In his report during the Livingston Board of Education’s April 8 meeting, interim superintendent Daniel Fishbein noted that the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) released its school performance reports for each school within the district. The report for the 2023-24 school year was recently published, and Livingston Public Schools (LPS) did well, with 98.5 percent of students meeting the goal of a four-year graduaton rate. 80.5 percent of students have met expectations in English Language Arts, while 69.3 percent of Lancers met the state’s expections for mathematics.
Highlights from Livingston High School’s report include the continuance of its Teen Mental Health FirstAid program; the establishment of the Alliance for Student Equity, and the school’s advisory program. Reports for all schools within the district can be viewed at rc.doe.state.nj.us.
Budget
The Board will hold a public forum on the LPS budget in the district’s central office, located at 11 Foxcroft Drive, on WednesdayApril 23, from 2 to 6 p.m.
“Feel free to come with questions you have about the budget. We’ll be here to answer your questions,” said Fisbbein.
During the Board’s Tuesday, April 29 meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing before voting on the budget.
Student Activity Fee
Fishbein continued discussing the implementation of a student activity fee throughout the district’s high school and middle schools. He described this as “A user fee for those students who participate in our programs. It helps supplement our extracurricular programs in order to keep these programs during challenging budgetary times.”
This fee, $100 for middle school students and $200 for high schoolers, will provide an additional $357,000 in revenue. The Board will remain responsible for all necessary equipment.
This student activity fee will not replace the voluntary parent organizations that raise funds for teams throughout the year. These groups provide supplemental resources that can be used for equipment that goes beyond basic essential need, as well as for group celebrations, extra supplies, and any other materials that enhance the activity for students.
Board of Education
“When they provide enhancements to the program we provide, it just makes for a much better experience for our students,” Fishbein said.
The Board will next meet on Tuesday, April 29.
