A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring retiring board member Carmen Jacobo and district veteran Donna Leasher. Jacobo was recognized for her seven years of voluntary service on the board, during which she navigated challenges, particularly those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a gesture of appreciation, the board announced the donation of two books to the school library, selected by Jacobo. The first book, “The Junkyard Wonders,” was chosen to reflect her commitment to making all students feel valued, especially those with learning differences. The second book, focusing on dyslexia, aims to help middle school students understand their unique learning identities. These books will be marked with placards commemorating Jacobo’s contribution.

Leasher, who served as curriculum supervisor and elementary principal since 2012 and stepped in as acting superintendent during a critical period, was also honored. The board presented her with a plaque for her dedication and reliability. Leasher expressed mixed emotions about retiring, sharing that she cherished moments like morning bus duty and praised the dedication of teachers and support staff. Her family joined the meeting for a brief recess in her honor.

After acknowledging these retirements, the meeting turned to an in-depth update on the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) results presented by Dr. Paul’s. The district’s performance was assessed in areas such as instruction, programming, fiscal management, and operations, with scores ranging from 76% to 100%. While governance and operations scored perfectly, instruction and programming fell below the 80% threshold, necessitating an improvement plan. The district aims to enhance student performance in English Language Arts, math, and science, with ongoing efforts since July to inform stakeholders and develop grade-level meetings targeting academic needs.

Monthly meetings have been established to analyze student performance data, creating a unique “data wall” to highlight individual achievements and needs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster communication and collaboration among programs like ACES and Title I. Tailored educational plans for specific students will be implemented from January to April, with staff assuming coaching roles to support academic success and student well-being. A reflection on the year’s progress is scheduled for May.

The board also discussed the successful application for grants, including a coaches grant and the Lyft grant for integrating music programs for young children. These initiatives align with the district’s focus on early literacy and family engagement, with plans to establish a newborn registry to predict future preschool enrollment.

Financial discussions included a budget inquiry regarding a $750,000 tax increase. A detailed presentation is forthcoming to explain the financial situation over the past decade. The finance and operations committee reported on HVAC balancing issues, roofing replacement, and the completion of federal and annual audits. A budget Q&A section was launched on the district’s website to improve transparency and community engagement.

The meeting also featured committee reports, highlighting policy updates and ongoing reviews, as well as personnel and negotiations discussions, including a potential LEAP shared service grant for an audio system. The board noted the importance of effective data management and professional development to enhance teaching strategies.

Public comments included gratitude from the Mullica Township Education Association (MTEA) for the contributions of retiring board members and acknowledgment of collaborative efforts with Dr. Paul’s on the district calendar. The MTEA also updated the board on their participation in community events and contributions to the PTA for Thanksgiving baskets and gifts.