One item at the meeting was the district’s recognition for its efforts in digital equity, underscored by an invitation to the first annual White House Summit on Digital Equity. This recognition was a result of the district’s pioneering work with technology and innovation in education. The summit featured discussions with officials from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on themes such as digitizing student learning management systems and improving access to devices for students. Notably, the district’s existing practices were affirmed as being ahead of the national curve, particularly concerning the ethical and practical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms.

Discussions at the summit also included the importance of preparing students for future workforce demands related to AI. In this context, the district was invited to apply for a Google AI + Education Fellowship, with a nomination submitted for Dr. Bachenheimer. The district plans to establish a comprehensive philosophy surrounding AI usage, providing teachers with guidelines for appropriate classroom integration. This stance intends to equip students with necessary skills while maintaining ethical standards in technology use.

Dr. Bachenheimer has implemented various initiatives, including monthly ethical discussions regarding AI in education. The objective is to ensure that AI integration serves to improve student engagement and creativity, rather than facilitating dishonest practices. Emphasis was placed on using AI to alleviate tedious tasks, thereby fostering more meaningful connections among staff and students. The district is now one of 15 school districts globally participating in a fellowship program associated with Google, which aims to utilize the expertise of educators to improve the rollout of AI tools like Gemini. This achievement was celebrated with applause from attendees.

The meeting also included a detailed presentation on student performance metrics, particularly focusing on the annual score reporting and the Seal of Biliteracy scores. This presentation marked the first of two required score reports for the year, focusing on various assessments, including the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA) and SATs. Due to delays in receiving the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) scores, the presentation will continue at a later meeting. The superintendent expressed satisfaction with overall performance, stating, “spoiler alert, we’re very pleased with our scores.”

Discussions included the trend of colleges becoming more selective regarding standardized testing, especially in the wake of the pandemic, with many schools previously adopting a test-optional policy. The board noted that since 2022, the English and math departments had integrated test preparation questions into their curricula. The report on Advanced Placement (AP) testing highlighted that the decision to make AP testing optional had been in place for three years, with data reflecting a decline in total AP students aligning with enrollment trends. Despite this, the number of exams remained consistent, and while the percentage of students scoring three or above was down, it still surpassed previous years.

Further details were provided regarding the SAT scores. The board was informed that the GPA, now a graduation requirement, had resulted in increased student engagement and performance. A comparison was made with previous years when the PARCC exam was in place, which was criticized for lacking motivational value. Dr. Russo presented on student performance in mathematics and English Language Arts for the NJ GPA, noting that scores were either consistent or slightly improved from the previous year. He emphasized the balance found between test preparation and broader educational goals.

The meeting proceeded to a report on the Math Center, which will operate three days a week throughout the academic year, with additional sessions planned for mid-year and end-of-year. This initiative received positive feedback for its impact on student engagement and support. Furthermore, the district’s English Language Arts (ELA) performance showed minimal change, with scores remaining relatively stable across schools, only fluctuating by a small percentage. The focus on subgroups was emphasized, particularly regarding the performance of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Interventions employed over the past four years were also outlined. These included summer classes funded by extended grants received in response to the pandemic, a college application boot camp aimed at assisting rising seniors, and tiered support services structured through a multi-tiered system of support. Classroom interventions and small group instructions were highlighted, alongside one-on-one support funded through an ESA grant for tutoring. Collaboration with counselors in the Wellness Center and guidance areas was mentioned as part of the mental health and wellness initiatives integrated into the curriculum.

The meeting also covered budget discussions, with the presentation of the 2025-2026 budget calendar. The budget preparation process included the distribution of budget worksheets to administrators and supervisors. Administrators are expected to submit their completed worksheets by November 27, with subsequent meetings planned for review and discussion of potential revisions. Key dates were outlined for finance committee meetings and public hearings related to the budget adoption process, emphasizing that the calendar is tentative and subject to change pending guidance from state and county offices.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the successful onboarding of new staff, with a notable increase in new hires. Among the new staff members introduced were Miss Babis, the new Director of Personnel and People Services, and Miss Lee, the new Director of Technology. Dr. Bachenheimer’s new staff orientation program includes a CPR and bleed control certification for all new employees, a practice that has been in place for nearly a decade.