[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6639316,"mediaKeyId","3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e","parentId",3797159,"title","Student urges ISL program recognition for PE credit; board cites curriculum and liability concerns","audioSeconds",1200,"startMs",4920000,"endMs",6120000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e&start=4920&end=6120","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e/thumbnail_4920000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6639316/New-Jersey/Student-urges-ISL-program-recognition-for-PE-credit-board-cites-curriculum-and-liability-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639316-b163477d94139b4ad4802215fb3e5c88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143016&Signature=KjO4--HsLrMGzD-LyZUGggKS7lNEpiaMlPLpfr8-3UxAxtq2Nxbt6qsnnAnLv6PIrorpB8s7p5FybIQqySo91jI1ZlLEqCHWez6ywcLB23YpZGSL-7ltFm9rKYrwoNB5qgNwJCIdjFCfvLg7RolkX9BjLON3J~lFhIgwUsHCy3uz~7oeirC5re56YrhVJwscRFQvnlmx5D~lYX4iWhdN3d-KRNMX9Nv~Npn5a5UOY~1Aatid4uNTbbWhknaf~ConZZK35wRuIyH6qH9C7Otj3uIyrWeKoeF54dtfzXKqtzB0EWjo2KGAqE1yI29zTftYtciUthauw6tQHuDXfHdXpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","School District of the Chathams","date","2025-06-10T14:06:38Z","article","A Chatham High student urged the School District of the Chathams to allow the ISL (interscholastic/independent sports-learning) program to satisfy physical-education requirements, and raised safety concerns; district officials responded that curriculum-alignment and program oversight remain the primary obstacles.

Student Emily Smith told the board she had spoken previously in May in support of the ISL program and asked the district to consider options to allow students who participate in athletics outside of school to earn equivalent physical-education credit. She also raised concerns about harassment related to some outside programs and urged better education for students on how to advocate for themselves.

Superintendent Michael LaSouza and board members acknowledged the comment and said the district's main concern is whether private or outside programs meet the state-mandated curriculum for physical education. LaSouza said that, even in peer districts where students participate heavily in outside athletics, students still attend health and physical-education classes: \"My own kids are varsity athletes in another school district nearby. And, even so still have to go to health and phys ed class every day,\" he said, adding that he did not plan to change any recommendation for next year in his final days as superintendent.

Board members also noted secondary concerns such as safety, supervision and contractual liability when an outside provider, rather than district staff, delivers instruction. The board encouraged continued conversation and said parents and students can expect additional explanation of the district's position and processes.

No formal action was taken at the meeting on the ISL request; the student comment and district response were recorded in the public commentary portion of the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chatham BOE 06/09/25","oneSentenceSummary","A Chatham High senior urged the board to allow in-school-league (ISL) sports to count for physical-education credit and raised concerns about harassment; district leaders said the main obstacle is meeting state curriculum requirements and administrative concerns about oversight and liability.","taxTitle","School District of the Chathams, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",65205,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6639321,"Community, board and mayor honor Superintendent Michael LaSouza at final School District of the Chathams meeting",5300,650000,5950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e&start=650&end=5950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e/thumbnail_650000.jpg","/articles/6639321/New-Jersey/Community-board-and-mayor-honor-Superintendent-Michael-LaSouza-at-final-School-District-of-the-Chathams-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639321-0ce3641e9c4272460434c23ac44ed3ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143016&Signature=froRKLWOnfHnsDmwSJ-HEg00j0naQztsibwDl7FgOrlq3E9ECslfZs8i9myr4p39dUjP0S4zjR1t6ZIBKLbwNIfrTEvgvmoIHXTfq3R9Gh2IDlIoxEx2LQRx9vhmMEFOWQKPynTmg6NcUu7LG7ddi9iHAW4NQh3GaR-45JJ8k6vh~RwWSAiI3Get3Rmg7SgN77~~hRRKKaKn4vvRp5O1toM7hCGylDr6YHdc~0uqT9hxilbUHcazA-a8CmvP4YUTwLO2SNDf4rD3icU18CVuG~rscW38mrGIvDKjluDrQO0W5MVvcejg2jBRXTVjCAL5OER-zp~mdBmfsxqIkmYnOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School District of the Chathams Board of Education and members of the community honored Superintendent Michael LaSouza at his final public board meeting, presenting a mayoral resolution and a series of tributes that highlighted his long tenure and initiatives.

Board member Anne Weber opened the remarks noting that the meeting was LaSouza's last, citing his contributions to curriculum expansion, mental-health supports, full-day kindergarten and facility upgrades. \"Mike has been an extremely forward thinking and very student centered for his entire time here,\" Weber said, listing new courses, library collections and performing-arts achievements introduced during his leadership.

