21:39The most notable topic of discussion centered around the I-Ready testing system implemented in the district’s early grade levels. Public comments revealed a mix of appreciation and concern among parents and community members. One participant underscored the importance of the I-Ready system as a diagnostic tool, emphasizing its role in providing educators with insights into student performance. However, concerns were raised about the test’s fidelity and the clarity of its results. Parents questioned whether the testing was conducted solely in school or included at-home assessments, which could impact the reliability of the data. The call for increased communication between parents and teachers was strong, with the belief that better dialogue could alleviate some parental concerns.

A specific issue highlighted by a parent involved a discrepancy in her son’s performance on I-Ready tests over time, which led to confusion about his learning progression. This prompted a broader discussion about the need for a holistic approach to evaluating student performance, with report cards serving as a critical tool for understanding a child’s academic standing. Board members acknowledged the necessity for further parental education on interpreting I-Ready scores and proposed offering recorded resources to support parents in navigating the assessments.

In parallel to the testing concerns, the board addressed financial matters, particularly revolving around the tentative budget for the 2025-26 school year and the need for a forensic audit. A speaker inquired about the status of this audit, previously discussed by the board to ensure financial accountability. It was noted that the board awaited a response from the state regarding funding for the audit. This discussion touched on past concerns about the depletion of reserve funds and whether these had been replenished. The board clarified that some funds were set aside from the previous year’s audit results and that resolutions on the agenda related to capital reserves were connected to the upcoming budget year.

0:28Further into the meeting, the superintendent provided updates on district activities, including a meeting with state legislators to advocate for increased resources for students. He also highlighted recent school events, such as the successful spring production of “Mean Girls Jr.” and a college fair organized by Meredith Girkin, which offered students valuable insights into post-secondary options. Additionally, the superintendent noted the ongoing New Jersey graduation performance assessment testing at Nutley High School, commended for its smooth execution.

The meeting also featured reports from student representatives, who shared updates on various student activities. These included the completion of the NJ GPA testing, a staff versus student volleyball game, and a fashion show hosted by the class of 2025. Upcoming events such as a March Madness Tournament and a Red Cross blood drive were also announced.

During the public comment section, a grandparent praised the special needs program at Washington School, specifically commending a teacher for effectively transitioning students from Bergen County to Nutley. This positive feedback highlighted the program’s success, as evidenced by the inclusion of the grandparent’s grandson in regular education classes for specials.