The focal point of the meeting was the discussion regarding the upcoming bond referendum. The board outlined the necessity for various capital improvements, emphasizing the financial advantages of opting for a referendum. A key point highlighted was that a successful referendum would allow the state to contribute up to 40% of the costs through Debt Service Aid, compared to funding the projects solely through the budget, which would require the district to cover 100% of the costs.

Two primary ballot questions were discussed. The first, estimated at a tax-neutral impact of $24.4 million, includes essential projects such as roof replacements at the high school and middle school, HVAC improvements in gymnasiums, and renovations to the auditorium. This proposal also covers site improvements like repaving parking lots and constructing a storage building at Vanderbeer School. The emphasis was on upgrading critical building systems and enhancing educational spaces to benefit students’ learning environments.

The second ballot question, projected to cost $27.4 million, focuses on constructing a new gymnasium at the high school and developing a multisport synthetic turf field at Vander. The new gymnasium aims to offer increased seating capacity and additional facilities, addressing current scheduling conflicts and space limitations within the district’s athletic program. The multisport turf field is intended to resolve drainage issues and accommodate various sports, including baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, and football.

The second question presented a lower eligibility rate of 14.5%, implying a higher local share for funding compared to the first question.

Community engagement was highlighted as a componet of the referendum process. Strategies discussed included making information accessible during back-to-school nights, launching a dedicated website, and utilizing various communication channels like social media, flyers, and potential mailings. A Communications Committee, representing diverse stakeholders such as preschool parents, senior citizens, teachers, and alumni, was proposed to foster community involvement and ensure clear messaging.

Laura, a member of the team, noted, “Our goal is to inform and engage the entire community, every voter, to understand what a bond referendum is and what they’re voting on.” She emphasized the importance of effective communication and the extensive efforts made to determine the projects included in the referendum.

Preliminary cost eligibility letters from the state are anticipated in early November, which will set the financial parameters for the projects. Following this, further discussions will take place between the architects, the superintendent, and financial professionals to assess the tax impact on the community. The board expressed commitment to keeping the community informed and involved as the planning progresses.

In addition to the referendum discussion, the meeting also covered the introduction of new staff members for the 2024 school year across various schools in the district. The high school principal introduced new teachers, including Ashley Rodford for art, Robert Stash for PE and health, Quinn Andrasco for social studies, and others. The middle school principal followed with introductions of Dana Nelson for ESL, Kim Suin for special education, and Maya Salis for Spanish, among others. The principal from Vander Elementary School expressed excitement about the new staff, listing names such as Amy Supernaut for kindergarten and Brianna Fazi for music.

The high school student representative provided updates on fall sports, highlighting a memorial game held by the boys’ soccer team and successful starts for the soccer and football teams. Upcoming events like the financial aid night for senior parents and a Model UN interest meeting were also mentioned.

He emphasized that while the board should focus on areas like capital planning and supporting student achievement, the administration should handle operational aspects. He suggested that the process for adopting board goals be a topic of continued discussion leading up to January’s reorganization meeting.

The board also discussed the restructuring of committee functions, with Mr. Kimmick noting past challenges faced by committee chairs due to a lack of cooperation from the previous interim superintendent. The board agreed that effective committee function is crucial and that the superintendent should work closely with committee chairs to streamline the process of agenda-setting and reporting.