Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe announced that Verona High School had been ranked 1,462 out of 24,000 schools nationwide by U.S. News and World Report, placing it in the 94th percentile. Within New Jersey, the school stood at 69th out of 427 high schools, achieving an 84th percentile rank, and was 183rd out of over 1,800 schools in the Greater New York metro area, reaching the 90th percentile. This recognition was presented as a positive reflection of the district’s progress and efforts to enhance educational outcomes.

In addition to these accolades, the Board discussed mediation efforts that were reportedly moving in the district’s favor, though specific details were withheld as the process had not yet concluded. The general sentiment expressed was one of satisfaction with the progress being made in these negotiations.

The meeting also addressed financial concerns, particularly regarding special education funding. Public comments raised questions about the comparisons between current funding numbers and past expectations, highlighting an 8% decline in IDA funds, which has impacted special education programming costs. The district has focused on compensating for this shortfall by adjusting tax levy funds and implementing in-house professional development initiatives to mitigate the effects of reduced federal funds.

Student performance metrics and intervention strategies were another focal point. The Board reviewed graduation readiness statistics for the classes of 2025 and 2026, which showed a consistent 93% readiness rate. A notable increase of over 9% in mathematics readiness for the class of 2026 was attributed to initiatives like the math lab, which provided targeted assistance to students. The success of these interventions prompted plans to continue such programs. Furthermore, a shift to NJGPA adaptive testing was discussed, with the new testing method expected to be fully implemented by March for the class of 2027.

Multilingual learner performance was also reviewed, with updates on the growing number of multilingual students in the district. The thematic carousel curriculum for younger students and the Champion curriculum for older students were highlighted as key strategies to support language acquisition. Collaboration with neighboring districts has enriched teacher training, and new translation tools have been introduced to assist these learners.

The Board received committee reports on various topics, including the extension of academic enrichment programs into sixth grade and the announcement of AP Scholar Awards scheduled for November. Updates on ongoing maintenance projects were provided, such as the tennis court overhaul and challenges with burnt-out lights requiring vendor assistance. HVAC system upgrades were also underway, although a vacancy in HVAC expertise on the maintenance staff was noted. The district is managing playground litigation, which has been delayed due to independent evaluations and reviews from manufacturers.

The meeting also included personal notes of appreciation and farewells. A acknowledgment was given to a board member attending their last meeting before pursuing a new career opportunity, with gratitude expressed for their contributions. Additionally, the business administrator announced his impending departure, reflecting on his tenure and the positive changes he had fostered in the district.