A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing safety improvements at the crosswalk located at Newton and the White Horse Pike. Concerns were raised following a recent county meeting that focused on traffic safety, particularly for students crossing from nearby apartments to CVS. Board members expressed the necessity of implementing lighted crosswalks, emphasizing the importance of proactive community involvement in advocating for these changes. The potential relocation of the crosswalk to a more secure area was also suggested.

In tandem with safety discussions, the board examined academic performance, specifically in mathematics. A member expressed dissatisfaction with the current curriculum’s alignment with state standards, particularly in math, advocating for a consistent improvement approach. The board recognized the ineffectiveness of the current assessment tool in predicting student performance on state standardized tests. As a result, they proposed a transition to the NWEA MAP, a universal screener known for its reliability. This change, scheduled for implementation by the end of October, aims to provide immediate data to inform strategic educational decisions.

Further analysis of student performance revealed disparities in language arts proficiency, particularly in fourth grade, where a notable gap existed between male and female students. The board called for a deeper examination of these discrepancies to understand and address the underlying causes. Concerns were also raised regarding third-grade math scores, which were described as falling behind state averages. The board discussed the challenge of curriculum consistency and the impact of small cohort sizes on statistical accuracy, emphasizing the importance of tracking student progress over time.

In an effort to support teaching staff, the board reviewed the District mentoring plan, despite having no new hires this year. The plan includes a two-day new staff academy to foster camaraderie and logistical support at the academic year’s outset, alongside ongoing mentorship throughout the year. The board acknowledged the importance of this initiative in maintaining staff retention and consistency. Additional requests were made for data on staff tenure to further assess the stability of the teaching personnel.

The meeting also touched on collaborative efforts with Collingswood, including a comparative analysis of student performance between the two districts. This analysis is scheduled for presentation at the November board meeting. Additionally, discussions on the agenda for an upcoming retreat in Atlantic City included topics such as the relationship with Collingswood regarding the academic calendar and administrative services.

Routine business matters were addressed, including the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, superintendent reports on enrollment figures, and financial approvals. The board approved a fun and educational STEM outreach program in collaboration with the Animal Welfare Association, offering hands-on activities for fourth and fifth graders.

Lastly, the policy committee reviewed several regulations, including emergency situations and firearms policies, and tabled a policy on volunteer athletic coaches for further review. The meeting concluded with a public comment section, inviting attendees to engage with the board on various topics.