The focal point of the meeting was a presentation on the district’s STEAM program, highlighting its impact on students’ critical skills, such as communication and problem-solving. The program has involved students in hands-on projects like a “build a nest challenge,” where first graders apply biomimicry to protect an egg dropped from various heights. The speaker noted that New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) science scores have improved, although this was not the primary goal of the program. Two students, Harris and Iris, shared their positive experiences, with Harris describing the program as integral to his education and emphasizing the value of perseverance. Iris highlighted the fun and teamwork involved in STEAM activities. The presentation underscored the importance of project-based learning and the board’s role in supporting such educational initiatives.

Following the STEAM presentation, the board addressed feedback from a parent “coffee and conversation” event. Parents raised issues regarding lunch account fees, PSAT logistics, and curriculum transparency, particularly in math and STEAM. The district provided solutions to avoid lunch transaction fees and explained the use of the PaySchools app for monitoring food purchases. Parents also suggested adding water refill stations and creating presentations for transitioning students from middle to high school. The board acknowledged the importance of incorporating parent feedback into decision-making and announced plans for another parent engagement session after the new year.

The meeting also covered routine updates on various school activities and initiatives. Students participated in a circus residency, academic discussions, and celebrated Hispanic heritage. The middle school hosted a “Stokes Night” to reflect on outdoor education experiences, and a special assembly honored veterans with student performances. Summit High School organized a presentation on preventing relationship abuse and celebrated artistic achievements, such as student performances at the Whitney Museum and the CTCJ Honors Festival Choir.

In athletics, the boys’ varsity soccer and football teams were preparing for sectional finals, with ten students committing to college athletics on National Signing Day. The board reviewed suspensions and HIB investigations, carrying a motion unanimously. The student representative reported on the busy fall season, highlighting the boys’ soccer team’s win and the cross-country team’s qualification for the League of Champions meet.

The board discussed several operational matters, including potential changes to the prekindergarten tuition program. The board requested additional information on tuition rates, opting to table the decision for further review. They also reviewed a proposed stipend for a new facilities foreman role and the need for replacing two school buses, considering electric versus gas-powered options. The board discussed an updated budget calendar and a consolidated maintenance plan, scheduling an additional meeting to address budget trends.

Policy revisions were another area of focus, particularly concerning nepotism. The policy committee recommended aligning the district’s policy with peer districts to improve hiring flexibility. Language updates to emergency school bus procedures were also proposed. The communications committee reported on successful parent engagement sessions and ongoing efforts in the Brighton principal search.

Financially, the district’s auditors praised its management and reserve balances, though they highlighted the importance of timely deposit of student activity collections. The board discussed bonded projects, noting resolved contractor issues and anticipated delays in the final audit report due to a federal government shutdown.