The most prominent discussion centered around the forthcoming referendum, which aims to address district capital project needs. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement in the referendum process, planning various outreach strategies such as open forums and meetings with stakeholders, including the Home and School Association (HSA) and Readington Township Education (RTE) leadership. The board intends to gather comprehensive input to ensure transparency and inclusivity in developing the project list before the final vote. The architects and facilities managers will conduct walkthroughs of school buildings to assess needs, updating the long-range facility plan. The board aims to avoid surprises for the community regarding project proposals by emphasizing early engagement and clear communication.

Safety and security were also topics, reflecting heightened concern from parents and teachers over the past several years. The board discussed the impact of unannounced drills on students and teachers. A board member highlighted, “Safety and Security is a big thing and it should be at the forefront part of your discussions.” The importance of maintaining clear communication with the community was emphasized, especially as the referendum approaches. Plans for enhancing first responder radio capabilities are nearing completion, with equipment installation progressing. Additionally, safety measures for a new electric school bus were discussed, including the installation of monitoring systems and a shut-off switch to mitigate risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

The board also explored the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, recognizing the necessity of developing policies regarding student use of AI technology. There was a discussion about the balance between technological advancement and student engagement, with some members noting trends in other districts toward banning such technology. The board acknowledged the importance of preparing for AI while ensuring student engagement in the classroom is maintained.

Academic initiatives and communication strategies were another focal point. The board discussed the adjustment of school schedules across all buildings, particularly the Middle School, to incorporate additional structural time. This change necessitates adjustments in mathematics instruction to align with the new schedules. The board emphasized addressing reading difficulties and disabilities, with compliance to the dyslexia law and the use of the I-Ready dyslexia screener for grades K through three. The board also highlighted the need for additional training for staff to better equip them in recognizing and addressing reading challenges beyond the state-mandated two hours.

Efforts to enhance the language instruction program for multilingual learners were discussed, with plans for increased sheltered instruction training for grades K through 8. This training aims to ensure general education teachers possess effective strategies to support multilingual learners. Early intervention strategies are essential, particularly for young children who speak languages other than English. Community involvement through parent education efforts for families with multilingual students was also emphasized.

The board’s communication goals include developing enhanced district communication protocols, such as a newsletter schedule and opportunities for community outreach. Partnerships with local newspapers to disseminate school content and the township’s quarterly community newsletter are part of these efforts. A key communicators group, comprising township officials, religious leaders, parents, and board members, is proposed to foster discussions on school and community issues.

The board also addressed the establishment of goals aligned with district objectives, focusing on academic achievement, communication enhancement, and referendum planning. The use of data to drive instruction and enhance special programs, particularly in special education and newly established preschool programs, was highlighted. Adjustments in curriculum standards, particularly in language arts and math, were discussed, with new curriculum documents for language arts and math approved for implementation.

The discussion on committee operations and communication stressed the need for better information sharing from committees to the full board. Members expressed a desire for more comprehensive documentation or reporting of committee meetings, beyond the current “bullet points” provided in minutes. Suggestions included scheduling committee meetings in advance to allow sufficient time for review and questioning.