Um, but what we want to pay attention to is if we have students who are um in any of those demographics in particular that we realize based on their grade nine NJSLA data and or earlier that we can actually start compiling a portfolio
assessment for them earlier. We don't have to wait till grade 11. And that way if they don't need it, great. Well, we already had it and it was good practice. But if they do need it, we've already started that process. So it makes senior year a little less stressful. They don't have to worry about um making that up in
senior year. So I think that's one important piece. Um when I just got the data that I can break down by student. So uh right now I'm in the process of putting that into a form where the ELA team members, the
teachers and the supervisors can go over and the principles can go over that very specific data on the students. Um get a sense of trends from last year and the year before moving forward. Are there particular domains where we notice students need more support? Um, last
year it wasformational text. So, we kind of want to see where we're at with that. Uh, we also have our science and social studies department working collaborative collaboratively to increase the amount offormational uh, reading skills and writing. Um so there's a lot going on
across departments in order to increase um student ELA proficiency. Um if we need to do any remediation, we can use common lit in order as a tool for learning instruction as well as a benchmark. And um this year they're
going to be focusing as well as our district goal has a lot to do with teachers identifying data in their class. We want to also get the students goal setting on their data. So then math um again the blue line is the state average and the green dots are
the puquanic students who had those questions how they fared ordered from most difficult to the least difficult and um I will tell you that this test is mostly it's half algebra half geometry 30 questions
so um again same process All of these numbers represent percent except for the first uh well the first three the second and third columns those are the scale scores. So same uh process as ELA the score change to 725 in 2023. Still had
151 students take the assessment. Our multilingual learners actually did much better in math than they did in ELA which actually makes sense depending upon how well they're um how far along they are with the English language. Um the state average on this is only 736. We were at a 756. So, we're still
outperforming the state in that zone. And we had 83.4% of our students show graduation ready. So, we have a few more students in math that had to um do another test and we actually had several students take the ACUPPLACER after this and then they
passed that and that counts. So, we're already I think we we're down to like two or three students that have to um either do the portfolio or take the NGPA again in the fall and see if they could pass it there. Um, anything else on this? I don't think
so. So, again with some notables, our demographics still outperforming uh the state average, which I think is great. Again, we have ongoing vertical articulation between our different courses. Uh, we're going to be breaking
down the data. Again, in the geometry and algebra, I can get it right down to how many points um each part is worth. So, we'll go over that with the teachers and anal um anywhere we need to improve our tier one instruction. Um and we're still doing conquer math. So um we have
high school teachers attending that as well. So we're excited to keep going with that. Um similar to the ELA, we're going to start working with students as early as we can in ninth grade on compiling portfolio items if we notice that there's a trend where they might have trouble passing the NJ GPA in grade 11.
Um the math teams will go over the evidence statements and the heat maps that we'll create based on the data we're pulling together. Uh we really worked on modeling and reasoning task and we think that really is helping across the board from grade three up um in improving our scores and um we're
also looking at final exam data in order to um help us get a sense of what we need to adjust for next year's instruction. Um, oh, and one other thing, it is really important to have calculators in hand while you're doing these tests as
opposed to trying to use the computer calculator. And, um, we also using patty paper with our geometry test now, which is, um, transparent paper if you haven't used it, which is great for doing, uh, different things on the coordinate plane. Um, so we're really trying to get
more hands-on uh with the math as much as we can um as much as we're allowed to uh which these assessments because I think it makes a total difference. So next steps really focusing on a lot of data, a lot of growth and goal setting. Um again all of this has to do
with us taking apart that data looking it down to the individual students and across the courses and looking at are there particular domains or topics where we notice that we need to do a better job of instruction. Um, so just
reviewing all those trends, uh, it's really important. Grade 8 maths NJSLA mimics the grade 11 NJ GPA very closely. So we're actually looking at that data to see, um, what are the connections there. Um, we're doing a lot of curriculum writing in math this year
because we have to approve the 2023 standards by September's board meeting. So we're in the process of doing all that. Um and again doing a lot of training with the teachers not only on conquer math um but even in the curriculum writing we've been doing over the last two weeks. I've had a bunch of
um teachers in mostly grades three to eight but still when you're doing curriculum writing and you're working with them we're training them um and it's been amazing. So I got a lot of positive feedback from them. So we'll continue that growth with the high
school as well. Any questions on NJGPA? Looking good. Okay. So, access for L's two slides. Um, so overall we had 37 students from K to 12 um have to take the access test. You
can see the different languages that our students speak. Um, overall for 37 students, we had an average of about a 3.5. In order for a student to exit the ESL program, they need a 4.5. Um, and then we broke down how many
students are at each uh level. Uh, we did have eight students exit the program in 2425 and we had seven students refuse services. Students who refuse services but are eligible still have to take the access test. So, of those 37 um seven of
them would have not been in the program but still have to take the test. And this break this chart which put on for you um is just shows us the breakdown of there's six different
levels on the access test and um you can see where most of our students land right about the between two and four right now which is great because depending upon what year they're in in the program we want them you know we want them to move forward but by the time they hit four and a half they're
exiting. So we don't expect to see a lot of fives and sixes because they probably exited before um they would have shown the proficiency in that. So we want to get them past the four. So we moving forward every year. Any question on access?