Mayor Carolyn Dempsey read a borough resolution thanking LaSouza for 24 years of service to the district, and citing roles LaSouza held in statewide and county superintendent organizations, the district's highest rankings and his leadership during COVID. The resolution observed that LaSouza \"developed programs to support student mental health, expanded special education programs, [and] successfully defended and strengthened history and social studies courses.\"

Several residents and elected officials offered brief remarks praising LaSouza's service. Justin Strickland, the borough council liaison to the board, said an anecdote about running with the superintendent illustrated his habit of overdelivering. Former board member Matt Gilfillan and long-time resident Bill Heap also offered thanks for LaSouza's leadership during difficult moments such as the pandemic and for his role guiding facility projects.

LaSouza responded that the tributes were \"totally unnecessary, and I didn't expect it,\" and thanked colleagues, former and current board members and his family. He described his career trajectory in the district and reflected that the superintendent can only be as effective as the board allows: \"I think a superintendent can only be as good as the board of education will allow the superintendent to be.\"

Speakers repeatedly credited LaSouza's focus on student-centered decision-making, curricular innovation (including Holocaust and genocide studies, American Sign Language and other courses), and on steering the district through the COVID-19 pandemic while prioritizing in-person instruction when possible. The meeting concluded with a commemorative plaque presented by the board and borough officials.","Board members, the borough mayor and residents recognized Superintendent Michael LaSouza's 24 years with the district and 13 years as superintendent, praising his leadership through COVID, curricular expansions and facility improvements.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6639326,"Chatham Board approves personnel hires, donations and curriculum items in unanimous votes",328,6172000,6500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e&start=6172&end=6500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e/thumbnail_6172000.jpg","/articles/6639326/New-Jersey/Chatham-Board-approves-personnel-hires-donations-and-curriculum-items-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639326-80a1ea9b6613b1813011f437a62cb28e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143016&Signature=AMKTHjb2hFmYVIU9OaC71V3jm~b1X-8je5vKRjwF56GUQ1Fuu2h1gIPaDFGLx0JHqnKESEtmUB34C6kIRUkL9Pl1d8MKlgQE6I2kSpRQzBqugqm6n66ueBztAqeu~wA0Rbw93XEmBL7tM~eePuEou11d~nRx7CE9v9BwSHrBbeIo18P3k4q0fOhvWVos52TBJMea9oxow~MfYZFuwJMtKZBxCFY9dCZDuDQZUiZ-MIduFx~M4ApsI5f64yVG9-aUViFo8slOUlrvqjZLOrQN5gtzPxtGOThZuCW0yFMP4Xiu~KTLemIqsTym3z9zkFP9T8aQwpc5PMl2mVYeANadlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School District of the Chathams Board of Education approved personnel, finance and curriculum items during its public meeting, including the appointment of two supervisors and acceptance of multiple large donations from local education foundations and parent organizations.

The board voted to approve personnel items A1 through A25 and an addendum item (A26), including the appointment of Bridget Vasto and Katherine Steghe as supervisors of student support services. The hires were announced after a search and panel interviews; both appointees addressed the board and said they looked forward to joining the district.

The finance agenda included acceptance of several donations cited by board members: a $150,000 contribution from the Chatham Education Foundation toward phase two of the Chatham Middle School media center redesign; $95,000 from a PTO toward playground equipment at Hilltop School; roughly $20,000 from the Chatham High School PTO for outdoor benches, library furniture and related items; contributions to musical-instrument purchases from performing-arts boosters; and other gifts supporting facilities and programs.

Curriculum items (C1 and C2) were also approved. Board roll-call votes recorded the standard nine-member panel voting in the affirmative on the listed agenda blocks where indicated in the meeting record.

Board president and members conducted the votes by roll-call. The board also discussed calendar options for the 2025-26 school year and directed administrators to distribute three calendar options to families for input, removing a fourth option to avoid diluting parent feedback.

