A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Ridgewood Crew program, which has achieved considerable success both regionally and internationally. The program was praised for its inclusivity, allowing students of all abilities to participate and gain admission to prestigious universities, including the Naval Academy and Princeton. Despite its accomplishments, the crew program faces challenges due to its status as a non-NJSIA sport, which results in inconsistent support from the district. A speaker underscored the importance of the program as an entry point for students who might not see themselves as athletic, highlighting its growth with a 34% increase in individual boat medals in 2025. Achievements such as winning an international medal at the Royal Canadian Henley Competition and top finishes at the Head of the Charles Regatta were noted. The program’s reliance on the Ridgewood Crew Foundation for funding was discussed, and frustrations were voiced over minimal progress in addressing these issues with the Board of Education since spring 2025. The board was urged to facilitate discussions to create a framework addressing both district requirements and the crew program’s needs.

The meeting also delved into special education, focusing on improving communication and engagement with parents to enhance the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The board emphasized aligning general and special education instruction, refining services, and increasing parent participation. Dr. Fenwick outlined initiatives like embedding feedback forms in IEP meeting invitations and forming a pre-monitoring committee to review IEPs. The discussion included statistical data on referral and classification rates, noting a decline in the classification rate to 12.81% of the student population over three years, reflecting improved referral quality. A focus on ethical considerations in discussing costs related to special education was reiterated.

The board reviewed data on behavioral incidents, highlighting efforts to differentiate behaviors stemming from disabilities versus intentional misconduct. However, concerns about the number of students in more restrictive settings were raised, with the district reportedly sending students to separate schools at higher rates than state targets. The board pledged to continue analyzing these trends to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students.

Additionally, the meeting included discussions on academic rigor, with calls to provide students with a variety of challenging courses to prepare them for future challenges. A debate emerged regarding the availability of weighted classes for freshmen, particularly in STEM versus humanities, with concerns about potential inequities in GPA calculations and college admissions. The board acknowledged the need for a balanced approach to rigor, student well-being, and equitable opportunities across different subjects.

In financial matters, the board addressed the renewal of dental insurance with Etna, discussing a proposed premium increase and the importance of cautious financial planning. The complexities of tracking financial metrics and maintaining a surplus in anticipation of rising healthcare costs were emphasized. The board approved adjustments to the language in the dental insurance resolution to ensure flexibility in future negotiations.