0:00The board meeting featured two special presentations that underscored the district’s response to the increasing behavioral and emotional needs of students post-pandemic. Dr. Sandra Struthers, Executive Director for Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) New Jersey, presented an overview of the JAG program for the 2024 school year. She detailed the program’s success in helping students secure employment for the first time and emphasized the importance of partnerships with local employers. Dr. Struthers highlighted that Vineland’s JAG program, led by Mr. Bob Rush, achieved a 100% graduation rate and a 75% employment rate among participants. Mr. Rush expressed gratitude towards the school board and highlighted the collaborative efforts that contributed to their success.

Executive Director Terry Gusi then presented the district’s behavioral support plan, addressing the rise in student behavioral needs since the pandemic. Gusi noted an increase in referrals for behavioral assistance and the removal of students from programs, particularly among younger students. She outlined the district’s various initiatives, including partnerships with local health organizations and the introduction of social and emotional learning programs. Gusi also discussed the recent collaboration with Genovian Associates to extend behavioral support to the general education population, focusing on providing training and coaching for school administration and teachers.

18:29In addition to these presentations, the board addressed several key financial and personnel matters. The finance committee reported on the winning RFP for the Vineland High School HVAC heat pump project awarded to Phasa Mechanical and the significant unbudgeted HVAC repairs estimated at $1.8 million for various schools. The committee also noted the retirement of personnel and the purchase of six 54-passenger buses for a total of $339,000. The board approved finance items 4.1 through 4.10, with a roll call confirming unanimous approval, except for abstentions on items 4.5 and 4.6.

Further discussions included an update from the discipline committee on changes to the code of conduct and the challenges faced in elementary schools. The committee highlighted the impact of trauma and mental health issues at younger grade levels and considered resources such as the potential expansion of GoGuardian software to track student internet activity. The placement of behavioral consultants in elementary schools was also discussed as a measure to assist with discipline-related challenges.

Public comments provided additional insights into community engagement and recognition efforts. James Cooper, founder of the Out of Bounds mentorship program, inquired about honoring students participating in the program, with a commitment made to coordinate an event for recognition. Dr. Thomas McCann spoke on behalf of the Vineland High School Historical Committee, expressing gratitude for the support in obtaining a national landmark sign for Landa School and recounting the extensive efforts that led to this recognition.

Personnel changes were also a key topic, with the board approving the appointment of Miss Greenfeld as vice principal of Sergeant Dominic Pill Middle School. Greenfeld expressed her appreciation for the new role and gratitude towards her family and colleagues. A question arose regarding policy 2200, specifically the removal of the requirement for annual approval by the board for curriculum content. It was clarified that the changes were based on legal guidance, and a commitment was made to revisit the specific line in question during the next policy and personnel meeting.

35:32Finally, the meeting concluded with board members sharing remarks and expressing optimism for the new school year. They emphasized the importance of teamwork among the board, administration, teachers, parents, and the community to achieve positive outcomes for students. The superintendent highlighted the successful planning of an event with over 1,200 registered participants and 150 student volunteers.