High-impact tutoring emerged as a focal point during the meeting, with the board planning to target fifth and sixth graders from January to May. The initiative aims to support students who are close to meeting grade-level expectations, identified as “cusp students,” by reinforcing foundational skills and improving academic performance. The board expressed enthusiasm for this targeted approach, underscoring its potential to elevate student achievement.

Discussions also highlighted the need to review and enhance curriculum standards, particularly in light of recent assessments indicating areas for improvement. The board set a target score of 750 for student performance, above the state average of 741, to ensure that students are adequately mastering the content. Efforts to support teachers through professional development sessions were noted, aimed at refining instructional practices and utilizing available resources effectively.

In the realm of finance, the board addressed the transfer of $2.4 million back into the general fund, emphasizing that amounts exceeding this threshold would revert to the state. The allocation of these funds remains undecided and will be revisited in upcoming meetings. As the completion of the district’s significant “58 project” approaches, financial resources are diminishing, with expectations that most funds will be utilized by early 2024. The finance committee noted the impact of accrued interest, which depends on the referendum amount and prevailing interest rates, with the state retaining any excess beyond the $2.4 million mark.

The board also reviewed the status of ongoing construction projects, with the elementary school project nearing completion and the middle school project on track for a March finish. The personnel committee’s recent meeting included superintendent recommendations for staffing changes, such as appointments and resignations, highlighting the return of Thomas McLen as a special education teacher after completing his degree.

Attention was given to the integration of artificial intelligence in education, particularly concerning its ethical usage and promotion of academic integrity, during a scheduled professional development day. The policy committee reviewed guidelines related to physical examinations for staff, considering recent state changes, and discussed the inclusion of drug testing for marijuana, despite its legal status.

Water safety concerns were addressed following the detection of dioxin at West Amwell School, with the board taking proactive measures to test wells supplying the high school and middle school. Public comments included appreciation for a preschool session and concerns about equitable information regarding budget decisions and choice enrollment implications.