A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of a truancy mediation program, developed in collaboration with the township committee. This initiative aims to address student attendance issues more sensitively and effectively. The program provides resources to help families ensure regular school attendance without resorting to fines or open court hearings.

Complementing this, the district is revising its attendance policies related to illness. Under the new approach, parents no longer need to hold onto doctor’s notes until the end of the school year for documentation purposes. Instead, illness-related notes will be accepted immediately, and students’ attendance records will remain unaffected as long as they maintain good academic standing. This change is designed to alleviate stress for families dealing with illness and prioritize student well-being.

Another focal point was the completion of the North Turf project. The new turf field is now available for home games and practices, with the track overlay expected to be completed by mid-October. Scheduling the work in sections ensures minimal disruption to athletic events.

The meeting also highlighted the impact of motivational speaker Jordan Toma, who engaged with ninth-grade students during the launch of a new freshman orientation model. His assembly was described as highly engaging, and students expressed a strong desire to interact with him afterward. Toma also hosted an evening presentation for parents, emphasizing their role in supporting their children’s education.

Addressing student behavior, the board noted a positive response to the reset of student expectations regarding cell phone use during instructional time. This adjustment has resulted in students using their phones less during open blocks and passing periods.

In committee reports, the curriculum and instruction committee announced a new grading model for grades four and five. This hybrid system combines numerical grades with standards-based grading. The Parent University series was also emphasized, offering a range of educational topics for parents to support their children’s learning.

The student services committee highlighted initiatives to enhance support for special education students in world language courses through an in-class consultative model. Additionally, the introduction of Central Reach, an ABA software program, aims to streamline therapy documentation and communication with families. Orton-Gillingham training for literacy instruction was recognized as a development, equipping educators with effective strategies for teaching reading to young students.

In administrative updates, a temporary link has been established on the district’s website to provide public access to school policies, using Google Drive until a more permanent solution is finalized. This move aims to increase transparency and accessibility for the community.

The planning process for a new five-year strategic plan, set to span from 2025 to 2030, was announced. Community members are invited to participate in the planning committee.

During public comments, a parent, G. Mary Ramos, raised concerns about the district’s handling of bullying, linking the discussion to tragic incidents involving students. She expressed skepticism about the school’s responsiveness to bullying and advocated for stricter laws. Ramos highlighted the emotional toll of bullying on families and called for more accountability within the school system regarding bullying incidents.

Another community member thanked Dr. Tan, who is retiring, for her leadership in special education, noting the positive changes in how the district approaches inclusion.