Board of Education reviews Class of 2026 college outcomes
The Board of Education heard that 350 students submitted 4,112 applications, giving counselors a fuller picture of admissions and enrollment.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — board reviews millburn high’s class of, board members promote rocktoberfest and seek, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
In her Board of Education presentation, Catherine Alvarez said rankings do not equal fit, and a binding early-decision choice deserves a family conversation.
For the Class of 2026, college choices now come with data. Catherine Alvarez presented the Board of Education with post-secondary outcomes for 356 graduates. Among 350 students included in the application analysis, the guidance department recorded 4,112 applications and decisions. Graduates reported enrolling at 122 schools across 24 states and five countries. The report covered other paths, including employment, military service and gap years.
The numbers show how differently students approached admissions. Forty-seven submitted 20 applications, while 78 submitted fewer than five. Alvarez said the department wants to study whether sending more applications leads to better outcomes. She cautioned that binding early-decision acceptances can lead students to withdraw other applications, which changes what appears in the final data. Counselors plan to make their definitions more consistent and improve reporting through senior exit forms.
The Board of Education heard how those findings could shape counseling for younger students. Alvarez described planning meetings across grade levels, essay-writing support and conversations about academic, personal and financial fit. The department wants to build alumni panels and learn more about pathways such as athletic and fine arts recruitment. Families can expect more parent programming, including a financial aid night and a junior parent night on November 17. Alvarez said the aim is to use each class’s outcomes to improve support for the next one.
Board members promote Rocktoberfest and seek volunteers
Board of Education member Cynthia Longley Richards asked residents to volunteer for Rocktoberfest. She described music on two stages, DJs and a student DJ, and mentioned tie-dye shirts among the event activities. Her request came during new business; the Board of Education took no vote on it.
Priya Shivani used the Board of Education discussion to recognize the time that PTOs and the Millburn Education Foundation put into district programs. She said the district has a strong budget and capital reserves, while those volunteer groups still help provide additional opportunities. She encouraged residents to attend the event and contribute financially.
Longley Richards highlighted student interns who help with event logistics, including seeking sponsorships and working with bands. She said that work gives students practical experience while helping the event run. A separate Board of Education report reminded residents about Rocktoberfest and its rain date, though the source did not provide the date. No formal vote followed the event discussion.
Board of Education previews reading pilot and math kits
The Board of Education heard that K–5 teachers are testing an updated reading curriculum, while grades 3–5 teachers have received hands-on math kits. The assistant superintendent said the district is analyzing delayed NJSLA results and plans to present aggregated scores publicly in November.
Families will receive individual test reports by mail and get a public look at districtwide results in November.
Board of Education reviews field project and fees
Noel Bigman reported to the Board of Education on the high school backfield project, construction safety and scheduling. The Joint Facilities Committee discussed possible field-fee changes based on comparable facilities, along with spring field applications, maintenance and the joint facilities fund; no fee change was reported as approved.
Field users could face different fees, while construction timing may affect access during sports seasons.
Board of Education examines exams and grade patterns
Priya Shivani reported to the Board of Education that its Program Committee is reviewing high school midterms and finals, along with differences between AP scores and course grades. The committee plans to study middle school grade distributions and how CP/CPB course names may influence students’ selections.
Changes to exam practices or course labels could affect how students plan classes and present their records.
Board of Education member urges responsible online conduct
A Board of Education member urged students, parents and school staff to teach and practice responsible social media use, including in group chats. The member said people who see harmful activity online share responsibility for speaking up rather than remaining silent.
The reminder reaches beyond school accounts to the group chats students and families use every day.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Millburn had 21 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCESuperintendent’s report: interim guidance director, community chat, student board representatives, staff appreciation, Rocktoberfest, and demographer update. The superintendent recommended appointing Joyce Hayes as interim Director of Guidance, announced a “Community Connections” chat on October 14, described the student representative election process, recognized upcoming appreciation observances, promoted Rocktoberfest, and noted an upcoming demographer presentation and enrollment report timeline.
- GOVERNANCERecognition of retirements: South Mountain School teacher and guidance secretary. The superintendent recognized two retirements on the agenda: a South Mountain School teacher with 28 years of service and a guidance secretary with 20 years of service, offering congratulations and well wishes.
- GOVERNANCENegotiations Committee report (September 13 and follow-up scheduling). The Negotiations Committee reported meeting virtually on September 13 to discuss matters related to ongoing negotiations and information from board counsel, and scheduled a follow-up meeting that was later rescheduled to September 29 due to calendar availability.
- GOVERNANCEAcknowledgment of South Mountain PTO donation (poster maker). The Board briefly recognized a South Mountain PTO donation of a poster maker to the school.
- GOVERNANCEStudent recognition: Millburn High School Honors Wind Ensemble (2026 state-level winners). The Board recognized Millburn High School’s Honors Wind Ensemble as 2026 state-level winners. Students were called forward for certificates and photos, and the clarinet player was noted.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment period (second) — no speakers recorded. The Board offered a second public comment period later in the meeting. No public speakers were recorded in the transcript during this closing comment opportunity.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment period (first) — opened with instructions; no speakers recorded. The Board opened a public comment period with instructions to state name and address and noted a three-minute limit. No public speakers were recorded in the transcript during this first comment period.
- GOVERNANCETennis Club zoning application draws questions about use and neighborhood impacts. The Tennis Club sought an appeal or variance for its proposed renovations, arguing that the work reduces clubhouse size and maintains a long-standing tennis use. Applicant testimony addressed historic membership and proposed operating limits, while residents questioned event frequency, enforcement, parking, traffic and noise; the hearing was continued to October 5, 2026.
- GOVERNANCETriple One Holdings seeks approval for four apartments above Sakura. Triple One Holdings proposed keeping the Sakura restaurant at 44 Essex Street and adding four apartments above it, seeking a density variance and other relief. The applicant’s attorney, planner and engineer addressed planning goals, parking and site operations; a resident raised a notice concern, and the hearing was continued to October 19, 2026.
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