01:17:41The most notable topic of the meeting was the farewell to Superintendent Janet Walling, who was celebrated for her impactful six-year tenure. A poem was presented in her honor, emphasizing her steadfast leadership, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The poem praised her ability to transform challenges into strengths, noting her dedication to student safety and curriculum development. It highlighted her achievements, including the district’s receipt of the prestigious Blue Ribbon award, and her active involvement in everyday school activities. Walling expressed her gratitude, reflecting on her career, which began in 1988, and emphasized her commitment to the community and its students, stating, “The kids have always been the forefront of everything we do.” The board and attendees applauded her contributions, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

01:12:43In addition to Walling’s farewell, the board recognized the accomplishments of several individuals within the school community. Terry Shru, a paraprofessional with 26 years of service, was honored for her nurturing approach and positive influence on student independence and emotional growth. Her dedication was acknowledged as a key factor in promoting student success. Similarly, Janine Cardone, a third-grade teacher with nearly 29 years of experience, was recognized for her ability to foster a family-like atmosphere in her classroom and her commitment to understanding her students’ individual needs. Parents frequently requested Cardone as a teacher due to her effective teaching methods and strong rapport with students.

01:09:43The meeting also celebrated the achievements of students who participated in the Noetic Learning Math Contest, a national competition for grades 2 through 8. This year, 93 Mountainside students participated, an increase from the previous year, with 39 students receiving national honorable mention for being in the top 50%.

01:23:34As the school year drew to a close, the board acknowledged upcoming events, including the eighth-grade graduation and various preschool celebrations. An eighth-grade dance was noted. The business administrator presented reports, mentioning a state requirement to review previously approved contracts for the 2024-2025 school year, though the reasons for this requirement remained unclear. The Berkeley Heights liaison report included details about a public meeting where educators of the year were recognized, and discussions about summer staffing took place. The board approved tuition funds for both general and special education. The liaison also mentioned the upcoming graduation event for Governor Livingston, scheduled for the following day, weather permitting.

01:30:57During the public participation section, a representative from the Mountainside Library shared updates about its recent integration into the Main Library Alliance. The announcement of summer reading registration included details about activities such as jewelry making, book groups, and Minecraft events. An innovative addition to the library services was the installation of outdoor pickup lockers, available 24/7, allowing patrons to retrieve books even when the library is closed. This development was presented as a significant enhancement to library services, further strengthening the collaboration between the library and the school.