BOE Meeting Highlights

October 28, 2026

Dear Kinnelon Colts School Community Members,

The Kinnelon Board of Education met on October 27, 2026, to share important district updates, review student achievement, and discuss initiatives supporting our schools and community. Below are highlights from the meeting.

Our school community is strongest when families have a voice in decisions that affect students. The New Jersey Department of Education is seeking input from families, students, educators, and community members as part of a statewide effort to gather feedback on school funding. Your input will help inform discussions and recommendations about how school funding can best support student success across New Jersey.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey below and share your perspective. Your feedback is valuable and is the strongest way to ensure that the experiences and priorities of our community are represented.

he Citizens Advisory Committee met prior to the regular Board meeting to discuss several ongoing district initiatives.

Topics included:

• Sisco/Kiel Site Improvements: Continued discussions with the district architect regarding access roads and playground areas.

• Student Transportation: Updated procedures for responding when students board an incorrect bus or a scheduled stop is missed.

• Energy Efficiency: Updates on the district's Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP), PSE&G incentive funding, and anticipated boiler replacements at Kinnelon High School, Pearl R. Miller School, and Kiel School during the 2027–2028 school year.

• PRM Device-Free Lunch Pilot: Discussion of an initiative encouraging students to engage socially during lunch without personal devices.

• Home and School Associations: Updates on school community activities and initiatives.

The next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in joining our committee can do so by sending an email to Mrs. Blumenstyk at the following address: blumenstyka@kinnelon.org

The district is pleased to welcome several new staff members to the Kinnelon school community.

The Board approved the appointment of Ms. Rachael Carletto as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Digital Platforms, beginning in January 2027.

Additional appointments include new art teachers at Kinnelon High School and Kiel/Pearl R. Miller Schools, along with new custodial staff supporting district facilities.

We look forward to the contributions these individuals will make to our students, staff, and schools.

The Board received a comprehensive presentation on the Spring 2026 New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA-A) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The presentation provided an overview of student performance across Grades 3–9, compared district results with statewide performance, and highlighted instructional priorities moving forward.

Spring 2026 Performance Highlights

Kinnelon students performed above statewide proficiency rates in every assessed ELA grade level (Grades 3–9) and across all reported mathematics assessments, including Algebra I and Geometry.

Spring 2026 also marked the introduction of New Jersey's new computer-adaptive assessment, featuring revised test blueprints, updated scoring standards, and a greater emphasis on reading comprehension in ELA. These changes are important to consider when interpreting results, particularly when comparing performance to previous years.

Addressing Elementary ELA Performance

During the presentation, a question arose regarding ELA proficiency at the elementary level and how the district is responding to areas where students have not yet met grade-level expectations.

While district performance exceeded statewide averages, we recognize the importance of strengthening foundational literacy skills and ensuring that students receive appropriate support early in their educational journey.

During the October 12 professional development day, teachers were provided dedicated time to analyze assessment results, review performance by standard, identify instructional priorities, and develop actionable next steps. For example, elementary ELA teams identified opportunities to strengthen literary analysis, comparing and contrasting texts, and structured writing supported by textual evidence.

Importantly, the district does not rely on state assessment results alone. NJSLA-A results are analyzed alongside IXL diagnostic data, DIBELS literacy screenings, classroom assessments, and teacher observations to identify students who would benefit from additional support.

Our multi-tiered approach includes:

• Tier 1 – Classroom Instruction: Differentiated instruction and targeted support within the general education classroom.

• Tier 2 – Guided Study: Additional small-group instruction for students requiring targeted academic intervention.

• Tier 3 – Specialized Reading Support: Intensive, multisensory reading instruction provided by a dedicated reading specialist.

• Before-School Supplemental Support: Beginning in November, additional academic support will be available before the regular school day for identified students who would benefit from further instruction.

These interventions are designed to address specific learning needs, strengthen foundational skills, and monitor student progress throughout the school year.

