A new middle school principal position is being created to provide focused leadership for grades six through eight. In addition to the new principal, the school will have its own counselor and nurse. The scheduling system will shift from a trimester to a quarter-based model, which is expected to enhance the academic experience for students.

A prominent feature of the restructuring involves the physical separation of middle and high school students. The meeting plans to use the back gym as a cafeteria for middle schoolers, minimizing interactions with high school students during lunch and gym periods. The building design strategically allocates separate spaces for different age groups. Designated hallways, entrance routes, and restroom facilities will further enforce this separation, addressing parental concerns about safety and age-appropriate interactions.

Ongoing construction projects were a focal point of the meeting, with updates provided on several key facilities. The back entrance to Breely School is nearing completion, promising a more welcoming environment for students and staff. The Harding and Brierly auditoriums are expected to be ready by December for winter concerts, though contingency plans include using gymnasiums if deadlines are not met. The construction of the Brey Wing is advancing, with steel beams already erected. The new wing, intended for sixth to eighth graders, is slated to open by September, following the installation of furniture over the summer.

The meeting also addressed logistical concerns, particularly regarding student drop-off and dismissal procedures. The current system has faced criticism for inefficiencies that lead to bottlenecks during peak times. The redesigned main entrance, featuring a larger curb with drop-off spots, has not fully alleviated these issues. Discussions included the potential for staggered start and dismissal times to reduce congestion. The school employs a resource officer and a special law enforcement officer for safety during morning drop-offs, and efforts are underway to hire additional security staff.

The board discussed the introduction of summer readiness programs and orientation initiatives to facilitate a smooth transition for students entering the new middle school structure. Transition days in June will include tours and scavenger hunts, while August orientations will familiarize students and parents with the new environment. These programs are designed to ensure students feel comfortable and prepared for the changes.

Feedback from parents and community members was encouraged throughout the meeting, leading to inquiries about staffing levels and class sizes. It was clarified that the transition of sixth graders would follow a one-for-one staff approach, meaning no increase in teaching staff and maintaining current class sizes. However, uncertainty remains about whether all current sixth-grade teachers will move to the middle school.

Parents expressed concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion with more students and the enforcement of boundaries between middle and high school students. Strategies to manage these issues include staff presence in hallways and consequences for students accessing unauthorized areas. The meeting also touched on extracurricular activities, noting that basketball will be the primary sport offered during the winter months.