The most point of contention during the meeting was the debate over the district’s logo and color scheme, primarily concerning branding for an athletic fields project. Members expressed differing opinions on whether to introduce secondary colors alongside the traditional navy and white. A proposal was made to create a style guide, though divisions remained on whether to involve additional design expertise. With a pressing 60-day timeline for signage decisions, the committee faced the challenge of reaching consensus swiftly to avoid impacting project deadlines. The motion to table the discussion failed, prompting members to consider moving forward with the current presentation as the basis for the style guide, though uncertainty persisted about the path ahead.

In parallel, the committee engaged in discussions about educational initiatives aimed at improving student transitions and support systems. Dr. Best presented the middle school improvement plan, which included goals such as expanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with scheduled intervention blocks. The plan also addressed scheduling conflicts for students interested in electives, the implementation of a new English Language Arts curriculum, and a review of grading practices to ensure they align with student learning outcomes. These goals reflect a commitment to providing comprehensive support to students and ensuring a seamless transition to high school.

At the high school level, Mr. Menoni outlined goals for the 2024-2025 academic year, emphasizing the continuation of MTSS structures and the introduction of new math curricula. The presentation also highlighted the adoption of executive functioning practices for ninth graders and the introduction of the Alex math program to support students requiring additional assistance. A focus was placed on enhancing executive functioning skills and ensuring students understand their responsibilities regarding homework and classwork. Efforts to improve student retention were also discussed, with a noted decrease in the percentage of students leaving for private schooling.

The meeting further explored the potential for experiential learning opportunities, such as internships for eleventh graders, as part of the state-run Innovation Career Pathway program. However, logistical challenges related to scheduling and resource constraints were acknowledged. The committee emphasized the importance of meaningful internships as a means for students to build narratives about their skills and experiences, which can be important for college applications.

Elementary school goals were also presented, focusing on literacy and math enhancements within the MTSS framework. A new math curriculum, Eureka Math Squared, was introduced, accompanied by professional development for teachers to ensure effective implementation. Discussions on core values for elementary schools led to a proposal to adopt the responsive classroom’s CARES values to better align with students’ developmental stages.

Finally, the committee addressed routine matters such as the superintendent’s goals for the upcoming school year, revisions to the mission statement, and updates on finance-related issues. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 9:30 PM, leaving several topics for future discussion, including the need for improved communication strategies and further deliberation on the district’s visual identity.