Oradell School Board Advances Student Creativity and Safety Measures
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
04/17/2024
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Recording Published:
04/17/2024
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Duration:
31 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Oradell
- Meeting Overview:
The Oradell School Board meeting included an update on the district’s educational strategies and infrastructure improvements aiming to enhance student creativity and ensure safety. The superintendent’s detailed report on the district’s educational initiatives, the awarding of significant maintenance projects, and the discussion of security measures stood out as the meeting’s most newsworthy elements.
The superintendent provided a thorough account of the district’s efforts to foster creativity and strengthen the partnership between home and school. A notable aspect of the educational strategy was the district’s 11-year use of the LinkIt data analysis tool, which informs differentiated instruction. This tool guides intervention cycles and marks a shift from a basic skills model to a focus on developing specific skills. Professional development for staff has been aligned with these goals, covering topics such as choice boards for differentiation, support for multilingual learners, and a concentration on math instruction.
An important addition to the staff was the hiring of a learning disability teacher consultant. This role is critical in supporting students with learning challenges and ensuring they receive targeted assistance. Furthermore, the board acknowledged the success of the district’s teams in the Odyssey of the Mind competition and approved a staff member for an overnight weekend field trip associated with the program.
In addition to educational enhancements, the board deliberated on infrastructure projects. The awarding of the exhaust fan project and the partial roof replacement project were discussed with an emphasis on the detailed review of bid packages by the attorney. These maintenance projects are vital for the upkeep and improvement of school facilities.
Security within school premises was another focal point. The board discussed various measures under the buildings and grounds section, including the implementation of additional fencing and the installation of long-range cameras. These enhancements aim to increase safety for students and staff. Plans for modernizing the bathrooms were also reviewed.
The administrative agenda included the introduction and seconding of the revised school calendar and employee month calendar. The curricular item presented was amended to correct the school year.
The finance and technology committee presented budget-related items, which included the allocation of funds from the capital reserve for maintenance projects. This financial planning ensures that the district has the resources needed for ongoing and future improvements. The personnel report highlighted the approval of the new learning disability teacher consultant position and the return of two inclement weather days to the school calendar.
No updates were reported by the policy committee, but plans were made to schedule a meeting for public relations. The board also discussed the plan to purchase Survey Monkey software for an upcoming survey.
Megan N. Bozios
School Board Officials:
Dorothy Watson-Nichols, Gregory Derian, Peter Iappelli, Alena Acosta, James Del Greco, Jaime Downey, Christopher Nutland, Mary-Katherine Norian, Rita Walker, John Walsh
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
04/17/2024
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Recording Published:
04/17/2024
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Duration:
31 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Oradell
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