0:00One of the key highlights from the meeting was the approval of an overnight music trip to Boston for students to participate in the Festival of Music.

11:50The meeting also highlighted personnel updates, most notably the appointment of a new high school Spanish teacher. The new hire, in her 17th year of teaching, reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to consolidate teacher contracts from 28 to 21 steps, impacting salary determinations based on years of experience. Additionally, the district addressed a guidance secretary position vacancy and discussed several leaves of absence, including a maternity leave and medical leave, which were added to the agenda on the day of the meeting.

0:00The board also deliberated on various educational proposals, including the introduction of an alternative third-year math course designed for students struggling with mathematics. This course aims to provide these students with the opportunity to earn a third-year math credit.

Another topic was the proposal for a new elective in architecture and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), which received considerable interest from students. The board confirmed that sufficient staff was available to teach the course.

Financial considerations were also a focal point of the meeting. A notable item involved a decreased change order for work at Washington School, resulting in a cost reduction of $177,000. These savings will funnel back into the referendum funds, highlighting the district’s diligent management of financial resources. Another financial discussion centered around enhanced maintenance for the district’s turf fields, including the purchase of sensors to monitor field usage, with an associated cost of $887,000. These sensors are intended to extend the lifespan of the fields by providing timely alerts for necessary maintenance.

11:50In personnel matters, the board acknowledged the return of former students for observation hours and internships, a practice that fosters a sense of community and continuity within the district. The board also addressed concerns about the vacancy left by a resigning school psychologist, with plans to fill the position promptly to ensure student needs are met. The district is collaborating with the South Bergen Jointure Commission to support this transition.

The meeting concluded with public comments, where a community member discussed the Saddle Community Partnership’s role in supporting residents, particularly the elderly and students. This partnership, established in 2016, exemplifies the collaboration between schools, churches, first responders, and local businesses to address community needs.