Sterling High School District

The board conducted a reorganization meeting which included a public presentation and approval of the 2026-2027 school budget. Numerous organizational appointments were ratified, including the architect, school physician, solicitor, and various service providers. The Superintendent's reports covered human resources recommendations, educational updates such as HIB reports and student activities, and operational business items. The board also addressed bill payments, designated official depositories, and authorized various district contracts. An executive session was held to discuss the superintendent search and a shared service proposal with Laurel Springs School District.

The Sterling High School Strategic Plan is a three-year roadmap to drive the district forward and meet the needs of its students, currently in its second year. It is structured around three main goals: School Programs and Instruction, School Environment, and School and Community Partnership. Key initiatives include refining the academic schedule, enhancing the rigorous academic framework, expanding trade and career opportunities, fostering student and community voice in decision-making, and strengthening school-community relationships through volunteerism and curriculum alignment, including a feasibility study for a potential K-12 district. The plan also focuses on improving standardized test scores and overall student growth through new staff, updated curriculum, and targeted interventions, while leveraging successes in dual credit, arts programs, and graduation rates.

The meeting encompassed several key operational and educational reports. The Superintendent presented items including student and faculty recognition, bus and safety drill reports, and various human resources actions such as staff resignations, leaves of absence, and professional development approvals. Education-related items included homebound instruction approvals, field trips, and therapy services. The Board Secretary's report covered financial updates, bill lists, and contract approvals, including building chiller replacements and transportation agreements. The board also held an executive session to discuss the superintendent search and personnel matters, and concluded with a period of reflection on recent community events.

The meeting commenced with a Black History Month Student Leadership Presentation. Key actions included the approval of the Superintendent's Human Resources recommendations, covering items such as a Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement, FMLA/NJFLA requests, professional development approvals, and tuition reimbursements. The Board also approved numerous Education recommendations, including abolishing and revising policies, approving curriculum writing, various field trips (e.g., World Cultures Book Club, Camden County YOUth influencer Summit), and the 2026 Extended School Year Program & Staffing. Financial actions involved approving the Bill List, various capital improvement requests (e.g., Basketball Backboards LED Lights/Shot Clocks, HVAC Replacement Projects), and the Board Secretary's recommendations spanning tuition contracts and facility use requests. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss staff resignation with attorney/client advice for FY27.

The meeting commenced with procedural items, including the swearing in of the appointed Laurel Springs Representative. Key reports included the January Fire Drill Report, January Security Drill Report, and Attendance & Suspension Report for January 2026. The Superintendent's Human Resources section saw approval for numerous action items, including professional development, training, and personnel changes like a new Custodian hire and handling a Medical/FMLA Leave. The Education section addressed several actions, such as approving the 2026-2027 District Teacher/Student Calendar, handling policies requiring first readings, and approvals for various clinics and field trips. The Board Secretary's reports included the approval of the Bill List, Charter School Tuition for Camden Promise, Shared Service Agreement with the Borough of Magnolia, and financial reports for December 2025. Public comments included remarks from a Stratford Councilwoman regarding communication improvement, and later, the SEA President discussed community support initiatives like the Black History Month Assembly, the new Fix It Club, and the Comfort Closet. Old Business included congratulations to the Swim Team on playoff advancement and record-breaking performances, and recognition of student and staff achievements.