[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":73},"mediaId",5982330,"mediaKeyId","5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56","parentId",5766182,"title","Volunteer raises concerns about language app accessibility and class equity","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3086000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56&start=3086&end=3086","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56/thumbnail_3086000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5982330/New-Jersey/Volunteer-raises-concerns-about-language-app-accessibility-and-class-equity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982330-bd8599b147b97633939582873ad67c26/orig.mp4?Expires=1770553244&Signature=grxDihxFxUwSYep2abzhgBfxWLby67XxqCJfYwtzTsDZWtBAWGbiN~pDx-RWri0xiFIxHDEr5GsDKrGsMyn5NsfHBafaIFRAAxTBL1YZSBF1dJ~w0-UhMEr80lRmUGwe4FJ3o5fkI-JnFqSQ0ZMmr8DD19eOgd1x~J6UmNXDqSzSVxm~xMgfH~ILKwewQfc94i4bRgc1oe--s486p1gMuezQPXvon7jAIFPLZEuHsziVJJ2rLjyzhDldhePl1TRSBS8J00sB~Zlyeu2CGGmMldM6n5nSOcY7~Oxaux9QLA9Ev-s~NaGYx~sKDzo8jpWNlpWVyCx8gPxLgYnozSFmNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Milford Township Public School District, NJ","date","2025-09-17T00:00:00Z","article","A volunteer who also substitutes in West Milford classrooms urged the board to review the district’s use of a language‑learning app after observing accessibility and equity issues for a portion of students.

Why it matters: Classroom technology decisions can advantage or disadvantage students if apps are not accessible on district Chromebooks or if app mechanics impede progress for some learners.

At public comment, a volunteer and district videographer said that in his experience \"about 1 quarter to 1 third\" of foreign language students — particularly in middle school — have difficulty using the app on Chromebooks, which forces some to use personal cell phones. He also said the app’s game‑style mechanics (losing “hearts” for incorrect answers and viewing ads to continue) can cause students to fall behind peers.

The speaker did not call for an immediate ban but asked the district to consider alternatives or adjustments so all students can participate without device barriers or punitive in‑app features.

Administrators took the comment under advisement but offered no immediate technical fixes at the meeting. The volunteer said he was willing to help and described the app as engaging but imperfect for some students.

Speakers quoted are listed in the speaker roster below; quotations are verbatim from the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting 9/16/25","oneSentenceSummary","A community member and district volunteer told the board that some students struggle with a language learning app in class because of device access and in‑app mechanics (hearts/ads), and suggested the district consider alternatives to avoid students falling behind.","taxTitle","West Milford Township Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",72621,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},5982335,"Board hears district staff report AI training and plans to study classroom integration",172,1840000,2012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56&start=1840&end=2012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56/thumbnail_1840000.jpg","/articles/5982335/New-Jersey/Board-hears-district-staff-report-AI-training-and-plans-to-study-classroom-integration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982335-8a3ba84ac4041276c4a6ed083b809e54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770553244&Signature=Z9UN5H-ReUSYNaKADp9dcCwgKnUsKTn3dIxWgH~dd~a7zdMTkcWgcUgz4B3v2~LV5oSP3ib02oBefRji7AfjtEsNlaBZuwtKdpOWU10aExL61ngFLY4QzyofJKM0mzwG6Qn2oYF~m52L6eXcYEuFkgPY3IliIknP5WYmubhPgCPjhQBDNFn8VcPXpZM57B38QA1KSiBJ3za0-zJBPJ34~4Du~tz3kOFP39SCsiGEYAM4pFXWRu6gD3taRYf64MMMf8IgquQBW-DbfexGdjxnvTosPZ9u7N4uPGSnxugZ6Yfyvd9nBeJG55~~J0nem5Anbuvi79vRhPQOcn86Z56yQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Milford administration reported that artificial intelligence is an active focus for professional development and that administrators and board members plan to attend upcoming conferences to study classroom integration.

Why it matters: As AI tools increasingly appear in classrooms, districts must craft usage guidance and training so instruction retains core learning while preparing students for modern tools.

Board members asked whether conference learnings would be shared with staff; administrators said the goal is to make events \"turnkey,\" so staff who do not attend can still benefit. The administration said it sent multiple administrators to AI‑focused conferences over the summer and that a superintendent study council session on Thursday will further examine AI integration strategies.

Administrators emphasized they will work to integrate AI in ways that do not supplant foundational instruction but that provide students with modern tool literacy. The board noted the New Jersey School Boards Association workshop also features AI sessions and expected robust representation from the district.

