The board dedicated considerable time to discussing the progress of multilingual learners. Jonathan Keeny, the Director of Curriculum, presented the WIA test results which assess the English language proficiency of these students. Keeny highlighted that the ACCESS scores are vital for evaluating students’ language skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This year, 12 students graduated from Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs), having achieved an average score of 4.5 across all domains, which qualifies them to transition to standard educational programs.

Keeny elaborated on the challenges faced by multilingual learners, particularly those with interrupted formal education. He emphasized the need for tailored programs to address the diverse needs of students within the same grade levels. The current enrollment of multilingual learners stands at 39, up from 36 the previous year, reflecting some fluctuation due to a transient population. Plans for continued staffing support and curriculum updates were shared. Keeny expressed optimism about the advancements made in the LIEP programs and reiterated the commitment to meeting the needs of multilingual learners.

In tandem with these discussions, the board addressed HVAC updates across several schools. The most substantial work occurred at Allen W. Roberts School, where air conditioning is expected to be operational by spring 2025. At Salt Brook School, unit ventilators are being stored on campus, with ongoing plumbing and electrical work planned for school breaks. The installation of unit ventilators at New Providence Middle School and High School is underway, with completion slated for summer 2025. These updates aim to enhance the learning environment by ensuring comfortable temperatures in classrooms.

The meeting also featured the introduction of two new staff members. Kathleen Adler, with eight years of teaching experience from the Morris School District, was welcomed as a reading specialist at Allen W. Roberts School. Davey G. Calis, transitioning from a career as an aircraft technician and previously working with Morgan Stanley, joined the high school counseling suite. Board members expressed enthusiasm about their contributions to the district.

In other administrative updates, the board approved the annual security plans and a traumatic loss plan, specifically mentioning the New Providence High School athletic emergency action plan. This plan, developed by Mr. Carangelo and the athletic trainer Ms. Nolan, covers 17 different sites for athletic events, each with unique considerations. The board also renewed its partnership with the Berkeley Heights YMCA for before and after care services at Allen W. Roberts School and Salt Brook School, citing its success over previous years. Additionally, pricing recommendations for the 2024-25 school year related to Pomptonian, which provides food services, were approved, including the removal of certain food items initially planned to be served.

During the education segment, a provisional teacher mentoring plan for the 2024-25 school year was introduced. This plan requires new teachers to utilize two of their in-school professional planning days for classroom observations and coaching sessions with mentors or department heads. The initiative aims to provide new teachers with enhanced support and integration into the school environment, facilitating their professional growth.

The board also approved several policy updates, including a reduction in the petty cash reimbursement limit for central office purchases from $100 to $75. Mandated revisions reflecting updates in administrative code were also addressed, including an artificial intelligence policy presented for its second reading.

Committee reports highlighted ongoing curriculum reviews. The curriculum committee discussed updates to various curriculums in light of new New Jersey standards for English Language Arts. They also approved a middle school media mashup elective curriculum and continued efforts to enhance the robotics program. Meanwhile, the finance and facilities committee reported monitoring HVAC systems and providing necessary support, and the personnel committee noted the positive atmosphere during the welcome event for new teachers.

During the new business segment, public comments resumed, with Abigail Franco addressing the board regarding the equity landscape report from the 2022-2023 school year. Franco proposed a community forum at the United Methodist Church to discuss the report’s findings and gather community feedback. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess into closed session for personnel matters.