Board hears committee updates: summer construction RFP draws no bids; personnel and equity work continue
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Summary
Committee reports at the June meeting described long-range planning for referendums, operations updates including an RFP that attracted no bids, personnel hiring, and committee work on special-education disproportionality, AI guidance and equity funding proposals.
Board committees updated members on planning and operational matters, and flagged items for summer follow-up.
Long-term planning: The board’s long-term planning committee reported that architects and project managers continue preparing documents for regulatory submissions and coordinating with municipal officials in advance of potential 2025 referendum work on several schools (CP, PMS, Littlebrook). The committee scheduled its next meeting for July 10.
Operations: Committee members reported that an RFP circulated to 15 contractors for summer drainage and playground improvements received no bids. The administration and architects will "regroup" to determine next steps for the projects. The operations update also noted transportation planning support for fall routes and a Sustainable Jersey pilot energy-planning program presented by Jenny Ludmer of Sustainable Princeton.
Personnel: The personnel committee reported hiring and recruitment activity for the 2025–26 school year and said it discussed the appointment of Dr. Mary Emily Steinacker as interim special-education supervisor for the middle school; Steinacker was listed on the agenda for approval.
Student achievement and equity work: The student achievement committee heard a presentation showing the district is disproportionate in classifying Hispanic students with learning disorders and discussed the importance of distinguishing learning disabilities from language issues. Riverside School’s AI committee presented practices for evaluating classroom AI tools, focusing on safety, screen-time and critical thinking. The equity committee discussed a proposed subgroup of the PTO/community to create funds to support students who need financial assistance for extracurricular activities; the committee said discussion would continue and reconvene in the fall.
Board members and the administration emphasized that the no-bid RFP will require summer action to keep scheduled projects on track. Several committees noted next meeting dates in July.