Residents of South Plainfield raised urgent concerns about the lack of transportation for students living just under the 2-mile limit from their schools. One parent argued for considering hazardous transportation for their children, noting that their 6-year-old son had expressed fears about walking long distances. Another resident echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the challenges faced by families with children attending different schools, especially when transportation is only provided for some of them. The community members urged the board to re-evaluate the current transportation policies to ensure student safety and convenience.

Superintendent Dr. Noreen Tansey Lishak reported a notable increase in student enrollment, with 490 new students joining the district, including a bump in kindergarten numbers. This brought the total enrollment to 3,781 students, an increase of 98 students from the previous year. The district anticipates further growth as the school year progresses.

The meeting also highlighted the district’s ongoing re-registration efforts. Dr. Lishak noted that 127 students had transferred out, with 23% from grades 2, 6, and 10. As a result, another re-registration round will be conducted later in the fall for students in grades 4, 8, and 11. Families with children in these grades should expect to receive information soon.

On the academic front, the district received its scores from the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) assessment. The scores were as follows: 81% in instruction and program, 100% in fiscal management, 100% in governance, 95% in operations, and 100% in personnel. These results will be posted on the district’s website.

In addition to these updates, the board and community celebrated the achievements of high school student Katherine Piper, the newly elected student council executive board president. Piper, who is involved in multiple sports and clubs, provided an overview of the various student activities and upcoming events, including the school’s homecoming and the Student Activity Fair.