Delving into the budget’s specifics, the superintendent outlined the baseline budget for FY 25, which focused on fixed costs associated with personnel, technology, curriculum, special education, transportation, and tuition contracts with other high schools. The committee discussed the need for community engagement and support for the budget and highlighted a potential deficit in services if the budget did not pass as proposed. Various funding sources were mentioned, including Esser funds, circuit breaker funds, and state and federal grants. The budget presentation underscored the collaborative process involved in its creation and the critical role of community input.

Further budget discussions brought up the possibility of reductions in staffing, program overhauls, and student fees. The committee expressed concerns about the unpredictability of state and federal funding, with exact figures possibly remaining unknown until as late as July. A motion was approved to close the public budget hearing segment of the meeting.

The committee also revisited the school choice program, ultimately recommending against the district’s participation. The decision was made after considering the potential revenue and budget implications, the impact of special education, and the lottery system for student selection. Additionally, the committee approved the superintendent’s appointment to the board of directors for Reeds collaborative, along with an amendment to the collaborative agreement. A proposal for a regionalization study was also discussed, with the committee approving a motion to proceed and appoint a chairperson for the committee.

Technology and security were also on the agenda, with the committee noting the planned upgrade of the camera system and discussing the enhancement of email security within the district. It was highlighted that this was successfully implemented at no additional cost to the district. The smooth execution of the recent solar eclipse viewing was acknowledged, and the receipt of a grant for a new 8th-grade civics curriculum was announced.

The potential implementation of before and after school programming was discussed, providing updates on the FY 24 budget, which included a targeted budget freeze at the end of April. The business manager provided an update on the budget, noting that 25% of the budget remains for the last quarter of the year. The impact of vacancies in the Town accountant position on budget reporting was also discussed.

The committee reviewed energy management services requests for qualifications, assessing submissions from various vendors. The timeline for the selection and implementation of the chosen vendor was addressed. The farm-to-school program was highlighted, emphasizing the use of locally sourced produce in the school’s food services.