The meeting’s most noteworthy topic was an in-depth presentation on the state assessment results for ELLs, delivered by Colleen Bodak, the district’s Director of Guidance and State Testing. Bodak reported that 236 students took the ACCESS for ELLs assessment this past spring, which evaluates listening, speaking, reading, writing, oral language, literacy, and comprehension skills. Of these, 24 students achieved an overall score of 4.5 or greater, meeting the eligibility criteria to exit the ELL program. Bodak highlighted that Sherman School had the highest number of students exiting the program, with 17 students meeting the exit criteria.

Bodak also discussed intervention strategies to improve future scores, which include individualized multilingual plans for all students, continued focus on academic and conversational English skills, and increased professional development opportunities for staff. Additionally, the district has expanded administration to include a new supervisor of ESL and preschool programs.

Another topic was the technology committee report. The tech department has been preparing for the new school year by distributing iPads to district directors and principals to facilitate website updates and refreshing the district website. Laptops have also been distributed to middle and high school staff and students, and new staff members are being trained on Genesis, the district’s student information system. The current director of technology will be leaving the district next month, and the board extended well-wishes for his future endeavors.

The board also approved several personnel changes, including staff appointments, resignations, and transfers. Notably, the meeting marked the introduction of a new Assistant Principal of Athletics at Roselle Park High School, who expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to supporting student-athletes and the broader school community.

Public participation was minimal, but one community member emphasized the importance of joining PTAs and PTOs and encouraged board members to attend these meetings.

In continuing business, the board reviewed and approved numerous agenda items related to personnel, education, and business operations. Among these was the approval of the district’s comprehensive equity plan and various service contracts for the 2024-2025 school year.