The Englewood Board of Education committed to completing an NJSBA board self‑assessment and developing an action plan based on results, and several members reopened a discussion about changing the order of regular meetings so public comment would occur earlier.

Board members agreed to a two‑week timeline (finalized in the meeting as July 31) for completing the self‑assessment and asked that the NJSBA report be compiled and used to inform board goals for 2025–26. Board Member Rachel and others said a board self‑assessment will give the board targeted areas to improve and suggested the board set an annual deadline (e.g., June 30 in future cycles) for the assessment and an action plan based on findings.

On meeting order, Board Member Rachel proposed moving public comment to earlier in the agenda — before closed session — so community members would not have to wait late into the evening to address the board. Supporters said the change would increase public participation and make meetings more accessible; opponents noted the board had discussed this previously (a meeting in May) and the majority then did not support changing the order. A formal change would likely require a policy change and at least two readings per policy rules. Several members suggested bringing the topic to the policy committee and scheduling discussion at a future meeting or in August.

Board members also proposed other operational goals to improve meeting efficiency: set time limits, invest in board training, and hold regular assessments of meeting effectiveness. The board asked that proposed board goals be drafted in writing and circulated before the August meeting to streamline discussion.