The New Jersey graduation proficiency assessment results were a focal point of the meeting. It was reported that over 90% of current seniors demonstrated proficiency in English language arts. However, performance variations among subgroups were noted, particularly for students with disabilities and Hispanic students, sparking a discussion about the accommodations provided to Individualized Education Program (IEP) students during the test. Extended time and text-to-speech were identified as primary accommodations, and for some, the option to use a calculator by hand. The presentation by Mr. Delesio and Mr. Aquavia also covered the mathematics assessment, acknowledging the challenging nature of the test and slight increases in graduation readiness. The speakers addressed the retesting process for students not yet considered graduation ready and the remediation efforts in place to support them.

Addressing the issue of graduation assessments, the board and officials discussed alternative pathways and targeted instruction for students who struggle to pass the required tests. The use of the accuplacer exam as an alternative pathway was noted as a success. Concerns were raised about bias in exams, the difficulty of standardized testing for students, particularly English language learners, and the changes in cut scores over the years. The lack of comprehensive data on subgroup performance at the state level was a point of contention, with board members expressing the need for more actionable information to understand the district’s performance relative to other districts.

In terms of infrastructure, the board discussed the ongoing improvements to the South Auditorium and the aesthetic enhancements being made to the school building. Appreciation was expressed for the work completed and the support from various stakeholders in creating a better learning environment.

The meeting also addressed the small size of certain student subgroups and the challenge of statistically validating their score comparisons to state averages. The board reviewed RFP proposals and decided to continue their relationship with the current health insurance broker, Brown and Brown, citing their performance and the quality of their presentation. The shared services regionalization committee discussed key areas for study, including special education and transportation, and outlined plans for a town hall meeting to engage the community. Additionally, the board considered the use of a culture and climate survey tool from Rutgers, aimed at improving district practices.

Lastly, the issue of chronic absenteeism was acknowledged as a concern in public education. Although specific details on responses from board members were not provided, the impact of arts education on reducing chronic absenteeism rates was presented as a potential area of focus.