New To The District: Quick Orientation

This information below was compiled by the BOE in a Minute Organization and is intended as a “quick start guide” for new parents in the Madison, NJ School District. As a reminder, our organization is not affiliated with the Madison Board of Education.

The BOE in a Minute organization is volunteer-run by parents in the district hoping to help other families navigate and engage with our school district in a productive manner. Think of this information as a starting point only.

For the most up-to-date, official information please go to the district website: https://www.madisonpublicschools.org/ 

Some Ways Parents can engage with the Madison, NJ School District

• Attending Board of Education meetings, where public comment periods are available for questions and concerns. Meeting agendas can be found on the district website under Meeting Agendas.

  
  

• Participating in Parent Evenings with the Superintendent, which are open to the public and sometimes announced by district administration for discussions on key topics.

  
  

• Check the District's Virtual Backpack: The Virtual Backpack is a district initiative to help parents to stay updated on district and community activities. It provides information on school events, local organizations, programs, and deadlines.

  
  

  An Important Reminder for Parents

  
  

  • The first line of communication for issues related to an individual student, teacher, classroom, or school is your child’s teacher.

  • For issues that cannot be resolved satisfactorily with the teacher, the appropriate chain of command is then through the principal, the appropriate central office administrator, the superintendent, and finally, the board.

  • Following this sequence improves communication, minimizes misunderstandings, facilitates the most expedient solutions and keeps the board free to act as final arbiter on issues that have not been resolved by those closest to the situation. 

    
    

How to Follow Madison Board of Education Meetings

• Meeting Schedule and Location The Board of Education holds regular public meetings throughout the school year. Dates, times, and locations are posted on the Madison Public Schools website.

  
  

• Accessing Agendas and Minutes Copies of the agenda are available to the public at each meeting and on the District website in the board office following the meeting at least 48 hours before the meeting. Approved minutes and related documents are available on the district’s website after each meeting.

  
  

• Livestream and Virtual Access Many meetings are available to watch live through Zoom or YouTube Live. Access details are provided in the posted meeting agenda.

  
  

Examples of Parent Engagement with the Board of Education

This past school year, district parents have engaged with the Board of Education (BOE) through meetings and "Parent Evenings with the Superintendent" to voice concerns and ask questions. Examples of topics raised at BOE meetings include:

• School Calendar: The number of single-session days and concerns about lost instructional time.

• Programs and Curriculum: The cancellation of the Summer Bridge program, the impact of staff reductions on STEAM programs, support for the Madison Music and Arts program, and the district's plan for chronic absenteeism.

• Transparency and Communication: Accessibility of meeting agenda attachments, transparency in the budget process and addressing class sizes, and communication with out-of-district students about school events.

• Student Support: Advocacy for student support services, such as counseling and academic interventions, and clarity regarding field trip costs and student selection for special programs.

  
  

Stay informed

Consider signing up for our (unaffiliated, parent-run) BOE in a Minute Newsletter as one way to stay up-to-date on BOE Meetings in our district.