North Hunterdon‑Voorhees board honors student achievements and hears attendance drop after new policy

The North Hunterdon‑Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education on Dec. 16 recognized student accomplishments and heard superintendent reports showing early declines in absenteeism after a new attendance policy.

At the start of the meeting, Ron Peterson introduced Voorhees students who placed highly in the New Jersey math league and noted Voorhees is tied for seventh among 141 competing schools. The board also presented certificates and highlighted a new 20‑by‑4 foot mural at North produced by National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society members, featuring work from seniors and juniors including Gianna Marina, Ava Valley and others.

In the superintendent’s report, Dr. Bursart said the district’s new attendance policy has coincided with substantial short‑term declines in absences: “North Hunter had 571 less absences than the same time frame last year, which is about a 30% decrease in absenteeism,” and “At Voorhees, there were 615 less absences for the month of November and compared to last year, which is just over a 50% decrease in absences.” He said administrators will continue to monitor year‑to‑date trends and that the district will report further data as the school year progresses.

The report also covered staff wellness programming (a body‑balance session provided by Hunterdon Health and Wellness), a Mind of an Athlete presentation for winter athletes, teacher and educational‑services professional awards at both high schools, and student acceptances into regional honors choirs. Student representatives from both schools summarized recent concerts, fundraisers and community service projects.

Board members welcomed the positive early attendance results while cautioning that the year remains long and that more data across multiple seasons will be needed before drawing firm conclusions. The meeting moved on to routine agenda items after recognition and reports.