Dr. Murphy’s appointment comes at a time when the district is facing several challenges, including the preparation of the preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 school year. The budget is currently unbalanced, and the district is waiting on final numbers from the state to finalize decisions. The Acting Superintendent reported on district events and updates, highlighting the 75th birthday of Cherry Hill school and the ongoing registration for pre-K and kindergarten classes. Additionally, she brought attention to the second read of the volunteer policy and regulation.

During the meeting, the reconfiguration of pre-kindergarten teachers became a contentious topic. Specifically, the potential reassignment of staff from Cherry Hill School to Roosevelt was debated. The committee requested additional data on potential pre-k and kindergarten enrollment to better inform projections and guide their final decision. Questions were raised about the impact of this move on students and staff, and the importance of making informed decisions was underscored.

Another issue highlighted during the meeting was the application process for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals within the district. Community members voiced frustrations about the lack of communication following the submission of applications. These concerns sparked a discussion about the necessity of improving the system to ensure applicants receive timely notifications upon receipt of their applications, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency within the hiring process.

The celebration of Cherry Hill school’s 75th birthday was also discussed, with the Acting Superintendent and a principal acknowledging the milestone. They thanked the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for their successful fundraiser, which contributed to the festivities.

In addition to these topics, the principals’ meeting with teachers to discuss midyear student growth objectives in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics was mentioned. This meeting underlines the district’s focus on monitoring student progress and adjusting strategies to ensure educational goals are met.