Board members expressed concerns about the resolution’s wording, which might prematurely lock the district into terminating the plan. A comprehensive understanding of the financial impact and the broker’s findings was deemed essential before proceeding. The discussion also touched on potential savings and the continuity of coverage for employees, with assurances that there would be no interruption as new options are explored.

In addition to the health plan debate, the board addressed a resolution for the windows replacement project at Ridgewood High School and Glenn School. The board was informed that the lowest responsible bidder had been identified, with the project coming in under budget. This project, initially part of a larger HVAC budget, would benefit from state reimbursement covering approximately 66% of the expenses. Concerns were raised over asbestos around the windows, necessitating careful removal and air testing during the replacement process.

The meeting also delved into student performance data, focusing on the decline in English Language Arts (ELA) scores during the transition from elementary to middle school. The board discussed potential gaps in foundational education and the integration of elective subjects into the ELA curriculum. Suggestions included revising the ELA curriculum and implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) alongside gifted and talented (G&T) teachers to better differentiate instruction and engage students critically. The need for intervention strategies was emphasized, not only for struggling students but also for those who are advanced.

The board reviewed recent student assessments, noting a troubling 18% decline in ELA performance for eighth-grade students transitioning to ninth grade. This was attributed to distractions during testing periods and scheduling conflicts. The board recognized the necessity of addressing instructional discrepancies and ensuring consistent ELA education across grades. In contrast, math scores remained steady.

Further discussions highlighted the classification and reporting of incidents within the school district, particularly regarding violence, vandalism, substances, and confirmed HIB cases. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of the data, with suggestions that incidents may have been misclassified. The board emphasized the importance of aligning the district’s code of conduct with state definitions to ensure consistency in reporting.

The board also addressed the approval of various bids and projects, including the HVAC installations at district schools and the evaluation of solar panels. The facilities committee reported positively on new custodian services, noting improvements in the grounds around schools. In curriculum updates, the implementation of Rosetta Stone and Lexia programs was discussed, aimed at supporting English language learners with resources that can be used at home.