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Students raise grading and schedule concerns; public questions special-education costs and senior privileges
Summary
A student told the board many peers remain confused about a new grading system and schedule; public commenters asked about ESY, overtime and 10 out-of-district placements totaling $371,331.60, and a parent urged the board to review senior privilege and busing after a schedule change.
Board meeting testimony Tuesday included a student presentation on school activities and concerns about recent changes to grading and scheduling, as well as public comments raising questions about special-education placements and senior privileges.
Student Gianna told the board she had gathered student feedback and heard widespread confusion about the new grading system and rotating schedule. "Students still don't completely understand the grading system and are struggling to adapt," she said, recommending clearer communication and follow-up surveys.
During public comment, a speaker raised compensation and special-education concerns, noting that overtime for on-call staff had been increased while specialized aides lost 15 minutes of paid time, and flagged that 10 students were approved for out-of-district placements at a total cost of $371,331.60 on the agenda. The commenter asked why the district could not serve those students in-district and urged attention to staff treatment and program compliance.
Another public commenter pressed the board about the high school's switch from a rotating schedule back to a straight eight-period day and questioned whether changes to "senior privilege" and bus service complied with a cited New Jersey statute (cited as "6a:32-8.3" concerning a four-hour instructional session). She asked administrators to consider scheduling seniors to have lunch at period 6 so they could leave earlier when approved for privilege.
Superintendent Dr. Hibbs replied that the schedule change was the result of a mutual agreement memorialized in the WTEA contract and that the district made changes to ensure compliance with the four-hour-session requirement; he acknowledged implementation hiccups and pledged to work with principals on scheduling and to review the program-of-study materials flagged as blurry.
The board recorded no formal policy changes on these items at the meeting; the superintendent said the district will continue outreach to students about grading and will follow up on special-education and scheduling questions.
