SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MODERN LEARNING Security is a central priority across the district. Each school will soon feature a controlled single-entry vestibule, new locks and monitoring systems, and enhanced surveillance technology. Tenafly schools have a combination of school resource officers (SROs) and trained door monitors on-site. “We want our schools to be both welcoming and safe,” Ben-David says. “It’s about protecting our students while maintaining a warm, open environment for learning.” In the classroom, technology is used as a supportive tool rather than a crutch. The district has adopted a balanced one-to-one device program but is careful not to let screens dominate instruction.“Technology is just that—a tool,” Ben-David explains. “It can enhance engagement and creativity, but it shouldn’t replace human interaction or problem-solving.” The district has also formed a technology and innovation committee to study how artificial intelligence can responsibly enhance teaching and learning. “We’re approaching AI cautiously,” BenDavid says. “We want to understand its benefits and drawbacks before fully integrating it. It’s early days, but the goal is to use AI to strengthen—not supplant—critical thinking.” BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: BUILDING THE WHOLE STUDENT For Tenafly, learning doesn’t end with academics. The district invests heavily in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, from performing arts and athletics to debate, robotics, and cultural clubs. New and renovated facilities will further enhance the student experience, including an expanded middle school cafeteria designed to seat an entire grade at once, fostering stronger social connection. “We’re intentionally creating spaces that bring kids together,” Schwarz explains.“Nurturing that sense of community is every bit as important as what happens in the classroom.” THE ROAD AHEAD Looking to the next two years, the district’s top 353 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 TENAFLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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