The most pressing topic discussed was the strategic plan’s emphasis on enhancing communication between families and staff. The plan proposes structured opportunities for dialogue beyond traditional report card times, including regular family check-ins and informal conversations to address questions and concerns. The objective is to establish a district-wide communication framework that ensures consistent information sharing across schools, eliminating any ambiguity for families. The use of software platforms was suggested to facilitate this enhanced communication.

Community engagement also emerged as a key priority, with plans for organizing events and forming partnerships that reflect the district’s diversity. This initiative aims to include families who may feel disconnected from the school system, finding innovative ways to engage them. The connection between effective communication and other district goals, such as student well-being and staff recognition, was underscored, as collaborative efforts between schools and families are believed to improve the educational experience for students.

Resource management, particularly fiscal strategy, was another critical area of focus. The board discussed exploring grant opportunities, partnerships, and potentially referenda to align financial strategies with district goals. Facilities planning was addressed, highlighting the need for evaluation and maintenance of school buildings, upgrades, and accessibility improvements, all while ensuring equity and safety. Technology infrastructure was identified as a concern, with a commitment to providing reliable and up-to-date technology for both students and staff. Sustainable approaches, such as leasing models, were considered to ease access to necessary teaching and learning tools.

The strategic plan was framed as a starting point for tangible changes within the district, and the board encouraged members to review the plan, which will be available on the district’s website. Community feedback is sought, with a suggestion that direct emails would be the most effective method for public comments on the plan.

Discussions also delved into the impact and effectiveness of the district’s intervention programs, the WIN (What I Need) and PDIA (Program for Differentiated Instruction and Assessment) programs. These programs aim to support students who require additional help to meet grade-level benchmarks in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Data from the 2023-2024 school year showed that a majority of students in these programs demonstrated positive growth trajectories, aligning with benchmark assessments indicative of potential NJSLA performance. However, questions arose regarding whether the observed academic successes were solely attributable to the programs or if participating students might have performed well regardless. The lack of a control group for comparative analysis was acknowledged, making it difficult to conclusively determine the programs’ effectiveness.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing need for data analysis and program evaluation. Despite positive outcomes, concerns about the potential for students to remain in these programs without showing progress were raised. The importance of understanding the impact of targeted interventions on student outcomes was emphasized, with a suggestion to compare the performance of program participants with peers who did not engage in these interventions.

In addition to the strategic plan and intervention programs, the board discussed the Title I grant for Cherry Hill School, focusing on funding for interventions and covering costs at both Cherry Hill and Roosevelt School through grants and the district budget. A focus grant of $6,630 for early childhood screening was highlighted, intended for professional development of teachers from kindergarten through third grade.

The board also provided updates on ongoing and upcoming capital projects, including the boiler replacement at Cherry Hill School, sidewalk assessments, classroom upgrades, and LED lighting upgrades funded through an EIP grant. Discussions on broader capital project assessments for roofs and control systems at both schools were mentioned, along with completed projects such as athletic field aeration, building power washing, and bleacher resurfacing.