Verona School Board Discusses New Educational Model and Highlights Spring Sports Achievements
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Verona School Board meeting, the board focused on introducing a new educational model aimed at enhancing both academic and social-emotional learning, while also celebrating the successes of the district’s spring sports teams.
10:03The introduction of a new instructional model was a central theme of the meeting, garnering substantial discussion. The approach emphasizes collaboration among students and teachers, promoting student engagement and effective learning. An attendee highlighted its potential to close achievement gaps and prepare students for the modern workforce. One speaker shared positive feedback from a recent educational conference, emphasizing the model’s ability to foster a collaborative learning environment. This approach, which encourages active student participation, aligns with the growing need for students to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Discussions about the model also extended to community involvement, with suggestions for creating one-page documents for parents to better understand and support their children’s learning. These documents aim to bridge school activities with home conversations. The board recognized that when students engage in thought-provoking lessons, it naturally sparks discussions at home, further enriching the learning process. Strategies for effective communication during group work were also proposed, emphasizing respectful dialogue among peers.
03:25In addition to educational strategies, the board celebrated the spring sports season’s success. Despite inclement weather, all teams participated in state tournaments. The boys’ lacrosse team achieved an 11-7 record, finishing second in their division and earning multiple all-league and all-conference selections. The softball team, with an impressive 13-1 record, reached the state semifinals. The baseball team enjoyed a successful 19-7 season, advancing to the sectional championship game. Notably, the girls’ track team won the North two group one state sectional championships, producing several record-breaking athletes. The boys’ track and field team also excelled, with individual athletes setting records, including Evan Sang’s high jump of 6 feet 5 inches. Meanwhile, the golf team displayed growth, ending the season with an 8-10 record, and the girls’ lacrosse team secured conference titles and numerous all-conference selections. The boys’ tennis team saw significant achievements, with multiple state qualifiers.
29:10The board meeting also touched on community involvement and support for the district’s educators. Although the CPAC did not attend the meeting to present their usual awards, they announced several grants awarded to special services department teachers. These included three $500 grants and a $350 mini-grant, recognizing the contributions of educators within the district. Additionally, the meeting addressed personnel changes, offering well-wishes to departing staff members and discussing standard expenses such as out-of-district student placements, which total nearly $2.5 million annually.
31:55As the meeting progressed, action items were approved, including the appointment of Carly Waterman as the head varsity coach, generating positive remarks. Governance and policy discussions included a motion to approve an item related to bus drills, highlighting a potential increase in required drills due to varying district needs. The meeting concluded with an open call for public comments, which saw no participants, and an announcement of the next public meeting scheduled for July 22.
Diane DiGiuseppe
School Board Officials:
Mrs. Pamela Priscoe, Mrs. Denise Verzella, Mrs. Diana Ferrera, Mr. Christopher Wacha, Mr. Michael Boone
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/26/2025
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Recording Published:
06/26/2025
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Duration:
39 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Verona
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