A major discussion point was the conversion of a building at seven Industrial Road to accommodate preschool classrooms and the board office. While the ground floor is unusable due to zoning restrictions, the second floor is slated for preschool use, and the third floor will house the board office and additional classrooms. The building currently generates $30,000 in net revenue from tenant leases, but a $55,000 rental loss is anticipated starting January 2025 as the Board moves operations. The preschool expansion is expected to bring in $200,000 in tuition revenue, addressing the needs of families on a long-standing waitlist. This also aims to ease space constraints at Hillview and SJG elementary schools, potentially allowing for an additional kindergarten class at North Boulevard for the first time in six years.

Concerns about funding for the preschool expansion were also raised. The district’s tier four qualification status has limited access to certain funding opportunities due to a lower number of impoverished students. However, potential funding opportunities might open up again, with plans to maximize classroom capacity to serve more families. An inclusive playground for preschool and students with disabilities is in the preliminary planning stages at North Boulevard, with an estimated cost of $245,000. Community partnerships and grant funding are being explored to cover these expenses.

The board also discussed the attendance issues at North Boulevard, which had crossed the threshold for chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% of school days. A corrective action plan is mandated by the state to address this issue. Strategies will focus on supporting families and improving student attendance, emphasizing the importance of in-person learning, especially for younger students. The board noted that New Jersey has the lowest rates of chronic absenteeism nationally, but they remain committed to addressing the issue locally.

Staffing challenges were also a topic of concern, particularly in filling vacancies for leave-replacement positions and a speech therapist. The district is also facing a shortage of bus drivers, a common problem nationwide. Discussions included the possibility of hiring a French ESL teacher, affected by state regulations on hiring retired individuals, and the potential for administrative staff to serve as substitute drivers. The leasing of an eight-passenger van was considered, which, under new laws, allows non-CDL drivers to operate, potentially saving the district $40,000 to $50,000 annually.

In other matters, the board honored significant achievements within the district. The Pequannock Valley girls cross country team was recognized for winning the Morris County Championship, and Valerie Monroe, a media specialist at Hillview Elementary School, was praised as an unsung hero by the New Jersey School Board Association for 2024. The dedication of the Veterans War Project and the upcoming recognition of involved committee members were announced, alongside a dedication ceremony for a main gym to Ruth Kellett.

Financially, the district was reported to be in sound condition, with a completed audit for the 2023-2024 fiscal year showing no findings. The new playground at North Boulevard was completed, and new windows at the high school are scheduled for January installation. A potential sale of the Board office property, valued at $85,000, will contribute to the capital reserve fund, with plans to purchase a new building underway.