Online Behavior, Goals Discussed at School Board Summer Gathering

Members of the Millburn Board of Education gathered for their annual retreat Monday and focused this year on minimizing the misuse of online social media, The Item of Millburn and Short Hills reported.

BOE President Jeffrey Waters led a discussion on district efforts to curb cyberbullying and to promote responsible Internet use. And he and other board members noted that both students and adult staff members have a responsibility to behave with respect and appropriateness while online. The district's five-year Strategic Plan has among its goals educating "students, staff and parents on the proper use of social media and mobile technology, as well as the consequences of misuse, carelessness and inappropriate content," the article said. Members talked about the importance of enforcing policies already on the books. 

The board also discussed goals for the upcoming school year. One aim is to have every member serve on a Strategic Plan implementation committee, which includes school staff, students and community members, to make improvements where needed in instruction, school culture and resources.

Another is to work on contract negotiations with the Millburn Education Association, the union representing teachers, clerical staff and paraprofessionals, since the current contract is set to expire next June 30. The talks on goals will continue at the next BOE meeting, to take place Monday at 7:45 p.m. in the Education Center.