Looking Beyond a Single Assessment: Student Growth Over Time

While annual assessment results provide an important snapshot of student performance, we also look at how student cohorts progress academically over multiple years.

As shared during a previous Board presentation on the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA), longitudinal data illustrates how students' proficiency can strengthen as they advance through our schools.

Our goal is to continue building on this pattern of achievement by strengthening foundational instruction, providing timely academic interventions, and ensuring students have the support they need as they progress from elementary school through graduation.

The Board addressed several projects intended to maintain and improve district facilities:

• Sisco School: Storm sewer repairs.

• Pearl R. Miller School: Additional roof soffit repairs.

• Kinnelon High School: Water storage tank replacements, boiler motor starter repairs, and continued auditorium lighting and electrical improvements.

The Board also reviewed revisions to the School Bus Driver Handbook, the 2027–2028 district budget development calendar, and school safety and maintenance requirements.

The Board considered several initiatives designed to expand learning experiences and support student success.

Additional Academic Support

Supplemental Title I instructional opportunities at Pearl R. Miller School and Kinnelon High School will provide targeted assistance for students who would benefit from additional academic support.

Math enrichment programs at Kiel, Stonybrook, and Kinnelon High School will also provide opportunities to build mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

New High School Clubs

Two new pilot clubs were presented for Kinnelon High School:

• Bible Club

• Thespian Honor Society

These additions would further expand opportunities for student involvement and extracurricular participation.

SAT Testing at KHS

Kinnelon High School will continue hosting weekend SAT administrations, providing convenient testing opportunities for students and families. The upcoming dates listed include November 7 and December 5, 2026, with additional administrations planned for spring 2027. Forty percent of testing seats are reserved for KHS students on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Kinnelon Home & School Association (KHSA) continues to strengthen school-community connections through fundraising, special events, and student activities.

Upcoming KHSA Events

• October 28: Holiday Cash Calendar Raffle ticket deadline

• November 2–4: Minimum Day Lunch Fundraiser

• November 12–14: Clothing Drive

• November 15: Holiday Family Photos

• March 11, 2027: One Night, One Kinnelon Gala & Tricky Tray

We thank the KHSA and its dedicated volunteers for all they do to support our students, staff, and schools.

Please see the attached October KHSA Newsletter for additional information and visit www.kinnelonhsa.org.

The district gratefully recognizes the following contributions:

• KHS Class of 1966: $2,500 donation to the Kinnelon High School Student Council.

• Mincica Family: A children's trampoline donated to the physical therapy classroom at Sisco School.

Thank you for your generosity and continued support of Kinnelon students!

We look forward to several upcoming school and community events.

Date/Event

October 30: KHS Trunk or Treat

November 8:Town-Wide Veterans Day Ceremony

November 12–15: KHS Fall Drama

November 17: BOE Presentation-Demographic Study, Long-Range Facilities Plan & Projects

November 18: KHS Post-Secondary Planning Night

December 15: District-Wide Student Recognition at BOE Meeting

Holiday Concerts

• KHS Choir — December 7; Band — December 16

• PRM Choir — December 10; Band — December 21

• Stonybrook Choir — December 8; Band — December 17

• Kiel/Sisco performances — December 9–14, with individual dates by grade

We encourage families to attend these events and celebrate the accomplishments and talents of our students.

Kinnelon Public Schools is accepting applications from families interested in attending the District through the Non-Resident Tuition Program for the 2026–2027 school year. Enrollment is available for eligible students in grades K–12 and is subject to available space, staffing, application review, and Board of Education approval.

Families interested in learning more about the program, reviewing tuition rates, or downloading an application may visit the Non-Resident Tuition Program page on our website.

We appreciate the continued partnership of our families and community members. If you are interested in learning more, Board agendas and presentations are always available on the district website, and Board meetings are open to the public.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Kinnelon Public Schools.

Warm regards,
David C. Mango

Superintendent of Schools