The teacher highlighted the New Jersey law requiring dyslexia screenings by the first semester of second grade, effective since the 2014-2015 school year. She detailed her attempts to gain clarity on the screening process, having sent multiple emails to supervisors without satisfactory responses. Expressing concern over the district’s choice of the DR as a universal screener, she argued it does not sufficiently assess phonological processing skills. She urged the board for guidance, questioning the steps for teachers who notice dyslexia indicators and the timeline for implementing screenings. The teacher’s plea underscored a broader issue of communication breakdowns within the district, as she sought training to conduct screenings herself if necessary.

Adding to the discussion, parent Michael Jones shared his experience regarding his daughter, Alexis, who struggles with writing letters and numbers backward. He criticized the district’s response time and testing processes, advocating for standardized testing for all students to prevent singling out those with learning disabilities. Jones further criticized the absence of tablets for students, which had been provided in previous years, calling for equitable access to learning resources.

Reverend Jose Rodriguez also addressed the board, expressing concerns from the Latino immigrant community about the FAFSA requirement for 11th and 12th graders. He highlighted fears of deportation and suggested making the FAFSA optional to alleviate anxieties about disclosing personal information, pointing to the challenges immigrant families face in the current political climate.

The meeting also covered the board’s ongoing strategic goals, with a focus on enhancing student achievement and community engagement. The board emphasized “developing the whole child” by creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. Discussions included the importance of a unified instructional approach and the integration of project-based learning into the curriculum. By June 2025, the board aims for classrooms to demonstrate high-quality instruction using district-approved resources.

Community engagement was a focal point, with plans to expand community schools and partnerships. The board discussed working with organizations like Mercer Street Friends and the YMCA to develop a community school model. The Parent Connect series was expanded to assist parents in supporting their children in challenging academic environments.

Infrastructure improvements were another key topic, with updates on interior lighting upgrades and air conditioning installations across the district. These enhancements aim to provide conducive learning environments and align with the district’s strategic goals. Financial discussions included aligning the budget with instructional priorities, with major budget meetings scheduled for December and finalization expected by March.

Efforts to enhance communication were also highlighted, with the third year of the New Jersey Sky parent survey implemented across all 25 district schools. This survey gathers feedback from parents, students, and staff about their perceptions of the school environment, guiding schools in identifying areas for improvement.

The board also discussed professional development for staff, emphasizing alignment with district goals and gathering staff input to tailor offerings. The initiative to increase PD sessions led by district staff aims to foster collaboration among employees.

Finally, the board reviewed reports related to staff travel, financial expenditures, and the district’s budget. A point of discussion was the preparation for the upcoming school year’s budget, with enrollment projections and the annual budget set for development in December. The board expressed gratitude for donations received to support family and community engagement initiatives, including Thanksgiving baskets and grocery items.