No districtwide AI policy was adopted at the meeting. The administration said training outcomes would be summarized for board committees and staff.","Administrators told the board they are prioritizing AI learning for staff and plan to bring lessons learned from recent conferences into classrooms; district leaders will attend a superintendent study council on AI integration and aim for turnkey reporting back to the board.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},5982340,"Board hears criticism of scheduling conflict that limited attendance at back‑to‑school night",368,2741000,3109000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56&start=2741&end=3109","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56/thumbnail_2741000.jpg","/articles/5982340/New-Jersey/Board-hears-criticism-of-scheduling-conflict-that-limited-attendance-at-backtoschool-night","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982340-d2abbd2ef8a6f19078ea64d2c25b1994/orig.mp4?Expires=1770553244&Signature=MVpAkCynSnMdk9umj8jZIYBETXy7IOry6yD3u4aFrmAocT-NPlmQctvuyGOVd7Ctd~8j2hQcPXD3zAxE9C~fyaA5Z0Yl8FfInPrUsZQlBVl03IJgc61bmKEagNbXJ-klPsoe8L-A65TkLUowSimVyTpxV7U8JUSeckpuj1616HyqYr764waQkhLDiOpU74supzqe2Z--haZjGMIscZSxpns0M6~CwgvYXD3QZOSgndyCk67M~Ka0jLlBjeMjyfyxd9B8uZiPR5nOHJ1~ekC5dr1j7OpRZNn6ANSq-pCaY2~fhFkKnffgpQKCnqYvoaO6BlTXB7kDDj6sC4DHkE4-xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several board members said a recent scheduling conflict — back‑to‑school night held the same evening as an away football game — curtailed participation for students and families and reflected broader communication shortcomings.

Why it matters: Back‑to‑school night is a major opportunity for families to meet teachers and learn about courses; conflicts with athletics can exclude student‑athletes, band members and others and raise equity concerns.

Board member Miranda Jurgensen said the decision to proceed as scheduled “directly limited access for football players, cheerleaders, band members, coaches, and their families” and called the choice “inequitable.” She said the lack of complaints during the meeting did not mean families were not frustrated.

Administrators responded that scheduling decisions are sometimes constrained because athletic schedules often originate outside the building and that choices were made after considering limited options. \"It was not done so, without thought or care,\" an administrator told the board, while also acknowledging the criticism and saying the administration would be attentive to reducing such conflicts going forward.

Other board members connected the issue to a district goal of improved communication and asked administrators to hold staff accountable for timely and clear notices to families; one board member cited a separate example involving a sixth‑grade field trip announcement as evidence the district should improve advance notices.

No formal policy change or corrective vote was taken; administrators said they will be more vigilant when coordinating events and athletic schedules and will attempt to limit future conflicts.

Speakers quoted are listed in the speaker roster below; quotations are verbatim from the meeting transcript.","Board members criticized a scheduling decision that left back‑to‑school night concurrent with an away football game, saying it limited participation for athletes, band and families; administrators said some conflicts stem from athletic schedules set by outside entities and promised better communication.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},5982345,"Board approves administrative hires and personnel shuffle; one long‑time bus driver retires",398,2017000,2415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56&start=2017&end=2415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56/thumbnail_2017000.jpg","/articles/5982345/New-Jersey/Board-approves-administrative-hires-and-personnel-shuffle-one-longtime-bus-driver-retires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982345-d447715c234abafc7b3654fce2b80ef2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770553244&Signature=WuZXVDzZvtwEChLPNU4UiMiVuM3PnfTO51-VnhGWr7U~BV~C146OY52KihB4RPUjk4ICKOThi-huv6XfVf6xMalinsaIreRJ6NbNP0eWnXezD2UBKjLfX81eY0~NCGbl19qVKKtANQom9UGnOvCf5edn3cJkUpdafdc6POSu7p6OcGPj-EH4R7crUuIJUiFpEUkmQShi5sI0yCD1klQ6sXF4GyxLMQEvPqRNobApK7r89lAhts0J0DWzQ1lRPt8K16tbpDe8-ou3lkaMJmyaW1MMxqBwCeOhHCDqfvcqV6o3RtS6m6k1vdAWKWpTY5pLhMhOUXrtChpKHC6eWwFtoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Milford Board of Education approved a set of personnel actions Wednesday that included new appointments, internal transfers among administrators and a retirement notice for a long‑time employee.

Why it matters: Administrative reassignments affect school leadership structure and supervision duties at multiple schools; the vice‑principal appointment specifically touches Highlander Academy operations.

What the board approved: In a consent motion the board moved items (13.2–13.28) and hand‑carry items (14.2–14.4) that together contained hires and transfers. Administrators described the change as a planned administrative shuffle to align supervisors with campus needs and to backfill a retirement at the high school.

Key personnel named at the meeting include Patty Capello, described during discussion as being hired into a vice principal role and placed at the Highlander Academy building after an internal shuffle. The administration said Capello had been supporting the Highlander Academy program and would take on a vice‑principal assignment there. The board also discussed that Mr. Schuette would return to a role as athletic director and that Joe Trent Acosta would step into a vice‑principal role.

