Superintendent Jack Hurley’s recognition as Bergen County Superintendent of the year was a key highlight of the meeting. Under his stewardship, the district has seen various initiatives aimed at improving the educational environment for students.

The board also addressed the upcoming introduction of Atlas, an educational program designed to provide detailed curriculum mapping for administrators. Atlas is expected to be instrumental in ensuring that the school meets academic standards and in conducting thorough assessments. It will serve as a tool for administrators to understand how the curriculum aligns with learning goals and to identify specific areas where standards are being met within lesson plans.

Personnel matters were a primary focus, as the board approved multiple positions, including a long-term substitute guidance counselor and a part-time teacher assistant at Lincoln School. Furthermore, discussions were held on the need to revise job descriptions for all positions, with several updates anticipated in the coming months. This effort is part of an ongoing initiative to ensure that job roles are clearly defined and up-to-date with the district’s needs.

The Personnel committee also approved a range of educational roles for the summer months, including home tutoring, counselors for the Bulldog Care Program, workshop conductors, child study team assistants, teachers for the summer Enrichment Academy, and substitute teachers for the 2023-2024 school year. There were also discussions regarding non-renewals and renewals, emphasizing that all leave replacements are technically non-renewals, regardless of the duration of the leave.

The Curriculand Instruction committee discussed educational resources, approving a handwriting series for grades K-4 and social studies and math materials for the fall. The board clarified that formal instruction in cursive handwriting would be provided in grade four, with encouragement for teachers to include cursive assignments in subsequent grades.

In preparation for potential emergencies, the district disclosed plans for active shooting drills in schools. Such drills are part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of students and staff by preparing them for emergency situations.

The meeting also included the announcement of the district’s closure on May 24th, due to the non-utilization of all allocated snow days. Additionally, the board approved leave replacement positions and extended disability leave with pay.

From an academic perspective, the student representative reported on various high school achievements, including academic testing and sports accomplishments. However, a decline in attendance at the school’s Pops concert was noted, sparking discussion among the board members.

The board further approved routine financial matters, including bills, the April treasurer’s report, budget line transfers, and a contract with Bergen County Special Services School District. The Buildings and Grounds committee provided updates on ongoing projects and the status of litigation for Union Middle School.

During old business, the board congratulated a member for 25 years of service and discussed recent student concerts and awards ceremonies. Scholarship opportunities were also a topic of discussion, with the availability of scholarships through the Masons organization highlighted.

A legislative update included discussions about a bill that lowers the age requirement for compulsory school attendance from six to five, prompting concerns about the impact on preschool programs. The board also entered an executive session to address one student matter and one personnel matter, with no action expected to be taken.