The most compelling moment of the meeting was the recognition of Lauren Harms, who announced his resignation after over 30 years of service on the board. Community members Lucy Figuro and Jackie Garcia commended Harms for his unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to the Roselle Park school district. Figuro expressed, “He’s been amazing on the board… done so much for this town,” while Garcia highlighted his leadership in improving student programs and resources, stating, “I wish Mr. Harms all the best in his future endeavors.”

Following the public comments, Superintendent Patricia Gois presented a detailed report on the district’s academic performance, underscoring positive trends in testing results. The superintendent noted a 90% increase in elementary students meeting or exceeding expectations in English Language Arts (ELA) and over a 100% increase in high school Algebra 1 performance. This promising data was attributed to targeted interventions, including the use of ELA and math coaches to analyze data and enhance instructional strategies. Changes in the math curriculum were also noted, enabling students to take geometry in the ninth grade and algebra in the tenth grade if needed.

The superintendent’s report also revealed that the district met at least 80% of the weighted indicators, earning a designation as a high-performing district. Additionally, the graduation rate for 2024 was discussed, with 157 graduates and only four students not meeting the requirements. The superintendent expressed a commitment to continued support for all students, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes.

Further into the meeting, an in-depth presentation on the districtwide results for ELA, math, and science was provided. Notable gains included a 5.5% increase in students meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA, with substantial year-over-year improvements in elementary school performance. For instance, fourth-grade ELA scores rose from 46.1% in 2023 to 61.7% in 2024. Similarly, fourth-grade math scores saw over a 10% increase.

Middle school performance showed mixed results, with sixth-grade ELA scores improving by over 10%, while seventh and eighth grades experienced declines. Changes in assessment strategies, such as moving top seventh-grade students to take Algebra, impacted the reported results. Consequently, Algebra scores saw a significant increase from 28% to 72.6%. However, geometry scores decreased from 72.5% in 2023 to 63.4% in 2024, attributed to the increased number of students taking the course.

Subgroup data by race and program revealed mixed results, with improvements in ELA across most racial groups but declines in math performance for Hispanic and Black students. The need for targeted interventions in science scores was highlighted, particularly among different racial groups and programs. The district reported that 57% of the student population qualified for free and reduced lunch, with fluctuating results in math and science.

The meeting also included a presentation on student performance for those with significant cognitive disabilities. Gains in math were highlighted, alongside slight improvements in science. The speaker emphasized the importance of targeted instruction and continuous review by the child study team to align educational goals with student needs. Collaboration with the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education was noted, with many staff members attending training sessions.

In administrative matters, the board approved various personnel appointments, substitute teachers, and additional classes for the middle school. The education items presented included requests for conference attendance, the establishment of a new entrepreneurship club at the middle school, and revisions to the preschool student handbook, all of which passed unanimously. The business agenda covered monthly certifications, approval of bills, use of buildings and grounds, professional service contracts, and donations. An amendment to item 22 to include “on an as needed basis” was proposed and passed.

During the public participation segment, George Ramirez raised concerns about recent performance statistics, questioning the measures to be implemented to improve future outcomes. Colleen Bodak, the director of guidance, encouraged attendees to consider the broader context of the data. Jackie Garcia expressed concerns about the district’s transparency regarding school facility inspections related to asbestos and lead, urging the board to communicate specific actions to the community and improve the clarity of presentations.