The meeting began with board member Kate Nugent proposing a monthly discussion on academic achievement in response to the significant decline in test scores at Frenchtown Elementary. Nugent pointed out that the decline was not in line with historical performance and had led to Frenchtown graduates being less prepared than students from other districts. She attributed the downturn to teacher turnover and changes in administration over the past five years and suggested tracking academic progress using tools like I-Ready and LinkIt.

Adam Blackburn supported Nugent’s proposal, emphasizing the school’s crisis point and the need to track academic progress to identify underlying issues. He raised concerns about the school’s deteriorating public perception, as reflected in a declining “good grades rating” on Zillow. The board members agreed on the importance of focusing on academic achievement but debated the potential for micromanagement. Laine Nauman questioned the reliability of standardized test scores due to small class sizes, highlighting the need to understand the root causes of the academic issues.

The board also discussed the Universal preschool program, focusing on the possibility of opening a second classroom to accommodate more students. They clarified that Frenchtown students would have priority, with the possibility of enrolling students from neighboring districts like Kingwood if capacity allowed. Concerns about the lack of clear information from the state were raised, and the board emphasized the need for concrete details to recruit parents and students effectively. Discussions about marketing and outreach efforts ensued, including suggestions for open houses and social media promotion.

Staffing and program quality were addressed, with comparisons made to the Milford YMCA’s program, emphasizing the need for clarity on certification and staffing requirements. The board expressed the desire for clear enrollment procedures and streamlined registration processes. They also highlighted the importance of changing the mindset from an application to a registration form for the preschool program.

In addition to academic performance and preschool expansion, the board celebrated the school board members’ dedication and acknowledged the adjustments made to the school calendar for snow days. They recognized December’s Kindness awards and the sportsmanship awards, with special mention of Kate Miss Yard for Martin Luther King Jr. activities. The success of the Middle School Club’s homework program and the return of yoga sessions for students were also noted.

The board approved various resolutions, including School Board Recognition Month, the 2024-2025 school calendar, and the revised 2023-2024 calendar. The memorandum of agreement (MOA) with law enforcement officials was approved, with changes concerning harassment, intimidation, bullying, electronic devices, and police involvement in school matters. Kate Nugent inquired about the implications of the MOA changes on school policies.

Dr. Richard Catz was designated as the mentor for Jim Hinton, who recently obtained his professional license. The mentorship program was acknowledged as beneficial for those in their first year after licensure. The board voted in favor of the mentorship arrangement, with positive feedback on its impact.

The board discussed the 2024-2025 budget, appreciating the environmentally friendly approach of not providing physical copies. They examined projected revenues, appropriations, tax levies, and the impact of reassessments on tax rates. Concerns about the volatility of school choice aid were discussed, along with the implications of the state aid loss due to the phase-out of a state aid law.