Alongside safety considerations, Mr. Moore announced a community forum set to occur on November 13 at West Orange High School. This event aims to gather input for the district’s upcoming five-year strategic plan. For those unable to attend in person, an online survey was made available, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the district’s future.

Another major focus of the meeting was the financial challenges facing the district. The board discussed the structural deficit, which annually ranges from $8 million to $10 million before budget allocations are decided. This deficit poses significant challenges compared to similar districts and underscores the urgency of addressing funding gaps. The issue of tax levy flexibility under the existing 2% cap law was also highlighted, with discussions on how this impacts the district’s ability to manage financial shortfalls. Board members expressed both a desire for the state to fully fund educational needs and the necessity of having tools available to address potential aid reductions.

Transportation costs, specifically the gap between the $4 million received in transportation aid and the $17 million actual expenditure, were brought to the forefront. The inadequacy of state funding for transportation, particularly given the geographic challenges of the district, was emphasized. The board argued that the state’s funding methodology fails to account for hazardous routes and courtesy busing needs, adding a financial burden to the district.

Special education funding was another issue. The district has seen a shift from a census-based funding method to one based on actual enrollment, resulting in an increase in special education aid from $6 million to $11 million. This change was recognized as necessary, given that the district had been underfunded by nearly 50%, based on the actual number of students requiring services. The board stressed the importance of adequate state support for special education.

The conversation included a detailed look at the district’s performance data, particularly the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA). While improvements were noted, especially among 9th graders, the need for ongoing effort to maintain upward progress was acknowledged. A strategic plan was mentioned, with emphasis on a consistent vision from district leadership believed to benefit students and the community.

Performance in mathematics, particularly algebra, was also a topic of concern. While Algebra 1 and Geometry scores were above state proficiency percentages, Algebra 2 fell slightly below, identified as an area needing improvement. The board discussed curriculum reviews and targeted interventions to address these gaps.

The meeting also addressed concerns about writing across the curriculum and the importance of aligning content delivery with the newly approved curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year. The integration of common assessments at the end of each unit was seen as a method to address identified gaps. There was also a focus on supporting diverse learning experiences and developing a rich curriculum for all students, including those with disabilities.

The board expressed satisfaction with the district’s progress and the leadership under Mr. Moore, acknowledging the positive direction despite ongoing challenges. There was consensus that recent changes should yield positive results in the coming years. Mr. Moore emphasized the importance of collaboration among teachers and administrators.