The meeting featured an audit presentation by Renee Davis from Markham LP, which was prioritized on the agenda. Davis detailed the audit process, touching on federal spending, pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities, and budget controls. The audit affirmed that while it does not predict future performance, the district has controls in place and has made strides in providing information and addressing minor issues. A discussion on uninsured bank accounts ensued, with management indicating actions taken to resolve the issue.

Further financial deliberations included the review of cost drivers such as contractual obligations, transportation, health insurance, special education tuition costs, and utilities. Efforts to mitigate the shortfall were discussed, including reducing supplies and materials, increasing local contributions, and tapping into school choice and tuition programs. Additional financial pressures from union negotiations, cost of living adjustments, sick leave incentives, and parental leave were also considered.

To manage the deficit, the committee reviewed the potential savings from retirement incentives and scrutinized the impact of unfilled or eliminated positions in elementary, middle, and high school, as well as administrative staff reductions. Prioritizing positions to maximize student impact while maintaining efficient operations was emphasized. The committee explored funding sources to potentially restore positions and the possibility of posting anticipated openings.

The Superintendent’s update entailed a variety of district events, such as the graduation of nearly 300 students, National Honor Society induction, and academic and sports achievements. The committee mourned the passing of faculty member Mr. Jack Powers and deliberated the resignation of Miss Mainville as the secretary clerk, leading to the unanimous approval of Mr. de Marino as her successor.

In addition to these issues, the committee entertained a proposal from EF Tours, presenting international tour opportunities for high school students, which are not school-sponsored but chaperoned. The proposal for reporting out on issues and kudos was deferred to the next meeting.

The Superintendent’s performance evaluation also took a prominent place in the proceedings. The evaluation process was outlined, including the use of a rubric assessing instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture. The superintendent presented evidence related to professional practice, student learning, and district improvement goals. Members were encouraged to review the evidence in preparation for completing the evaluation.

Other discussions included the Long Bridge planning indicators and fiscal year 2024 budget updates from the budget subcommittee, which commented on line items such as utilities, transportation, and district tuition, as well as the potential impact of early retirements and future contracts on the budget. The committee approved the revised fee schedule for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, citing inflation and cost drivers as reasons for the increase.

The personnel report addressed attrition among education support professionals and proctors, pinpointing personal reasons and salary considerations as factors. The superintendent updated on diversity teacher initiatives and related expenses. The annual health report highlighted the diversity and complex needs of students.

Lastly, the committee reviewed significant revisions to the school handbooks, especially the high school handbook, which proposed changes in policies on student absences, tardiness, and the approach to truancy and skipping classes, among others. Middle and elementary school handbooks saw less substantive changes, while the preschool handbook underwent updates related to behavioral interventions and program delivery.