The board recorded its votes by roll-call at multiple points in the meeting; where individual yes/no tallies were announced, the meeting minutes will reflect the official record.","At its public meeting the School District of the Chathams Board of Education approved personnel items including two new supervisors of student support services, accepted several major donations and advanced curriculum items, with roll-call votes recorded as unanimous where indicated.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6639331,"Chatham schools report declines in serious incidents; tardiness and AI-aided cheating remain top issues",2225,1722000,3947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e&start=1722&end=3947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3797159-e60f4ef50184ed0bafd392c80f00e43e/thumbnail_1722000.jpg","/articles/6639331/New-Jersey/Chatham-schools-report-declines-in-serious-incidents-tardiness-and-AI-aided-cheating-remain-top-issues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639331-9e69685ed54179576d3a83d61937c190/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143016&Signature=KAukoG8fqxj9E3-GnkFLsGfybhHhfVn30UmT6e3uM04wkCyXbVfkaHaueD3l3vpbj6AQUi9Gs9VtReUPiK7~ShlfL~2vqdn3~HeThWHxTdqaPO6OVSgTjNo7OLSScoyrAMq25rQ0uzY8cekJuTulCkDnFp4o5yFvCJRrfuGoieHYWDsjKAtFHdT3PAbnxCvY610~EPfLMMEJS8H9ZznOO2nrE2BtN0jwsEmeMM5Bn~sFD2fqva90XX3XsFY~FErgDRa0WG5rlhfVNXPLbkvwRYBZIbdkhG93SqVPjPcFJVcFsLuZtIHZPbV99L-fbM2iZvnWYMiC62-KRZSFEAphVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chatham (School District of the Chathams) Board of Education assistant principals presented the district's annual discipline report at the board's public meeting, saying overall discipline incidents remained low while raising concerns about student tardiness and the academic use of artificial intelligence.

Connor Henderson, assistant principal at Chatham High School, told the board the annual review is intended to \"reflect on some of the topics and areas that, you know, we wanna educate students on, evaluate procedures within our building and, you know, consider any training that we we may wanna implement for the staff in the following school year.\" He reported 458 total recorded infractions at the high school this year, 263 of which were lateness to school.

The report showed the high school's total discipline-type incidents numbered 167 against an enrollment of about 1,205 students (about 0.13 incidents per student). Henderson said the school recorded nine students who received at least one day of out-of-school suspension and two confirmed HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) incidents that met New Jersey Department of Education reporting thresholds.

At Chatham Middle School, assistant principal Danielle Degunas said overall HIB investigations have been declining in recent years although confirmed HIBs persist. Degunas reported 12 alleged HIB investigations at the middle school this year and nine confirmed HIB incidents. She said multiple-student incidents contributed to a rise in suspensionable events even while the number of distinct incident reports stayed similar to prior years.

At Lafayette School, the district reported 76 discipline incidents with an enrollment of 556 students (about one incident per seven students). Lafayette had 16 HIB allegations this year, eight of which were confirmed and required reporting to the NJDOE's School Safety Data System (SSDS).

Henderson and Degunas described several preventive measures the schools are continuing or expanding: a cell-phone policy at the high school that requires phones be placed in a classroom holder during instruction; the addition of three security personnel at the high school (two class-three officers and one security guard); peer-mentoring through the LINKS program; Start with Hello lessons; assemblies and curricular tie-ins that address respect and digital citizenship; and counseling interventions for chronically tardy students.

Henderson said academic integrity and unauthorized AI use have been a focus. \"AI was involved in, off the top of my head, at least half of the cheating incidents this year,\" he said, describing most cases as students taking shortcuts on classroom or homework assignments rather than cheating on secured classroom tests. He said teachers have been using Google revision history, monitoring extensions and other tools to detect improper use.

Board members asked whether later high-school start times had reduced tardiness; Henderson said the current 8:20 a.m. start has improved arrival times compared with earlier years but tardiness to school remains the district's most common infraction. Degunas said targeted counseling groups and automated parent notification through the district's student information system have reduced chronic tardiness at the middle school.

The presenters emphasized the small number of students who reoffend: at the high school 75 of 105 students with incidents committed only one infraction, and students with three or more incidents represented less than 1% of enrollment. District staff highlighted gender disparities: males accounted for a large majority of disciplinary incidents across buildings.

The presentation closed with district officials describing ongoing prevention work: professional learning communities for staff focused on student connections and wellness, redesigns of opening-week schedules and assemblies at CMS, and family engagement activities tied to HIB education.

Board members and administrators said the numbers demonstrate a largely positive picture while also identifying areas for continued attention in the coming year.","Assistant principals from Chatham High, Chatham Middle and Lafayette presented the district's annual discipline report, showing overall low numbers of suspensions and HIB confirmations but continued challenges with lateness, gender disparity in infractions and use of AI in cheating.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Student urges ISL program recognition for PE credit; board cites curriculum and liability concerns

Community, board and mayor honor Superintendent Michael LaSouza at final School District of the Chathams meeting

Chatham Board approves personnel hires, donations and curriculum items in unanimous votes

Chatham schools report declines in serious incidents; tardiness and AI-aided cheating remain top issues