During the public comment period, a parent voiced concerns about the district’s continued use of a modified Teachers College reading and writing curriculum. They advocated for a shift towards a knowledge-building curriculum, which emphasizes content-rich learning. Citing research, the parent argued that background knowledge is vital for reading comprehension and critical thinking. They noted that the current curriculum, which focuses on skill development in isolation, lacks the necessary context for students to apply these skills effectively. This, they asserted, leaves students unprepared for comprehensive understanding and critical analysis. The parent shared a positive anecdote about their child’s experience with a unit on ancient Egypt, which successfully integrated knowledge and skills, urging the board to consider adopting similar approaches district-wide.

The meeting also addressed the allocation and perceived impact of federal Title funds. A board member explained the reimbursement process for these funds, clarifying that the district submits requests after expenses are incurred. With a total of $45,000 available from Title programs, the member described this amount as “chump change” within the context of the overall budget, representing only 3/10 of 1%. Although every dollar counts, there was a suggestion that the board should not overemphasize the significance of these funds. Discussions included how Title II funds typically support professional development, while Title I funds are allocated for after-school and summer programs.

Concerns about special education were also raised, with a parent highlighting that approximately 18% of the student population requires Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. They advocated for improvements in facilities planning, suggesting dedicated spaces for special education teachers to work with students, rather than using hallways where distractions are prevalent. The parent also proposed the creation of inclusion rooms, similar to those in Riverdale Middle School, to offer a calming environment with easy access to guidance staff. They emphasized the importance of having in-class support classrooms for every grade to ensure comprehensive support for students who may not be easily identified as needing assistance.

These discussions were met with a suggestion from a board member to form a special education subcommittee. This proposed subcommittee would further explore the issues surrounding special education, particularly in light of ongoing changes at the federal level impacting education. The board member suggested considering both formal and ad hoc committee structures to address these concerns comprehensively.

Earlier in the meeting, a resident from Wildwood Road raised concerns about the district goals detailed in the agenda. They requested more transparency regarding the comprehensive needs assessment that shaped these goals, questioning the action plans, timelines, and measures for success. The resident expressed disappointment that the goals did not engage all stakeholders in developing a district strategic plan, which they viewed as a necessary step following the previous year’s survey of the OPS graduate portrait. They also raised questions about improvements in New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) scores, asking whether Oradell ranked in the top third of the county and why the focus was not on internal improvements rather than community comparisons.

The board meeting also included a presentation by Principal Holly, who introduced a group of sixth-grade students. These students volunteered to plan activities for the Week of Respect, designed to promote respect within the school community. They shared their planning process, which included reviewing past activities and generating new ideas such as themed spirit days and “Chalk the Walk,” where positive messages were written on sidewalks. The students engaged the board members in an interactive game called “This or That,” aimed at fostering connections while sharing their experiences from the Week of Respect.

Furthermore, Superintendent Megan N. Bozios discussed community events that fostered collaboration between the school and external organizations. She praised the Oradell Fire Department’s involvement during Fire Prevention Week and mentioned the success of the annual 5K and fun run, emphasizing the sense of community and connection with both current and former students. Upcoming initiatives, such as a bike and scooter safety session for upper-grade students, were also highlighted.