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Superintendent’s Report: The Superintendent’s report highlighted the achievements and contributions of several students. The report began with a student spotlight recognizing Jayce Atandi-Adams and Sloane Battiato from Irving, for their positive accomplishments and representation of school values. The Board also celebrated Jahan Mladnick for her outstanding performance on the soccer field. Additionally, Ms. Michele Rodrigues presented the Spring NJSLA Data, providing the Board with student performance trends and areas of focus for continued academic growth.
Curriculum and Instruction: The Board approved several Curriculum and Instruction motions including several field trips, the annual QSAC District Performance Report, Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act Self-Assessment for determining grades, and a revised job description for the Family Liaison position. Additionally, the Board approved multiple Rutgers University students for teaching internships, junior practicums, and classroom observations across the district for the fall 2025 semester.
Finance and Facilities: The Board approved the submission of the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan and Annual Maintenance Budget. It approved continuing work on a number of facilities projects, including upgrades to the camera security systems at the High School and Middle School, heat pump replacement at Irving, and replacement of doors, door hardware and interior door alarms at Irving and Bartle. Also, approval was given for the submission of the 2026-2027 Preschool Operational Plan and Pre-Kindergarten Projected Enrollment to the Department of Education. It is projected that the Highland Park Pre-Kindergarten enrollment will be 105 students next year, an increase of 15 students, because of the construction that will be done to add a classroom at Irving.
Personnel: Please join us in welcoming our new staff -
Anna Rose Gable - ESL Teacher, Bartle School
Sidra Shabbir - Paraprofessional, Irving School
Claire Corliss - School Psychologist, Educational Services
Jason Parry - Special Education Teacher, High School
Heike Domine - Spanish Teacher, Middle School
Stefani Kovler - Math Interventionist, Irving School
Kaitlyn Weber - Speech Therapist, Educational Services
The Board would like to acknowledge all of the individuals who were approved to be volunteer coaches, fill Schedule B positions, to help facilitate our family engagement nights, and to provide peer-led professional learning in the district's PD Academy. We appreciate the extra time you dedicate to supporting our students and families!
Policy: For first reading, the Board introduced new and revised policies addressing Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Policy 2365), Academic Integrity (Policy 5701), and Bed Bugs (Policy and Regulation 7424). For second reading, the Board considered final approval of updates to Interdistrict Public School Choice (Policy 5117), Student Sun Protection (Policy 5339.01), and the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program (Policy 6111).
Presidents Report: The Board approved the following goals for 2025-2026:
Accountability for Student Achievement
The Highland Park Board of Education will support the Pathways to Excellence 2025-2026 Strategic Plan by working in collaboration with district leadership to systematically review and enhance the district's action plans developed to support our strategic goals, ensuring alignment with our district's vision, mission, and objectives.
The board will:
Review policies or new recommended policies (e.g. attendance, academic integrity, use of A.I.,) and make necessary revisions based on current research, data, and recommendations to promote positive academic, social and emotional outcomes.
Approve curricula updates and/or professional development plans that:
provide essential learning tools, technology and rigorous curricula
expand equitable access to challenging coursework,
create inclusive, culturally responsive, identity-affirming environments, and
include evidence-based and measurable strategies to reduce racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.
Analyze district academic, attendance, and climate data several times per year to evaluate current strategies.
Meet with the mayor’s office several times during the 2025–26 school year to exchange information on district facility needs, documenting outcomes and action items.
Communication of Mission, Vision, Goals
The Highland Park Board of Education will strengthen communication efforts to ensure the vision, mission, and goals are clearly articulated to all district stakeholders and progress updates are communicated.
The Board will:
Publish a monthly public update through the district website, email list, and social media summarizing key board actions and upcoming opportunities for community input.
Highlight staff and student achievements in several public communications (newsletter, social media, or board meeting recognitions) during the school year.
Share updates on district challenges and progress at every regular board meeting.
Increase family participation in surveys, focus groups, and advisory groups with targeted outreach to historically underrepresented groups.