Mount Olive School Board Tackles Curriculum and Technology Advances
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
07/22/2024
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Recording Published:
07/22/2024
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Duration:
131 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Mount Olive
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Mount Olive School Board meeting, discussions centered on the advancement of curriculum and technology in the district, as well as the performance of students on the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA). The School Board also addressed personnel matters, including the introduction of stay interviews and the need for additional staff in the high school weight room during summer.
The importance of these results was underlined by the board’s subsequent conversations on enhancing math instruction and aligning middle school and high school curricula. Efforts to analyze the performance of subgroups such as Hispanic and black students and economically disadvantaged students were also emphasized.
Another topic was the district’s climate and culture survey results. The board is set to analyze this data with each school’s climate teams in the fall, and an additional survey is planned for December.
The Personnel committee brought up the implementation of stay interviews, a strategy designed to engage current employees and address their concerns proactively. The committee also reviewed redacted versions of exit survey results and emphasized the need for a second summer weight room advisor due to increased usage by student-athletes.
In technology, the district reported on the successful implementation of touch Point swipe-in kiosks, which are expected to be installed in every building by the end of summer. These kiosks will enhance security by tracking presence in school buildings. Additionally, discussions on the district’s technology department accomplishments and upcoming technology purchases and programs were presented. The Curriculum and Technology report included a conversation about ESCA grants, highlighting the grant amounts received and the alignment with the district’s goals.
The Finance and Operations section detailed the process of filling an open position left by a former employee. The board conducted interviews with 25 candidates, eventually narrowing it down to two finalists who participated in a district ride-along. The Policy Committee, under the Housing Governance section, reviewed policy and regulation updates across various areas, including curriculum, staff, and student suicide prevention, among others. All updates were noted to be available for public view.
During public comments, concerns about legal fees were raised, prompting a clarification on the process for reviewing and paying these fees. Personnel action items were discussed, with particular attention given to retiring staff and inquiries about changing job roles within the district. The meeting also included the approval of administrative action items and discussions on old and new business.
The board engaged in a debate on the contract extension for the architect of record. A motion to amend the extension from the end of the calendar year to the end of the school year was passed, but the item was subsequently tabled for further discussion in the Finance and Operations committee.
Dr. Sumit Bangia
School Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
07/22/2024
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Recording Published:
07/22/2024
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Duration:
131 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Mount Olive
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