0:00A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation by the Director of Human Resources on school safety data. The report detailed incidents occurring during the first half of the 2024-2025 academic year, with a focus on harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), and other safety-related incidents. The middle school emerged as a particular area of concern, reporting 14 HIB incidents, including two weapon-related incidents involving knives, and a total of 27 incidents overall. The high school, meanwhile, reported 15 confirmed HIB incidents, which included one weapon incident and 14 violence-related instances, categorized as fights and assaults, alongside three substance abuse cases involving marijuana.

Inquiries were made about the classification of weapon incidents, with clarification provided that the classification hinged upon the size of the knives involved. This decrease prompted questions about the distribution of incidents across the district’s schools, with middle and high schools consistently showing the highest numbers.

20:32In an effort to improve student engagement and communication, a proposal was introduced for creating a student-led social media club. This club would operate under adult supervision and aim to manage content across platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, with TikTok also considered despite societal apprehensions. The initiative seeks to highlight community events, student achievements, and foster inclusivity and collaboration. Through accessible content, the goal is to enhance school pride and inform stakeholders about district activities, promoting a more connected and engaged school community.

0:00Community engagement continued to be a central theme, with the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) reporting on its efforts to address dwindling participation in Home and School Associations (HSAs). The CAC proposed creating a master guide for future HSAs to enhance continuity and raised concerns about internet connectivity affecting instructional time. They recommended conducting an external technology audit and revising the teacher dress code to boost staff morale and retention, linking these changes to improved student achievement.

40:36The meeting also saw discussions on acknowledging Black History Month, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the achievements of Black alumni from Winslow Township and Edgewood. A speaker highlighted the significance of recognizing these accomplishments as part of a shared history, advocating for continuous celebration beyond a single event.

Public comments provided further insights into community concerns, with one attendee expressing gratitude for school spirit activities like “Fire Prevention Week” and “Spirit Week,” noting their positive impact on fostering inclusivity and community. Another speaker addressed staffing shortages and teacher resignations, expressing a desire to support teachers and students, particularly in light of recent changes affecting her nonverbal son with autism.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of a forthcoming educational town hall meeting aimed at fostering collaboration between the community and the school district. Board members were also informed about a potential revival of the “Talk with a Board Member” program, and upcoming marching band competitions were highlighted.