The board’s recognition of Denise Paramus’s service was a focal point, with members and community figures offering tributes. Having served on the board since 2003, Denise’s departure marked the end of a significant chapter in the board’s history. Mr. Weinstein read a resolution in her honor, highlighting her numerous roles, including multiple terms as president and chairperson of various committees. Board members took turns expressing their appreciation, with comments emphasizing her mentorship and the positive influence she had on students and staff. One member described Denise as “the epitome of what we should hold up in high esteem as a community,” while another reflected on her unwavering leadership during challenging times. Denise expressed gratitude for the support she received and reflected on the personal sacrifices made during her tenure, noting the impact of her absence on her family due to board commitments.

The meeting also dove into concerns about chronic absenteeism within the district, an issue that has drawn increased scrutiny from the New Jersey Department of Education since the pandemic. The superintendent presented data indicating that the chronic absenteeism rates for the 2022-2023 school year were 10% at Wayside Elementary, 10.8% at Tois, and 16% at the high school. The board discussed strategies to address these rates, focusing on improving communication with parents about attendance policies and the importance of reporting absences accurately. A recent parent survey revealed that illness was the most frequently cited reason for student absences, but there was confusion regarding what qualifies as an excused absence.

In parallel, the board examined potential changes to the high school schedule to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes. The current schedule, which allows students to take more classes, was scrutinized for its short marking periods and logistical issues. The proposed “rotate and drop” schedule aims to balance instructional time across subjects, particularly in areas like mathematics and world languages, where continuity is crucial. This new model would involve a four-day cycle where students attend eight classes, dropping one each day to manage six classes daily. The introduction of “unit lunch” would provide opportunities for social interaction and teacher engagement, responding to concerns about the equity of instructional time. The board emphasized the importance of flexibility and adapting the schedule to mitigate loss of instructional time due to extracurricular activities.

Further discussions touched on the implications of the schedule redesign for both students and staff. Concerns were raised about the shift in workload for teachers and students, with the potential increase in homework and class assessments. The board proposed implementing delayed openings for professional development, allowing staff to adapt to the new scheduling format. This plan was met with support.

The public comment session brought additional topics to the fore, including concerns about communication clarity regarding students’ rights to participate in civic activities and the policies for excused absences. Some attendees noted potential equity issues in acquiring doctor’s notes for absences, urging the board to consider these disparities. Questions were also raised about the board’s search for a new attorney and the implications of ongoing legal matters, stressing the need for transparency in addressing legal challenges facing the district.