One focus of the meeting was the approval of a referendum involving over 80 district-wide initiatives, which is scheduled for a vote in November. The board emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the projects, which were informed by extensive tours of school facilities to assess the proposed initiatives. The strategic planning subcommittees played a role, leveraging surveys from parents, staff, and students to guide future goals.

Budget discussions were equally prominent, as the board navigated the challenges posed by inflation and rising costs in health insurance, pensions, and salaries. With 86% of the budget dedicated to salaries and benefits, the board worked to maintain a low tax levy. The finance committee initially proposed a 3.7% increase, later revised to 3%. A notable development in the budget was the significant increase in state preschool aid, enabling the district to expand its preschool offerings from a few classrooms to 16, thus accommodating nearly 90% of preschool-age children in the community. This expansion has reduced the financial burden on local taxpayers and positively impacted community demographics by attracting new families.

The meeting also celebrated academic improvements, with board members acknowledging the rise in students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. This growth aligns with the district’s strategic goals established in 2020, focusing on partnerships, inquisitive learning, and social awareness. Progress among multilingual learners and students with reading disabilities was highlighted, supported by the implementation of new standards in math and language arts, as well as specialized programs for students with dyslexia.

Staff appreciation was another topic of discussion, with the announcement of Staff Appreciation Week beginning May 5th, coinciding with National Teacher Appreciation Day. The Home & School Association organized themed activities and treats to honor staff contributions.

In staffing developments, Rebecca Burns was introduced as the new Director of Pupil Services, praised for her expertise in both general and special education. Her commitment to parental involvement in the special education process and her philosophy of investing in people over programs were noted as defining aspects of her leadership approach. Burns expressed enthusiasm for joining the Readington team and contributing to the district’s strategic planning.

The meeting also addressed policy revisions, including updates to bylaws to ensure compliance with state regulations. Key updates included changes to nepotism policies, public participation in board meetings, and the implementation of a three-minute speaking limit for public participants. The board abolished redundant bylaws, such as those related to travel expenses and electronic participation in meetings.

Community engagement was further emphasized through plans for referendum communication strategies, including a mailer to be discussed by Dr. Hart and a communications consultant. Upcoming board meetings were outlined, with public walkthroughs of school facilities planned for September and October, alongside informational forums featuring Dr. Hart, Mr. Bohm, and architects to address public inquiries.

The meeting concluded with public comments, including a resident’s request to reconsider his daughter’s placement in the pre-kindergarten program. Dr. Hart committed to discussing the situation further with the resident to gain a better understanding.