The budget discussion addressed the impact of several factors, including the projected decline in enrollment by approximately 50 students and the loss of funding from the Esser program, a vestige of the COVID era. The trend in declining enrollment could experience a shift due to potential developments in the Warren area. Particular attention was given to the allocation of the tax levy among the three towns, with the board explaining how elementary student enrollment and home valuations influence the tax rate for each town. A member of the public raised questions about Green Brook’s impact on the budget, which was clarified as part of the send-receive tuition.

The meeting spotlighted the addition of the Empower program to the budget, designed to support female athletics and academic co-curricular initiatives. The capital budget, as part of the presentation, included significant replacements and improvements such as a new track, HVAC units, security systems, and carpeting in the Performing Arts Center and main office.

A notable challenge within the budget was the 10.8% increase in special education costs. To address this, the board discussed the need for improved coordination between English courses in the sending districts and the ninth grade English courses at Watchung Hills. The board also considered various educational events, such as a career day, a STEAM fair, a hackathon, and a spring musical, and the potential use of Watchung Hills as a polling place for upcoming elections.

The operations committee brought up concerns from K8 Warren schools about their ability to serve as voting locations due to increased voter turnout. Additionally, the negotiations committee provided an update on the status of negotiations with the teachers’ staff, with their next meeting scheduled for mid-March. The board opened the floor for public comments, focusing on agenda items, and discussed potential revisions to their board goals. One suggestion was the removal of a goal related to health and well-being, as it was integrated into district goals. The need for improved communication strategies was also discussed, including the idea of subdividing the communication goal and incorporating feedback from the culture and climate survey.

The public comment section of the meeting featured a parent’s concern about a presentation on reproductive health given to students. The parent questioned the credentials of the presenter and the appropriateness of the topic. A defense of the presentation was made, asserting that the content, which focused on consent and healthy relationships, was from a vetted organization and aligned with the health curriculum. The concerned parent requested additional information about the presenter’s qualifications.

Other procedural items at the meeting included the approval of items A1 through A7, C1 through C103, and D1 through D4. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The education committee also shared insights into the selection process for summer reading books, involving teachers and students, with the summer reading list to be made available soon.