The meeting opened with celebratory remarks about the passage of a recent referendum, an achievement amid a landscape where many neighboring districts faced defeat. Board members expressed pride in the community’s support, which was deemed critical for securing necessary funds. The successful campaign was attributed to extensive efforts by staff and volunteers, including door-knocking and phone banking, as well as strong advocacy by the teachers’ union. The funds from the referendum are considered essential for the district’s operations and cannot be postponed, highlighting the urgency behind the campaign’s success.

In a related discussion, the board explored ways to enhance student representation. The student school board representatives provided insights into the challenges they faced, particularly the lack of clear expectations and information upon joining. They proposed improved onboarding processes, including training and avenues for gathering student input across all school levels. One suggestion was to create an open Google form for students to voice concerns, allowing representatives to convey student perspectives to the board. The superintendent and board members acknowledged the value of these contributions and considered implementing a stipend for student representatives, inspired by practices at Richfield Public Schools.

The meeting also delved into the district’s academic strategies, focusing on mathematics and literacy. The board reviewed collaborative efforts with the Lenia Group, aimed at improving student outcomes through innovative instructional strategies. A key goal is to achieve a 10% increase in proficiency scores in both math and reading on the spring MCA assessments. The partnership involves a math coach visiting schools regularly to facilitate instructional changes, with a focus on data-driven teaching and formative assessments. The district also introduced a new curriculum, Wit and Wisdom, for language and literature, supported by in-class modeling and coaching from Lenia coaches.

The board discussed the ongoing Learning Academy for math and reading, a program running from Monday through Thursday until May. It provides additional support for students with a focus on grade-level content. With 70 students currently enrolled, the program uses pre-and post-assessments to track progress and aims for a 10% performance increase.

The board introduced a new HR Director, pending approval. The candidate brings extensive experience from educational institutions, including roles in workforce planning and employee relations. Her strategic vision and relationship-building skills are expected to benefit the district significantly. Additionally, the HR generalist position has been filled, with a start date anticipated in December.

Updates were also shared on custodial operations, highlighting training efforts and new equipment acquisitions aimed at improving efficiency and safety. The board noted the positive impact of these initiatives on building cleanliness and staff morale.

Community engagement was another focal point, with reports on successful events such as the Fall Festival and Tiger Club family night. These events saw high participation and were supported by student and parent volunteers. The Early Childhood Family Education Festival also noted increased attendance after waiving the registration fee, supported by the Lions Club.