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Student asks board to create Independent Student Learning option aligned with NJAC; district staff offer follow-up meeting
Summary
A freshman urged the board to allow an Independent Student Learning option aligned to New Jersey learning standards and cited NJAC; the board offered to meet with the student and district staff to discuss details.
Emily Smith, a freshman at Chatham High School, addressed the School District of the Chathams Board of Education to request a new Independent Student Learning (ISL) option that she said would comply with state guidance (her remarks cited "NJAC section 6a" and degree‑credit provisions).
Smith said 75 students support offering ISL for credit and that the model could let students pursue individualized fitness and other learning while meeting New Jersey Student Learning Standards. She addressed safety and curriculum alignment concerns raised at prior meetings and said families could pay activity fees to cover program costs.
Board response and next steps Board members thanked Smith for persistent advocacy and said district staff would follow up. Superintendent Dr. Sortino and curriculum staff offered to meet; Dr. Donahue and other administrators said they would contact Smith to discuss curriculum alignment and logistics.
Ending Board members encouraged Smith’s outreach and said staff would follow up offline to explore options and safeguards.
