One of the most vocal attendees was Jayen Betson, who articulated her concerns regarding the proposed four-day school week. As a single mother, Betson expressed apprehension about the potential complications in managing childcare, particularly when dealing with her daughter’s illnesses. She emphasized the difficulty in finding adequate childcare in the county, advocating for the continuation of a five-day week to maintain her work schedule and ensure her daughter is cared for by an adult. Betson’s perspective shed light on the broader implications of the proposed schedule change, highlighting the challenges faced by working parents in balancing their responsibilities.

The board meeting also delved into the educational ramifications of a four-day week. Some members expressed a desire for a more in-depth analysis of how such a change could affect student engagement and learning outcomes. Discussions touched on the advantages and drawbacks of block scheduling, with the consensus emerging that the timing was not right to pursue the four-day week, especially with the upcoming referendum. One member noted that the community’s lack of demand for this change was a critical factor in deciding against moving forward at this time.

Beyond the four-day week debate, the meeting addressed various educational initiatives and goals aimed at enhancing the overall learning environment. The AVID program’s implementation at Wicker was highlighted as a step towards establishing common language and cohesive practices across classrooms. This initiative is intended to prevent student confusion due to varying terminology in similar activities.

Another topic was the establishment of an after-school program designed to provide students with a space to complete homework and seek additional help. Though details were still in the early stages of planning, secondary level educators expressed strong support for the program, recognizing its potential benefits in supporting students’ academic needs.

The board also reviewed the September 2024 expenditure revenue report, noting that overall expenses were slightly lower than the previous year, with revenues tracking positively. This financial update provided a backdrop for discussions on the pending construction proposal for county schools. The proposal, approved by the commissioners, allows the board to proceed with the referendum process.

In addition to these discussions, the board focused on the implementation of the School Improvement Plan, which included maintaining successful strategies from the previous year such as the “Vikings Way” and the use of common language across grade levels. The leadership team shared their experiences with instructional rounds and collaborative teaching practices, aimed at standardizing expectations and enhancing the educational experience for students.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of community involvement and effective communication with families. Efforts to improve engagement included the continuation of a weekly newsletter and the introduction of a monthly newsletter from specialists detailing classroom activities. These initiatives are viewed as essential in fostering a supportive environment and ensuring families are involved in their children’s education.

Personnel matters were also addressed, with the board approving the hiring of a new occupational therapist. This decision was made with the rationale that an in-house OT would provide a cost-saving alternative to contracted services, allowing for more efficient resource allocation within the district.