Pasack Valley School Board Discusses Professional Development, Testing, and Facility Improvements

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Pasack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education, discussions centered on professional development initiatives, the impact of standardized testing on instructional time, and ongoing facility improvements, including updates to the school’s HVAC system and auditorium.

Pasack Valley School Board Debates Impact of Professional Development Days on Student Learning

Overview: The recent Pasack Valley School Board meeting focused on the scheduling of professional development days for teachers and their effect on instructional time for students. The board discussed the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar, which included two additional professional development days, and debated whether these days were detracting from valuable class time.

Old Tappan Borough Council Considers Road Closures for Halloween Safety Amid Resident Concerns

Overview: The Old Tappan Borough Council recently held a meeting where the safety measures for Halloween, particularly the potential closure of roads in busy neighborhoods, were the primary focus. Concerns about children’s safety during trick-or-treating led to a discussion about how best to manage traffic and parking to ensure a secure environment for families.

River Vale School District to Transition to Adaptive Student Assessments

Overview: During the recent River Vale School Board meeting, significant educational developments were unveiled, including a transition to adaptive assessments for the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, set to begin in the spring. This shift aims to better tailor assessments to individual student needs. The meeting also highlighted the district’s high performance in state evaluations and improvements in student achievement metrics, alongside ongoing curriculum enhancements.

Old Tappan Planning Board Deliberates on Bridal Salon and Home Occupation Definition

Overview: The Old Tappan Planning Board meeting focused on several issues, including a discussion about a proposed bridal salon and the broader implications of defining home occupations within the community’s zoning framework. Concerns about zoning compliance, potential neighborhood impacts, and the balance between residential and commercial uses were central themes. The meeting also covered applications for variances related to accessory structures and the need for clarity on local zoning regulations.