Board praises NJQSAC gains, reviews absenteeism dip and student activities
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Summary
Superintendent reported the district improved NJQSAC instruction indicators from 65% to 82% and will be recommended as a high‑performing district; trustees also reviewed a district‑wide 3.1 percentage‑point drop in chronic absenteeism and heard student government updates.
The Ridgefield Park superintendent told the board on Dec. 18 that the district’s interim NJQSAC review improved in instruction and program indicators and that the state commissioner will recommend certification as a high‑performing district for three years.
"We were initially placed in September 2024 due to not meeting the 80% requirement in the specific area of instruction and program. We then went through an additional interim process with the County Department, and I'm pleased to report that we were able to increase that to 82%," the superintendent said.
The superintendent also presented required HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) reporting information submitted to the state Student Safety Data System (SSDS) for the reporting period Jan. 1–June 30. He said investigators documented incidents in required categories, that a small number of restraints were used at one elementary school, and that no seclusions were reported district‑wide.
Trustee Craft summarized a Faculty & Programs committee update showing district improvements in chronic absenteeism: Lincoln Elementary moved from 12.2% to 9.8% (below the 10% corrective‑action threshold), junior–senior high decreased from 19.1% to 14.8%, and districtwide there was an approximate 3.1 percentage‑point decrease. The board placed a corrective action plan on the agenda for schools still requiring interventions.
Student representatives Soleil Castro and Katie Higgins reported school fundraisers and activities: a fundraiser for Mister Savino raised over $1,500, more than 400 cards were delivered in support, Model UN and music concerts were held, and winter athletics were launching.
The board also heard routine committee business (E‑Rate and ESIP updates) and approved several consent and personnel resolutions later in the meeting.