A focal point of the meeting was the public comments from a concerned parent, who detailed their daughter’s distressing experiences with bullying at Voorhees Middle School. The parent recounted a specific incident where their daughter was struck by a ball, exacerbating a previous injury and necessitating six weeks of physical therapy. They expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s initial response and the perceived lack of adequate supervision during school activities. Although action was eventually taken following their communication with Dr. Hackett, the parent remained critical of the administration’s approach, emphasizing the need for restorative justice and better conflict resolution resources. The parent urged the board for actionable changes to cultivate empathy and compassion among students, highlighting the ongoing psychological impact on their child and underscoring the necessity for a supportive community.

In response to these concerns, the board was urged to review and enhance their policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) to ensure prompt and effective intervention. The parent referenced New Jersey’s HIB laws, emphasizing that policies should be enforced consistently and not selectively.

In addition to these concerns, the board delved into the financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. The tentative budget for 2025-2026 detailed a general fund of approximately $64 million, with a local tax levy of about $53.5 million. This levy represents the maximum permissible increase without utilizing banked cap provisions, translating to a 1.93% increase for taxpayers. The impact on the average home was projected to be an increase of $52 per year. The disparity between the local fair share and the actual tax levy was noted, with Voorhees’ levy constituting 77% of the general fund budget, lower than neighboring towns.

The board addressed significant adjustments within the budget, including the consolidation of kindergarten bus routes to save costs. The restructuring of Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) services was also discussed, with plans to offer these services to instructional aides and obtain competitive bids for contracted services. The board emphasized the importance of managing available reserves effectively, allocating capital reserves for necessary projects, and adopting lease financing for equipment and maintenance.

The meeting also covered several academic initiatives. The Academic Excellence Committee reported on the success of the WIN program for second graders, which has shown positive outcomes in small group settings. Feedback from students involved in the Saturday Spectacular program was positive. The committee also examined the use of AI training for staff and the potential for middle school students to access real-time grade information.

In the realm of policy, the board reviewed and recommended several revised policies for approval. These included policies on board committees, academic integrity, the use of generative AI, and harassment and bullying. Clarity was emphasized regarding the eligibility of non-teaching staff to enter their preschool-aged children into a lottery for attendance within the district.

Concerns were raised during the public comment period about the proposed addition of audio surveillance to existing video cameras in schools. An attendee expressed apprehension about privacy and security implications, describing it as a potential “slippery slope.” The board was urged to consider the balance between surveillance benefits and community concerns.

Other topics included recognition of retiring staff members, Leslie Maser and John Yazi, and an update on the district’s tuition policies. The board announced changes allowing non-residents in the process of moving to attend school without immediate tuition payments for up to twelve weeks, aligning with practices in other districts.