Highland Park Council Addresses Community Concerns, Adopts Budget

Overview: The Highland Park Borough Council meeting was marked by the adoption of the 2024 Main Street budget and the address of several community concerns, including road repair scheduling, stormwater management, and the maintenance of parks. Additionally, the council moved to confirm appointments to the Arts Commission and the Community Emergency Response Team.

Highland Park Zoning Board Fails to Attract Quorum, Delays Decisions

Overview: In a recent Highland Park Zoning Board meeting, the absence of a sufficient number of members to form a quorum delayed official actions, underscoring challenges in local government functioning. The meeting was primarily scheduled to approve the minutes of previous meetings and an annual report but faced procedural hurdles due to member attendance.

Highland Park School Board Addresses Student Performance and Equity Concerns

Overview: The Highland Park School Board meeting focused on a review of the district’s performance, instructional practices, and equitable access to advanced learning programs. In particular, the board discussed the latest state performance reports, which showed an increase in overall enrollment and highlighted the need for improvement in certain areas. The reports, published in April, are accessible on the State and district websites and include data on student enrollment demographics, growth, participation and proficiency rates, standardized testing outcomes, graduation rates, AP exam performance, chronic absenteeism, and the accountability system.

Highland Park Council Addresses Redevelopment and Honors Late Judge Hopman

Overview: The Highland Park Borough Council meeting addressed several topics, with a primary focus on the redevelopment of track A and the honoring of the late Judge Barney Hopman. The council paid tribute to Judge Hopman’s legacy, acknowledged May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month, and discussed upcoming community events and public works projects.

Highland Park School Board Addresses Security and Student Support

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Highland Park School Board addressed a comprehensive range of topics from security and student discipline to budget allocations and community programs. The most discussions centered on a new law enforcement resolution, a pilot program utilizing AI for student counseling, and the upcoming school year’s budget that includes a tax levy increase and a decrease in state aid.