The meeting devoted substantial discussion to the district’s academic performance, particularly the concerning results in algebra and geometry. The board addressed the fact that algebra I scores at the high school level were 20% below the state average, with geometry scores trailing by 18%. The board members acknowledged these results as unacceptable and emphasized the necessity of immediate remedial strategies. Superintendent Jack Hurley confirmed an action plan was already drafted. Discussions involved potential interventions, including professional development, data analysis, and innovative teaching strategies to rectify these issues.

In contrast to the challenges in math, the board celebrated strong results in the AP exams. The district reported that 363 AP exams were taken, with an impressive 90% scoring three or higher, which is generally considered a passing score. This achievement could potentially lead to recognition on the College Board honor roll for the fifth or sixth consecutive year.

The meeting also highlighted the positive impact of the grants awarded by the Rutherford Arts Foundation. With $79,781 distributed across 30 grants last year, the foundation’s contributions are set to surpass the $1 million mark. The grants supported a wide range of programs including math calculators, language learning initiatives, and health and wellness projects across multiple schools.

In the realm of student performance metrics, the district’s achievements were mixed. While English Language Arts (ELA) scores at several schools exceeded state averages, concerns were raised about the state’s science scores, described as “very low.” The board noted the lack of detailed data from the state, which hindered comprehensive analysis. The board pushed for more detailed information to better understand and address these areas of concern. The conversation around student performance also touched on the results of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), with some schools outperforming state averages in ELA and math. However, the lower performance in algebra and geometry was a focal point for immediate action.

Board members discussed the potential transition to a new testing vendor, Cambria, replacing Pearson. Concerns were raised about the adaptive testing format’s impact on assessment standards, particularly for students who might struggle with the new format.

In other business, the board acknowledged the introduction of two new attorneys from the firm Forgetty, Hara, Lepier, and Cherry, following the retirement of a long-serving legal advisor. Their introduction was well-received, with board members expressing gratitude for the continuity of legal support.

The meeting concluded with routine motions related to curriculum, finance, and personnel, all of which were approved without opposition. Superintendent Hurley and board members also discussed community concerns regarding the school calendar and religious holidays. The board emphasized the importance of community feedback and noted plans to incorporate climate surveys to better gauge public sentiment on such matters.