Thank you. So I know this question comes up a lot with any standardized testing and we're comparing ourselves to the state. Is there any way to drill down to more comparable schools, more demographic, geographic, you know, similarities versus just blanketing just saying the
state? >> It's a good question. Um the state used to give us the they would label schools with a letter ABCD EFG. They don't do that anymore. So now So we can when the school performance reports come out, we can do that, but that's not until March.
So by the time we're hitting that, we're already on to like our next set of testing. But um it's something we possibly could look at to see. >> Yeah, I think it's just a gap when we really don't know, you know, >> our peers.
>> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> We can talk about it. Yeah. And I don't know how many districts are are posting their presentations, but we could do a little surfing on the internet, see what we can find.
That that's something that that we can share. That's not just for you. >> And if there's particular districts you're interested in, I think that's another like we can dig deep and see what we can find in the school performance reports as well, too. >> Yeah. And something I I've done in the past is looking at the former district
factor groups. We were GH, but looking one level above what we were and then one level below and just looking for schools of for districts of comparable size and see see the performance comparisons. Something I like to you talk about the data and reasoning and
how that was something we focused on. That was something that came out of last year's admin retreat when we were going through data presentations at different levels. We realized this was theme. That's something to Emry's credit. She picked up on it and really ran with it for for this school year. We
see the outcomes in that that chart, that table that shows how our students were doing on this particular standards and the standards really are just skills skills that kids have to be able to demonstrate mastery of. Overall, I'm I'm
quite pleased with the results. It was inevitable that our ELA number was going to go down since it was 100% 24. So we slipped a little bit there, but we're looking for perfection and keep striving for it.
>> Thank you, Mr. Gibbs. You have a report. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh, tonight's port agenda is the approval of a new SDA grant in the amount of $2.9 million, of which the school will be responsible for 1.7 million. The grant is for new air
handlers and some HVAC units for each of the schools. The grant will be budgeted over the next three years. Also on tonight's board agenda is the approval of the purchase agreement for the new board office at 494 Newark Pton Turnpike in the amount of $575,000.
There is an acceptance of non-public school nursing funds in the amount of $27,690. These funds will go to non-public schools in the area for nursing supplies and services. On July 7th, the resurfacing and striping of the parking lot at the
Steven Jerice Elementary School was completed. The fieldwork part of the 202425 audit started on Monday, July 7th, and is anticipated to be completed by October 15th. The audit is due to the state by December 15, 2025.
Finally, this is just a reminder for those board members planning on attending the New Jersey School Board's Conference in Atlantic City in October. If you haven't done so, please confirm the dates that you'll be staying at the hotel. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Now move on to approve
the minutes. I'm going to ask MO to please move the minutes. >> I would like to move the minutes from June 23rd, 2025. >> Second. >> Question or discussion? Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gen, >> yes. M IO. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mcween is absent. Mr. Pompeo is absent. Mrs. Shentton's absent. Mrs. Estazito. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Sen. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. It brings us to the first
opportunity for public comment. And there is no public here. So I'm going to move on to approval of the action items. Uh first up is PMC. And I want to ask Mr. Sesi to please move the items under PMC. >> I would like to move PMC 01-26
through PMC 22-26. >> Second. >> Any question or discussion? >> Yeah, I'm just going to I know this isn't a formal workshop, but I know at each of the workshop meetings I provide a staffing update, so I think it's relevant here. Um, we are currently in
search of two Spanish teachers. We had two who had accepted our offers um and then later expressed otherwise. So we see one being rescended, another one we were able to pull before the agenda went public. So
uh the search continues there and Dr. Keefe is also looking for backup options if we're not able to find someone through the search process. As you know, there's a shortage in the state and um we're doing our best to find people who we could put who would be effective instructors for our students. Um we also
have posted for a um special ed science teacher at the high school. This is another one that's a very difficult find. This falls under the highly qualified umbrella with the person needs a science as well as a special edert. We do have a staff member who's currently working towards achieving that level.
