A significant portion of the meeting focused on a public comment from Ray Dwire, a resident who raised concerns regarding an attendance policy letter he received about his three-year-old child at Washington School. Dwire criticized the language in the handbook and the letter’s implications, arguing that the attendance policy was misapplied to preschoolers. He noted that it was unreasonable to suggest that a three-year-old could be retained due to illness, emphasizing the high frequency of sickness in young children. The letter’s mention of truancy referrals to the county was seen as potentially alarming to parents. Dwire requested the board revise the attendance policy for preschoolers and eliminate language that could unnecessarily concern parents. A board member acknowledged the issue, clarifying that the letter was part of broader district policies and that Washington School’s unique circumstances would be addressed separately.

In other notable discussions, the board highlighted advancements in academic performance, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The district reported improvements in staff salaries, making compensation competitive within Bergen County. The leadership team emphasized progress in social and emotional learning (SEAL), which received recognition at county and state levels. This year, SEAL initiatives are integrated into children’s literature, focusing on multicultural themes. The district set goals to improve student attendance, enhance science achievement, and implement instructional rounds in mathematics. The high school redesigned electives to align with student interests and future career pathways, preparing students for success beyond graduation.

The board also reviewed academic assessment results, particularly the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA). The district is transitioning from a Pearson to a Cambrian platform, introducing adaptive testing that tailors question difficulty to student performance. Notable gains were reported in English Language Arts (ELA), with an increase in third graders meeting or exceeding standards due to the Amplify program’s implementation. Ninth-grade achievements also improved, and the district overall saw a 9.4% increase in students meeting or exceeding standards over the last three years, with specific grades outperforming state averages. Despite a national trend of declining science scores, the district showed improvement, with teachers analyzing subgroup data to address disparities in student achievement.

In addition to academic matters, the board celebrated student achievements, recognizing individuals for their contributions to the school and community. Students were acknowledged for leadership, kindness, and community spirit, with recipients of the Spirit Award receiving commendations. The board expressed pride in the students’ efforts, describing them as “superstars” for their contributions.

Extracurricular activities and upcoming events also featured prominently in the meeting. The district reported on successful initiatives across various schools, including a Halloween parade, class parties, and a marching band preview. Upcoming activities include a parent partnership night focusing on FAFSA and artificial intelligence, an internet safety assembly for middle school students, and a planned Thanksgiving feast at Washington School. The board also discussed a high school alumni wall of fame and an athletic hall of fame, with criteria and nomination forms to be posted on the school website.

The meeting concluded with discussions on board action items, including approvals for field trips, budget finance items, and personnel changes. Notably, the resignation of a high school world language teacher and the appointment of a substitute nurse and assistant boys basketball coach were mentioned. The board also addressed committee reports, highlighting PTO activities and upcoming fundraisers.