The most pressing topic at the meeting was the considerable rise in HIB incidents reported across the district. Specifically, Morris Middle School recorded 17 confirmed HIB incidents, a rise of nine cases. This increase in HIB cases prompted the board to review its current initiatives to address these concerns. It was reported that educational presentations across grade levels had improved awareness and reporting from parents and staff, leading to a higher number of reported cases. An official highlighted that parents’ and staff’s awareness and proactive reporting had improved, thanks to educational sessions and resources, including an animated video on HIB available on the district’s website. The board also discussed potential gaps in the community’s understanding of what constitutes HIB under state law, leading to a proposal for the ad hoc disciplinary committee to explore new educational materials to address these misunderstandings.

In addition to HIB concerns, the meeting highlighted the efforts of student mentors from Voorhees Middle School. These eighth-grade mentors, chosen through a selective process involving teacher recommendations and essays, play a role in assisting younger students with their transition to middle school. The mentors spoke about their contributions during various school events, such as orientation, back-to-school nights, and parent-teacher conferences. The board praised the students’ leadership and public speaking skills, recognizing the positive impact of their mentorship within the school community.

The board also reviewed the results of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessments for students with disabilities. This year, 19 students were assessed in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, with results indicating varying levels of achievement among students. The assessments are personalized, focusing on each student’s abilities. In ELA, nine students scored at the emerging level, while Math scores showed a noteworthy shift, with a decrease in the emerging level and an increase in students reaching target or advanced levels. These results were attributed to a cohort of younger students and the district’s ongoing interventions in ELA and Math, which include the adoption of new online literacy programs and Math systems aligned with student learning standards.

The board meeting also addressed policy updates and community member concerns. One public member raised questions about specific policies under review, seeking clarifications on policy references and discrepancies regarding board member removal criteria. The policy committee reported on its recent meeting, recommending full board approval for several policy items and new field trip offerings. The committee also scheduled its next meeting for November 11th.

Further discussions included the approval of personnel changes, such as the hiring of a new ELA teacher and the creation of three new full-time IIA positions. A board member expressed concern about low attendance at committee meetings and the lack of evidence concerning a student’s residency status being reviewed. The finance committee reported on its October 22nd meeting, highlighting discussions about financial items, a solar initiative, and pending change orders for the Voorhees Early Childhood Development Center.