentiated instruction strategies to assist struggling students.

Further discussions highlighted the success of the Intervention Program in aiding graduation readiness. A small percentage of students demonstrated readiness through alternate assessments like Dynamic Learning Maps, particularly those receiving special education services. Questions regarding graduation requirements for the class of 2025 clarified that the same cutoff scores applied as for the class of 2024, with no changes since the class of 2022.

Public comments and board inquiries raised concerns about the notable increase in ELA scores from 2022 to 2023, while math scores remained stable. The board speculated that the sharp rise in ELA scores might be linked to a statewide adjustment of cut scores, which had been lowered from 750 to 725. This adjustment was part of broader discussions about future assessments and potential increases in expectations.

The meeting also addressed the effectiveness of the tutoring program, particularly the use of Varsity Tutors. The board noted that the program had been underutilized, with only a limited number of students taking advantage of the tutoring offered. Discussions centered on assessing how to better use resources to increase student engagement with tutoring services.

On the construction front, the board received updates on progress at all four schools. At M School, most footings and foundations were completed, and HVAC system preparations were underway. Edgar School focused on pouring the building slab and preparing for steel installation. Campbell School moved to steel erection and HVAC preparations. The high school began work on a new field build, cafeteria additions, and HVAC upgrades, though the completion timeline for the track remained uncertain.

Public comments during this segment included inquiries about specific construction details, such as equipment types used at M School for establishing pillars and the stormwater drainage system’s completion timeline due to potential flooding concerns. The construction committee is scheduled to meet next on September 9, with the next public meeting set for October 14 at the Metuchen High School library.

The finance committee discussed various topics, including health insurance updates and busing issues. A notable topic was a royalty agreement with a vendor related to Touch and Gear, though no agreement was reached, and further information was needed. The board emphasized the importance of clarity regarding the proposal’s exclusivity and other contractual details.

The meeting included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, with unanimous approval confirmed. The superintendent’s recommendations highlighted personnel items, notably the appointment of Ashley Petski as a special education teacher at Campbell School. The board underscored the importance of hiring qualified staff, especially in special education.

As the meeting progressed, the curriculum committee presented items for approval, which passed without objection. Announcements reminded attendees to complete required forms on the Genesis platform for student schedule access, with specific dates for schedule releases and open houses mentioned.