The referendum that failed earlier in the year aimed to address the growth in student numbers, spurred by construction within the community. However, the board is considering breaking down the large-scale project into smaller components to manage high maintenance costs effectively. Specifically, the high costs for boiler maintenance were discussed, with the board deliberating whether to request all the necessary funding at once or to stagger it over multiple stages.

The potential impact of an upcoming housing project was also considered, raising questions about the district’s capacity and proactive planning. The feasibility of constructing new wings at every elementary school was met with skepticism from some members, who doubted the community’s willingness to fund such an extensive plan. Instead, alternative options such as redistricting were proposed, highlighting the urgency to find feasible solutions to accommodate the district’s needs.

The issue of class sizes was at the forefront of the discussions, with members debating whether to proceed with a referendum to secure funding for existing plans or to first develop a new plan that would garner referendum support. There was a consensus that the proposed $50 million might not suffice to address the long-term issues, as it concentrated on elementary school problems without accounting for the middle or high school levels. Members considered several ideas, including leasing additional space, redistricting to create space in middle schools, or moving the fifth grade to middle school to alleviate space issues.

The board also discussed seeking proposals for redistricting and the use of temporary classroom units at elementary schools. In addition, they planned to explore the possibility of a Google Meet town hall to engage with the public and gather their feedback. Enrollment numbers for all schools were requested to facilitate a future retreat focused on addressing these concerns.

In terms of facilities management, ongoing projects such as the restoration at Prant School, as well as submissions for grants for Early Childhood expansion and ADA upgrades, were noted. Moreover, the board approved two additions to the agenda: settlement agreements related to custodial maintenance and a student matter, emphasizing the board’s attention to administrative and operational matters.

The selection process for new principals was another significant topic, with the board examining the interview protocols at both the building and central office levels. The process incorporates a scripted set of questions and a scoring sheet, but there was a call to review the possibility of rotating personnel involved in the selection to ensure a diverse range of perspectives.

Additionally, the board contemplated improving the process for registering and re-registering for sports. The current workflow for nurses and parents was identified as an area that could benefit from technological enhancements to streamline operations.

The meeting also touched on the topic of live streaming board meetings on platforms such as Facebook to increase public accessibility and engagement. Moreover, the board acknowledged the contributions of retiring staff, the music education program, and the Unified sports program.