Central to the meeting’s agenda was the long-term facility plan that outlined renovations and additions to the district’s schools. The high school is slated to receive a new IT Department space and improvements to the music area. Princeton Middle School’s expansion will include a new multi-purpose space, cafeteria expansion, and classroom additions. At Community Park, the plans include a two-story expansion featuring new classrooms and a gymnasium, along with cafeteria and library renovations. Littlebrook is to see a new music room and six new classrooms, as well as reconfigurations for small group instruction.

The board reviewed three enrollment models that projected varying levels of student growth and considered the impact of future housing developments by using a Princeton-specific housing multiplier. This planning process also incorporated feedback from multiple public presentations and collaboration with town officials. With the focus on capturing the potential impact on student enrollment, discussions included concerns about overbuilding and the need to adhere to Department of Education requirements for student-teacher ratios.

The tax impact of these projects was another notable point of discussion. For an average home assessed at $848,000, the tax increase is projected to be $551 per year. The timeline for these projects targets a referendum by December 2024 or January 2025, pending state approvals. Concerns were raised about the lack of state aid for new construction, leading to discussions about lobbying efforts to change the funding formula and the potential for exemptions on tax levies to affect the cost.

Another topic of considerable attention was the adoption of a final budget for the upcoming year. Discussions highlighted budget drivers such as meeting post-pandemic student needs, inflation, and resource scarcity. Despite the challenges posed by charter school expenses outpacing state aid increases, the board approved the budget, with one new member voting against it due to concerns about demographics and the potential impact on diversity. Public comments during the meeting touched on various issues, including the kindergarten program lottery, staff cuts at Community Park, and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing anti-Semitism in the district.

The board also discussed the creation of two new supervisor positions, Supervisor of MTSS and Special Projects, and Supervisor of Early Childhood, funded by State preschool aid. These positions are expected to support students in pre-K through third grade and focus on data.

Addressing community concerns, the board clarified that no reduction in art services would occur at Community Park and that a new tenure track art teacher would be hired. Efforts to maximize personnel resources across the district were discussed, with the goal of allocating savings to other areas of need.

The meeting also covered the proactive measures the district is taking in response to the rise in anti-Semitic incidents. The importance of anti-Semitism awareness and the need for education on the subject were emphasized. The board is considering adopting the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism and is reviewing curricula and professional development opportunities to ensure schools are safe for all students.