Superintendent highlights Pre-K expansion, early college program and student events; district outlines complaint chain of command

Superintendent Dr. Spencer opened his report with celebrations and program updates for Teaneck Public Schools.

Pre-kindergarten: Spencer said pre-K registration is open for the 2025-26 school year and that the district plans to expand by two additional classrooms, which the administration expects will eliminate the current waiting list of about 26 students and open space for roughly 30 children. He said the district is identifying locations in town to support the expansion.

Early College High School: The superintendent said the district expects about 25 high-school students to participate in the early college high school program, which allows students to earn an associate degree alongside a high school diploma through coursework at Bergen Community College. Spencer said the district has articulation agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities so credits should transfer to multiple institutions.

League of Innovative Schools and presentations: Spencer said the district was accepted to present at the League of Innovative Schools spring convening on a high-school election-worker initiative forged as a community partnership. He said the presentation will highlight collaboration between the district and local partners on student civic engagement.

Mobile Museum of Tolerance: The superintendent reported that a Mobile Museum of Tolerance visited the high school to run workshops for the freshman class about online hate, cyberbullying and fostering positive digital communities; he thanked school staff who supported the program.

School counseling: Dr. Spencer noted National School Counseling Week and thanked elementary, middle and high school counselors for supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.

Two-hour delay and logistics: Spencer told families the district would operate on a two-hour delay the following day and that officials would post any changes on the website and by email. He urged parents and staff to check district communications for updates.

Public response process: At public comment, community members asked for a faster response process when concerns involve students or employees. Dr. Spencer outlined the chain of command: parents should first contact the campus principal (or assistant principal/deans at the high school); unresolved matters move to the assistant superintendent and then to the superintendent; only after those steps does he recommend contacting the board.

Partnerships and internships: A public speaker raised concern that a paid hospitality internship partnership with Senzari Enterprises (Marriott Glen Point referenced in later discussion) appeared paused; Dr. Spencer said the Marriott-run program had been discontinued by the partner but the district is pursuing other partners and a county-wide consortium of districts to expand career-technical opportunities.

The superintendentalso noted transportation and trip approvals appearing on the agenda, thanked staff and volunteers, and closed with reminders about upcoming student performances.