The meeting’s most issue involved Resolution 6.11, which introduced roles such as the Dean of Students and a Senior Manager of Equity Assessment and Accountability. Both positions raised concerns among attendees. Dr. Heyman Medy, representing the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, criticized the Dean of Students’ role, stating that its responsibilities were akin to those of an assistant principal but did not align with the salary and qualifications offered. Furthermore, he questioned the lack of formal certification required for the Senior Manager of Equity Assessment and Accountability, despite its significant responsibilities.

Gavid Dudley, vice president of the Pleasantville Education Association (PEA), echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the new roles were not covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This omission raised questions about how these positions would affect current staff, especially those beyond the established pay scales. Dudley advocated for discussions to ensure these roles were properly integrated into the district’s framework.

Technology inadequacies were another focal point, with Tracy Boswell, a high school business teacher, highlighting severe deficiencies in technology resources. Boswell reported that 24 Mac computers had remained unused for a year due to connectivity issues. She also faced challenges with the lack of Chromebooks, leaving 20 students without devices on a particular day. Boswell expressed frustration over large class sizes, with some reaching 34 students, and questioned the district’s plans to hire additional teachers to address these issues.

In response, the board’s agenda included plans to purchase more Chromebooks. Superintendent Dr. Marilyn Martinez underscored the importance of these improvements in her report, which also touched on the district’s anti-bullying initiatives. Dr. Martinez noted the district’s average score of 63 out of 78 in self-assessments, pointing out areas for improvement, particularly the need for comprehensive training in harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) policies.

The meeting delved into curriculum policy changes, with Kathy Watson of the PEA raising concerns about the removal of the board’s annual approval requirement for curriculum content in Policy 2200. The board clarified that these revisions were mandated by Strauss Esme, a policy service provider, and promised further clarification on the approval process.

The discussion of student safety policies, particularly those related to firearms on school premises, also featured prominently. Linda Henderson questioned the removal of expulsion language from the firearms policy, seeking clarity on the “stringent discipline” measures that would replace it. The board responded by citing New Jersey statutes as the basis for the policy language and committed to reviewing relevant state laws.

Public comments also addressed the infrastructure and resources within the district. Priscilla Noell advocated for improved communication regarding high school events to enhance community engagement and suggested the consideration of a Fieldhouse for athletes to match facilities in neighboring districts. Noell also highlighted the absence of a high school guidance counselor and recommended hiring additional staff or providing current staff with training to manage student scheduling.

The meeting concluded with board discussions on transportation, facilities, and human resources. A motion regarding the Manager of Equity Assessment and Accountability highlighted the need for transparency in educational outcomes. Board members also raised safety concerns, particularly regarding metal detectors and police presence during elections to ensure student safety.