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Stay tuned for coverage of tonight's Board of Education meeting, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is being held in-person for a limited audience with members and the public also able to watch on Zoom.
The Board just came back from an executive session which was not open to the public.
Dr. Barry Bachenheimer, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum stated that in the current Pascack schedule, some students “couldn’t fully take advantage of extra courses if they wanted to.”
Some examples of students who might request for an eighth period are those who are doubling up in math courses, or those in chorus or band who could not take another elective, Bachenheimer said.
Tim Wieland, principal at Hills, said that 56% of students at Hills would take a Pascack period or study hall and 44% would take a “wide variety” of electives in a poll about eighth period.
Bachenheimer said that they “are looking to gather more data to present to the Board,” on the eight period schedule. The “primary focus are upperclassmen,” he continued.
“Several options are being looked at...I can’t say what the daily schedule will look like,” he continued.
Wieland stated that they are looking for “healthy and safety benefits” with the schedule, specifically concerning lunch.
“We’re gonna have a schedule no matter what...but we’re gonna try and get on this sooner rather than later,” Bachenheimer said.
Superintendent Gundersen stated, “teachers have voiced frustration that they do not have that extra class period,” to teach.
Board member James Stankus said, “I’m behind it; anything that gives students the flexibility and more options for them, I think it gives them more enrichment,” regarding the eight-period schedule.
Tammy Molinelli, Board president, said that the Board “is supportive of moving this forward.”
The Board is now accepting comments from the public.
Board member Joseph Blundo made a motion to table a policy item regarding “student surveys, analysis, and/or evaluation.” It was passed 9-0.
The Board approved the A Cappella club at Hills as a result of their success as a probationary club in the 2019-20 school year.
John Puccio is approved as Valley’s new principal by the Board in a vote 9-0.
Gundersen said, “I am really excited for Pascack Valley,” as Puccio will be their new principal.
The Board also approved Steven Papa to become the Supervisor of Athletics and Physical Education at Hills.
“If there’s anyone that understands [students’] needs...it’s Papa,” Gundersen said.
Board member Kelly Blundy added, “it’s a great recommendation.”
Gundersen reported that Brooks Alexander, history teacher and football coach at Hills, will be resigning as the coach; however, he will still be teaching in the classroom.
The Board also approved Steven Casamento as the assistant coach for the boys baseball team at Hills.
Blundy gave an report from the Health, Wellness, and Safety Committee on Mar. 16. She reported a “decrease in in-school substance use and bullying” and an “increase of parents referrals of substance use, cyber bullying, and mental health hospitalizations.”
Blundy said that the increase of parents’ referrals of substance use and cyber bullying are “because people are virtual.”
Stankus gave a report on the Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Committee. They discussed changes in curriculum and the additional eighth period.
Monday, the Board will have a virtual meeting to interview a new candidate. Three people have applied already; Molinelli stated that “usually, people apply last minute.”
The schedule will be: a closed session, public session with interviews, a second closed session, and then the Board will vote.
The Board discussed the recommendation of a demographic study, which typically occurs every five years. Gundersen stated that it would “focus on intricacies of housing and development.”
The Board is now accepting comments from the public.
Carolee Adams, a Montvale resident, is seeking an apology from someone who “made vulgar comments on an open mic” that was “off camera” at the Board meeting on March 8.
Molinelli replied, “we want kids to be proud of us in the way we speak.”