The board publicly recognized the retirement of Judith Scully, identified as a bus driver who has served the district for almost 25 years.

Discussion: Administrators told the board an explanatory note at the bottom of the personnel hand‑carry explains that supervisor responsibilities will be assigned and are subject to change; the administration said it plans to bring a fuller outline of supervisory assignments to the next committee meeting and for final approval at the following board meeting. Board members who spoke praised the shuffle as carefully discussed and said the individuals affected had been part of the planning.

Votes and next steps: The consolidation of personnel items was moved as a block and carried by roll call; the administration said any additional adjustments to supervisory responsibilities will be presented for board consideration next month.

Speakers quoted are listed in the speaker roster below; quotations are verbatim from the meeting transcript.","The board moved a package of personnel items including appointments and internal transfers to reassign administrators and fill a vice principal vacancy; the meeting also recognized the retirement of bus driver Judith Scully after nearly 25 years of service.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},5982350,"West Milford board reports smooth rollout of new in-class cell phone limits, plans districtwide book study",257,782000,1039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56&start=782&end=1039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766182-7de854d69c8af0ed6ca84616949afd56/thumbnail_782000.jpg","/articles/5982350/New-Jersey/West-Milford-board-reports-smooth-rollout-of-new-in-class-cell-phone-limits-plans-districtwide-book-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982350-2d45d5ebd815138526980dd1a69e94f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770553244&Signature=iamf0gq0r8UmqoRwOlRJVfLUbTyZp7ralNAwODBFKIal06pgblg4B2mQ~Jfnwss3k0LJuzL87lCkO-sZFnuY6aH46vQNfsQ~4EkC~PX2BDeXoOF3q5TPyH-7u3b1An~ya-pBXAbRDf4R4xVzMRHmSxVxLbpZLtvcsxcjCoE5kaqzhgc61TWvAsSgQOWC-JJB4LFFwnXzi3mLWUTHc8K3dKqPTmAgpgb7zWwETqXjb3TrUVDpQcEuAC0JU-DogYVDMscJ07uwjHA7Mg0bbdl6MP66ozvFLH24ynRbDQ-FP64uq1Ka6NFIf4mmQFEh3v1gEVJvlPmH0wesmnpX4NFHuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Milford Board of Education officials said the high school’s initial week under a revised cell‑phone policy was largely smooth and reported early signs of improved in‑class engagement, while administration announced a districtwide book study connected to digital citizenship.

Board discussion and presentations Wednesday night focused on the new policy that asks students to surrender phones during instructional time and on plans to lead community book groups around the administration’s chosen title. The administration said the policy is intended to reduce distraction and improve academic focus.

Why it matters: The policy change affects daily classroom routines for thousands of students across the district and represents a district effort to align school practices with research the administration says links reduced phone use to improved student engagement.

District administrators said the policy is not an absolute ban but restricts phones during academic time. \"It sounded, you know, listening to the high school administration, like it was something that was really pretty seamless,\" an administrator said, adding that students were \"receptive\" and staff reported \"no major issues.\" A student representative said the policy helped classmates talk more after class and that “people are more focused and paying attention more and are actually talking to each other.”

Superintendent-level staff told the board they had observed less phone use in bathrooms and commons areas during the rollout. Administrators emphasized that the policy allows phone use at some non‑instructional times, such as changing classes.

As part of the district’s communication and community engagement plan, the administration said it will send a survey to parents, staff and board members to sign up for district‑led small‑group book studies. The administration said the groups will be led by administrators and may be organized by department, school or interest group; participation will culminate in group discussions. The administration referenced the book by name in the meeting materials and said staff are using research from the book in Digital Citizenship Night programming.

Discussion and next steps: Board members asked for continued monitoring and for reports back to the board on implementation. Administrators said they will track any issues and that they plan an initial round of superintendent‑level discussion followed by the community survey distribution later in the week.

What was not decided: The board did not adopt additional formal restrictions beyond the policy language described by administrators at the meeting; no ordinance, new regulation or enforcement schedule was approved at the session.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the speaker roster below; quotations are verbatim from the meeting transcript.","The West Milford Board of Education reported a mostly smooth rollout of a newly tightened cell-phone-in-academic-spaces policy at the high school and announced a districtwide book study tied to digital citizenship, with an administration-led series of small groups and an upcoming community survey.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Volunteer raises concerns about language app accessibility and class equity

Board hears district staff report AI training and plans to study classroom integration

Board hears criticism of scheduling conflict that limited attendance at back‑to‑school night

Board approves administrative hires and personnel shuffle; one long‑time bus driver retires

West Milford board reports smooth rollout of new in-class cell phone limits, plans districtwide book study