One of the most notable announcements was the establishment of a Performing Arts Academy in collaboration with Polytech. Scheduled to open in the 2026-2027 school year at the South Hunterdon High School campus, the academy aims to serve local students and those from neighboring counties that lack similar opportunities. The academy will offer programs in theater, dance, and music education, with an anticipated visual arts component in the future. The initial intake will include 20 students each for theater and dance programs, requiring an audition process. Students accepted will be considered full-time South Hunterdon students, eligible to meet graduation requirements and participate in extracurricular activities.

The Performing Arts Academy will also focus on career technical education, providing students with real-world experience through internships. Collaborations with local organizations, such as Music Mountain, are being explored to provide upperclassmen with internship opportunities. Students completing the three-year program will receive an endorsement on their diploma, potentially enhancing their college applications in the arts. The curriculum design includes national competitions and master classes with industry professionals.

Concerns about long-term budgeting and the potential influx of out-of-district students were raised by community members during the public comment session. Questions about the sustainability of adding new facilities to accommodate the program were also discussed, with emphasis on providing exceptional educational experiences without overwhelming the district financially.

The meeting also addressed the School Ethics Act, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct for board members. The act, established in 1991, aims to ensure public trust and confidence in school management. Board members and administrators must avoid conflicts of interest and conduct that could create an impression of trust violation. The ethics code mandates annual financial disclosure and conflict of interest statements, with training required for new board members within 90 days of taking office.

The implications of ethical conduct were illustrated through various case studies, highlighting the necessity for board members to recuse themselves from discussions where personal financial interests could impair their objectivity. A specific case involved an Acting Superintendent who faced a recommended reprimand for not reviewing a list of substitutes, which included a family member, before a meeting.

Board members were advised to limit their volunteering roles within schools to avoid appearances of managing operations. The handling of social media was another focal point, as the School Ethics Commission has addressed multiple cases related to online behavior. The commission evaluates the content and context of social media posts, ruling against members if statements are deemed to represent the board’s position. The retention of campaign social media accounts after elections was discouraged to prevent potential misinterpretations by the public.

In other updates, the board celebrated the upcoming school musical “Matilda,” set for performances later in the week. Athletic updates included recognition of standout athletes and the boys basketball team’s preparation for the state championships. The Key Club expressed gratitude to school bus drivers through handwritten notes and the National Honor Society hosted a dance rehearsal event.

The Local Arts Foundation announced a spring auction and casino night, scheduled for March 29, seeking table sponsors and coordinating summer and senior awards. Updates on the Beyond the Bell program and the planning for the fall semester were shared, with potential new classes in mobile app development and STEM initiatives.

Plans to address the water contamination issue at West Amwell were discussed, with options from the Department of Environmental Protection being considered. The district plans to relocate staff from West Amwell by the end of the 2024-2025 school year, with a commercial real estate broker engaged to find a new site.