She's not quite there yet. So, in the meantime, we're posting for the position, but it's it's fishing in baron waters. And then we also have a posting for part-time LDTC. This is again this is a difficult position to fill. We're not so sure that there's anybody out there. We had a lead
on Selma, but they taking their talents to another district. And then we of course posted for elementary lunch aids for anybody who's ever been a lunch aid. It is the single greatest job in the history of humanity. It's fulfilling. It's exciting. It's really more things than I could possibly describe. So if you know
someone who might be interested, please spread the word of the most gratifying and outstanding job. >> All right. Mr. Gibson, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sesi. Yes, >> Mr. Gon. >> Yes, >> MOO. >> Yes,
>> Mr. McMoney is absent. Mr. Pompeo is absent. Mrs. Shentton's absent. Mrs. Espazito. >> Yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Up next is CIS. Miss Espo. Would you please move the items under CIS? >> Yes. Give me one second.
I would like to move CIS-26 through CIS07-26. >> Second. >> Question or discussion. >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon, >> yes. >> Miss Ao,
>> yes. >> Mr. Mcween is absent. Mr. Pompeo is absent. Mr. Shentton's absent. Mrs. Esto, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sen, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Okay. Up next is FFA. Mr. Bloomer, would you please move the items under FFA? >> I'd like to make a motion to move
FFA01-26 through FFA 18 uh-26. >> Second. >> Any question or discussion? >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon, >> yes.
>> Miss Ao, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcween is absent. Mr. Pompeo is absent. Mr. Shenton's absent. Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Yes. Motion carries. >> I'd like to take a moment just to thank the PTHs Association of Music Parents for their generous donations to the high
school. >> Okay. And next up is policy. I'm going to ask Miss Espo again to move that item. >> Sure. I'd like to move um policy P 01-26. >> Sec. Let me give that one to G. Any
question or discussion? >> Mr. Giz, please call couple things. Sorry. Um, human meeting extender. Um, one thing that uh, Mr. McWe and I had had discussed via email um, is we are
currently putting up for approval our acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence. The policy focuses on AI for students. We did talk about whether we should have something in place for staff and I don't know that we necessarily need a polic regulate staff use but I do think it's good almost as a
position statement to say we do support staff using this as it can help create greater efficiency for them save time whether it's in providing assessment feedback planning a few other things can't be used right now for writing IEPs or anything else that involves sensitive
data or information until we get our own internal AI which is probably not too far down the pike but I just want to point out that that's something we have discussed there's been no noise or movement from Strauss on that But internally, we've discussed it. And then
board has access to a living document that I have about policies that we're looking to address. And I just want to point out there are four that I'm looking to get finalized in time for the start of the school year. We do have two more board meetings before the first day when we have students. And those
policies are 2340, which is field trips. We want to tweak something about the transportation language. Uh 2624 is grading system. There are actually a number of changes we want to make there. Not the least of which is about the philosophy governing grading. 5430 class rank there. I have several issues with
the language. I feel like it's not not written as clearly as it could be. Um 8454 management particulosis is lice. Our nursing team had presented a few recommendations and what they believe is best practice. We do have to make sure we follow the law and that
we're consistent with serving our community as best we can while also being efficient and effective. So, we we'll piece that together. So, those should be ready for first readings in time for the August meeting. >> All right. Thank you. Mr. Gins, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes.
>> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon, >> yes. >> MO, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcween is absent. Mr. Pompeo is absent. Mr. Shenton's absent. Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sen, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Mr. Gon, would you please move other?
>> Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to move uh other O-1-26. >> Second. Question or discussion. >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon, >> yes. >> Misso, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcween is absent. Mr. Pompeo is
absent. Mr. Shentton's absent. Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sen, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Okay, that opens it up to the second opportunity for public comment. And again, no one has materialized, so we'll move on to unfinished business. Is there any board member with any unfinished business?
>> Yeah, real quick. Um the the date of the uh retreat are what what's attendance going to be because I I'm just I wish we kind of gathered more dates of availability to see if we could find a common date for full attendance. Um
>> it's going to be eight out of nine. >> What? >> Eight out of nine. He still should have gathered the information. Anybody else? Anybody with new business? Board member announcements. Okay. Uh we do have consideration for
executive session. We will discuss uh contractual matters and personnel matters. No action will be taken. We will adjourn from there. Uh our next meeting will be August 18th here at the high school. 7 o'clock. Is there a motion to go into executive? >> Motion to go into executive. Is
>> there a second? Second. All in favor? Any opposed? Good night everyone.