Superintendent highlights student award, AP Computer Science diversity honor and district assessment updates

Interim Superintendent Dr. Furnari presented the superintendent's report at the Jan. 30 meeting of the West Milford Township Board of Education, recognizing a student and updating trustees on district assessments and planned staff training.

The district honored Michael McCluskey of West Milford High School as the West Milford nominee for the 2024 Passaic County Unsung Heroes Award, a county recognition for 12th-grade students who make noteworthy contributions to their schools and communities. McCluskey, who has participated in district special programming and extracurriculars, was invited with his parents to the county award ceremony in March 2024 and received a district certificate at the meeting.

Director of Education Mr. Novak announced that West Milford High School earned the College Board's AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding access to AP Computer Science for young women; Novak thanked the teachers identified in the packet for supporting the program. Novak also updated trustees on iReady diagnostics: testing began Jan. 22, the testing window closes Feb. 9, preliminary completion rates were reported (75% reading, 61% math) and staff training is scheduled Feb. 5 (administrative team) and Feb. 20 (staff), with LinkIt navigator reports to follow.

Also during the meeting, 13-year-old Eagle Scout applicant Aiden Simbrick presented a proposal to build a new podium and a stepping-stone pathway with STEM engravings at Maple Road School. He said he would build the podium, seek donations and start a GoFundMe; trustees and staff asked for a materials and cost breakdown and confirmed facilities staff would review installation plans.

The superintendent's remarks closed with a reminder that district communications on assessment access and results will be posted on the district website and shared via SchoolMessenger when available.