The board discussed the dual enrollment program’s potential for cost savings for families, as college courses through the program would be less expensive compared to traditional universities. The partnership with William Paterson University offers automatic acceptance to students who successfully complete a dual enrollment course and achieve a passing grade. Information about the program will be disseminated through an FAQ and promoted at a barbecue event for parents of seventh and ninth graders.

Another topic at the meeting was the addition of a transportation coordinator position to the board policy for non-represented employees. This move is part of the board’s effort to streamline operations and ensure efficiency within the district’s transportation services. The board also addressed policy changes to protect categories, including the appropriate use of technology devices and interactive media in the educational setting.

Furthermore, the board approved change orders for construction projects at the elementary and middle school, covering electrical upgrades, painting, paving, DNR approvals, and HVAC system installation. These enhancements are expected to improve the infrastructure and learning environment within the district’s schools.

The superintendent’s report included updates on administrative matters such as the sale of surplus items, legal services, and the efforts to generate revenue through the auction site municibid. The board also approved cooperative purchasing organizations and vendor contracts for the upcoming school year, emphasizing the importance of regular contract reviews to avoid overpayment for services.

Personnel actions were also a point of discussion, with the board reviewing the superintendent’s recommendations for appointments, resignations, and extracurricular appointments for the upcoming school year. An agreement with the administrative group was settled, and the board was informed of new contracts for the chief school administrator and the business administrator, which were undergoing the vetting and approval process by the State Department of Education and the county superintendent.

The meeting also addressed concerns raised during the public comment period. A community member inquired about inservice days and budgeting for teacher development programs. The superintendent provided an overview of the upcoming training sessions, including the rollout of a new classroom platform, curriculum training, CPR certifications, and preparations for the new building. Another community member expressed concerns about the preschool program’s impact on redistricting and the allocation of preschool classrooms between buildings.

Additionally, a resident raised issues regarding the superintendent’s salary increase amidst economic challenges and standardized test scores. During the public comment period, concerns were also voiced over communication regarding a preschool program and the sale of the West Amwell school building. The board addressed these concerns and discussed the importance of accurate communication with the community.

The superintendent highlighted various upcoming events and initiatives, such as the kindergarten camp, open house, and seventh-grade orientation. Changes to the supply list for grades pre-K to six and the transition to the new website platform, Parent Square, were also noted. The implementation of a mobile app for school information access and the separation of the fifth and sixth-grade websites for the Middle School were discussed to enhance communication with parents and guardians.

At the end of the meeting, the board approved the harassment, intimidation, and bullying report from the previous month and discussed the reorganization of the PTO, provision of feminine hygiene products to students in grades five and above, and a program to limit cell phone usage. The launch of the “gripper app,” a social media design tool, and future strategic plans, including the creation of an alumni network and community engagement initiatives, were also topics of conversation.