A major topic of the session was the mayor’s audit of the school district, which board members described as both unprecedented and potentially illegal. The board president criticized the audit, stating, “the mayor’s actions led us to a very dark place where time and effort are unnecessarily expended on this audit instead of focusing on… the excitement of the first day of school.” The board expressed admiration for the district’s staff, commending their hard work and integrity, and noted that the independent auditor’s report showed no findings across multiple categories, including financial planning and food service programs. An unmodified opinion from the auditor reinforced the district’s strong financial standing, with the board emphasizing that only a small percentage of New Jersey school districts completed their audits on time.

In response to the mayor’s intention to hire an independent school auditor, the board clarified that an independent auditor is defined as a certified public accountant who examines financial records without any affiliations that may present conflicts of interest. The board asserted that an auditor hired by the township would inherently lack independence due to the nature of their payment.

Enrollment and class size were concerns throughout the meeting. The board discussed the addition of six classrooms and one small group instruction space in phase one of a construction project, with hopes for a second phase that would bring in seven more classrooms. This addition aims to accommodate rising enrollment and alleviate pressure on overcrowded schools. One board member suggested that the town should compensate the district for permit-related costs distinct from geological challenges, emphasizing the need to quantify the financial impacts of such delays.

Community members voiced their frustrations about the impact of residential developments on class sizes and educational quality. One speaker criticized the board for a perceived lack of respect for parents and called for more accountability, stating, “our children are not political pawns.” Another parent expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing “ping pong blame game” between the town and the Board of Education, seeking clarity on how the board plans to manage classrooms exceeding 25 students while ensuring effective education. Concerns were also raised about the implications of larger class sizes on educational outcomes, particularly for younger students.

The board addressed the waiving of the classroom cap of 25 students in grades K-5, clarifying that the administration’s intention was not to eliminate the policy entirely but to adapt it given the district’s financial constraints. The current average class size was reported as 20.5 students, with some classes potentially exceeding this average. The administration highlighted the ability to fund the first phase of the classroom addition project at Littleton School without requiring additional taxpayer funds but acknowledged the need for more classroom space due to ongoing residential developments.

The discussion of financial constraints was prevalent, with emphasis on the 2% cap set by the state, which has strained budget creation in recent years of substantial inflation. The board noted that while the cap was manageable in a low-inflation environment, the current economic conditions have made budget planning challenging. The necessity of a referendum to secure funding for additional classroom space, facility upgrades, and the overall quality of education was emphasized, with discussions about the potential risks associated with pursuing such measures.

The board also addressed the need for a consistent district-wide policy to manage cell phone use in classrooms, following concerns from teachers about the effectiveness of the current policy. There was a recognition that any changes to the cell phone policy would require community input, teacher feedback, and administrative insights.

Board members expressed frustration over perceived attempts by the mayor to divert attention from issues related to development and resource strain on the township, calling for constructive dialogue to better serve the community.