The meeting’s centerpiece was the presentation of the “Portrait of a Graduate” by Mr. Vito Deloria. This educational blueprint outlines key competencies that students are expected to develop throughout their academic careers in the district. Deloria presented the competencies’ visual representation to the board, who reacted positively. Superintendent James J. Albro and board member Alan Feigenson praised the initiative, with Feigenson proposing annual assessments to track students’ growth in the competencies. Annette Farelli suggested leveraging Hawk days to embed the competencies into student experiences.

The board dove into the practicalities of integrating these competencies into classroom practices. Deloria outlined plans for professional development for teachers and the incorporation of student assessments. Discussion also included the potential involvement of student representatives in promoting the competencies.

Student achievements took center stage, with the middle school basketball teams’ playoff success and the Environmental Club’s impactful recycling initiatives being highlighted. The board also noted the success of the newly formed Intro to Italian Club and the anticipation for the upcoming Hawk Day event. At the high school level, board members celebrated the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2024, the indoor track team’s victories, and the Italian Honor Society’s cultural festival. The Leo Club’s notable collection of over 2,000 pairs of sneakers for donation was recognized.

Superintendent James J. Albro brought attention to the Human Rights Club’s collaborative meeting with Teaneck Public Schools, an upcoming AI Workshop aimed at exploring and developing policies around generative AI, as well as the district’s National Merit award finalists. He lightened the mood addressing the students’ excitement over a snow day and reminded the board about the winter break and NJ GPA testing.

In committee reports, anticipation for the AI workshop was evident within the Curriculum Committee, which is set to focus on both the technology and its policy implications. The Policy Committee mentioned a rescheduled meeting, while the Budget and Finance Committee looked forward to their upcoming meeting. The Community Relations and Technology Committee had not met.

The consent agenda items were methodically addressed, with all board members, including Stephanie Hartman, John Samuel, Annette Farelli, Tracey-Ellen Ehalt, Douglas Kupfer, Barbara Kuchar, and Alan Feigenson, approving the motions, except for item 9a from the January 2 meeting. Motions 12a and 13h were seconded and passed unanimously. The superintendent’s recommendation to accept the financial report’s line item transfers for January 2024 was also approved without objection.

Old business discussions raised concerns about the lack of information regarding a junior class snowboarding trip, with a promise from a board member to investigate further. The board debated the upcoming bond sale, the necessity of a board retreat, and the requirements for the board to receive credit from such retreats.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on a recent wellness event and the need for its summary version for the board. Updates on a neighboring school district’s superintendent search and interim appointments were shared. Finally, a call for public comments went unanswered, and a motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded and approved by all present members.