The most notable event of the meeting was the announcement of the Mountainside Trailblazer Award, an initiative designed to acknowledge exemplary students who embody character and integrity. This year’s inaugural recipients were Leo Lzolei from Beachwood School, recognized for his integrity and character, and Joseph Miller from Deerfield School, honored for his volunteerism and contributions to school events. The superintendent presented certificates to the students, applauding their achievements and encouraging peers to aspire to similar standards. The audience celebrated the students with applause, cementing the award as a significant addition to the district’s efforts to foster a culture of excellence.

Following the recognition ceremony, the superintendent provided updates on various educational initiatives. One focus was on the district’s annual HIV self-assessment, which evaluates school safety and bullying prevention measures. Noting improvements over the previous year, Beachwood School scored 75, up from 73, and Deerfield School scored 73, up from 71.

The superintendent also highlighted the district’s engagement with students during the recent Week of Respect. Lessons on bullying and conflict resolution were provided by guidance counselor Erica Bart for grades three through eight. Updates on the performance of fall sports teams were shared, with girls’ soccer achieving a winning record and significant victories in girls’ volleyball. Upcoming events include a volleyball tournament and a virtual fireside chat with Lieutenant Shan Bendic of the Mountainside Police Department, aimed at enhancing student and community safety.

In terms of academic performance, the meeting featured a presentation on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) results. The report revealed that Mountainside students performed above state averages in mathematics across grades three to six. For example, in grade three, 84.4% of students met or exceeded expectations. Similar success was observed in English Language Arts (ELA), with grades three to eight surpassing state averages. These results underscore the district’s effective educational strategies and highlight the impact of programs like Big Ideas Math and I Ready.

Further discussions addressed the introduction of a new eighth-grade math course designed to better meet students’ skill levels. This initiative aims to prevent students from struggling in advanced classes, fostering a more supportive learning environment.

Financial matters were also a focus of the meeting. The board reviewed the recent audit, which showed an increase in the district’s fund balance by approximately $424,000. This improvement was attributed to strategic deposits into capital reserves, which provide a financial buffer for future expenditures. The board highlighted the importance of maintaining reserves for capital, maintenance, and tuition to ensure financial stability amidst rising costs and inflation.

The food service fund was another topic of discussion, particularly in relation to state requirements on cash reserves. The district’s net cash resources exceeded the state-mandated limit by $122,000, prompting the need for a strategic plan to utilize the surplus effectively. While increased subsidies during the pandemic contributed to this surplus, the funds must be used to benefit the lunch program, necessitating careful planning to comply with state regulations.

The board also approved several administrative items, including a $30,000 donation from the Parent-Teacher Organization for landscaping and plans for a feasibility study on send-receive opportunities with neighboring districts. The study, costing $18,000, aims to explore high school options in Chatham and Westfield, with $10,000 previously allocated for this purpose.

The meeting touched on emerging educational technologies, including a discussion on artificial intelligence in schools.