At the forefront of the meeting was a detailed report on the critical staffing shortages within the special education department. The assistant superintendent provided an alarming update, revealing 65 vacancies at the start of the school year, with only 12 positions filled, leaving 53 roles still open. These vacancies included 11 inclusion teachers, 14 substantially separate classroom teachers, and 18 paraprofessionals, among others. The committee expressed deep concern about the impact of these shortages on the department’s ability to meet student needs, particularly in classrooms that were operating at full capacity, averaging 10 to 12 students each.

The assistant superintendent acknowledged the daily challenges posed by the staffing shortfall, stating that recruitment efforts were ongoing but difficult. Strategies discussed included partnering with local colleges and providing current staff with training opportunities to enhance their skills. Despite these efforts, the recruitment of qualified professionals, especially those equipped to work with students with complex needs, remained a significant hurdle. The conversation touched upon the Jet Program, which aims to advance the careers of paraprofessionals.

Another major concern was the protracted delay in updating kitchen facilities, which has been ongoing for over a year. A frustrated committee member demanded accountability and a clear timeline for the procurement process, emphasizing the unacceptability of such delays.

The meeting also explored the development of a new speaker series designed to expose students to various career paths. This initiative aims to engage students across different grade levels, with a focus on diverse professions. The committee discussed collaborating with local industries and technical schools to enrich the program. Positive feedback was shared about a past speaker series featuring a minority female plumber, highlighting the initiative’s potential to inspire students through varied role models.

In addition to addressing immediate operational concerns, the committee considered educational innovations at Dery High School. Plans to expand credit recovery options were discussed, with a proposal to introduce a live teaching model for elective courses. These courses would incorporate curriculum standards from failed core subjects, providing a more engaging alternative to the existing online platform. This approach aims to cater to diverse student needs by offering face-to-face instruction, thereby helping students recover credits while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

The committee also reviewed updates from community partners, including representatives from the Katie Brown Educational Program and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). The Katie Brown program emphasized its mission to foster healthy relationships among students through evidence-based prevention education. They reached over 3,000 students last year, focusing on inclusivity for English language learners and neurodivergent students. Meanwhile, the CAC highlighted its important role in supporting children affected by abuse, with a portion of referrals coming from the local Department of Children and Families. Their services include trauma-focused mental health support and educational outreach aimed at raising awareness about child safety.

Financial considerations were also on the agenda, with a request from the CAC to increase their contract funding. The committee deliberated on the rationale behind the proposed increase, seeking clarity on funding allocations for various programs. This discussion reflects ongoing efforts to ensure equitable and effective use of district resources.