The superintendent announced his resignation due to a recent diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, citing the need to prioritize his health. He shared that while he received support from colleagues and the community, he also faced negative reactions from a small group of officials who questioned the legitimacy of his illness. This created a toxic work environment that was detrimental to his health, prompting his decision to step down. He expressed gratitude for the district’s accomplishments during his tenure, including safety improvements, the establishment of equity teams, growth in professional development, and a successful transition to a three-year school improvement plan. Despite these achievements, he emphasized the necessity of prioritizing his well-being and requested privacy moving forward.

In response to his announcement, a committee member acknowledged the superintendent’s contributions to the district, expressing appreciation for his hard work and dedication. The committee addressed the discussions surrounding the superintendent’s contract, clarifying that the decision to part ways was a mutual agreement and not an indication of his performance. To ensure transparency, the committee committed to making the minutes from executive sessions discussing these matters available to the public.

The meeting also detailed the interim leadership structure, with key administrative figures set to assume the superintendent’s responsibilities until a permanent replacement is found.

Educational progress was another key focus of the meeting, with school improvement plans presented by Dr. Sullivan and Mr. Ward. They highlighted a three-year approach to fostering a positive school culture, inclusive leadership, and shared practices among staff. The plan includes initiatives such as a revised school pledge and “coffee with the principal” events to improve communication with parents. Academic objectives emphasized enhancing research-based instruction and comprehension skills across all grade levels, with teachers evaluating their approaches to foundational concepts to ensure consistency in student learning.

In addition, Michael Ward, principal of Freetown Elementary School, outlined a School Improvement Plan centered on reading and mathematics, with data-driven goals aimed at ensuring student progress. He emphasized the importance of social-emotional learning in creating a supportive school environment, noting a significant improvement in chronic absenteeism rates. This success is attributed to efforts in fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among students.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts were also discussed, with the DEI committee working on a diversity calendar and bi-weekly assemblies focused on inclusion. The committee aims to incorporate global perspectives through initiatives like a multicultural curriculum night and the introduction of maps and globes in classrooms. The tracking of discipline data related to diversity was initiated, revealing incidents of student curiosity about skin color, which were managed appropriately.

The meeting provided updates on technology improvements, including the inspection and deployment of Chromebooks and infrastructure upgrades. The technology team highlighted the installation of a new fiber connection and efforts to secure funding through a security awareness grant to address cybersecurity threats. These technology advancements aim to enhance student access to digital resources and ensure the district’s resilience against potential cyber attacks.

Budgetary considerations focused on monitoring expenditures and forecasting future needs, particularly in relation to heating oil usage and special education changes. The board approved several out-of-state field trips aligned with educational frameworks.

Financial updates highlighted anticipated increases in employee health insurance and special education tuitions, with liability insurance premiums having doubled due to significant claims. Ongoing litigation regarding these claims could potentially reduce premiums over time. The board noted a successful year in maintaining quorum for meetings, contrasting with previous challenges in attendance.

In recognition of student achievements, high school students were commended for their accomplishments in music, with several students advancing to higher levels of competition. The implementation of a new ELA program, Amplify, received positive feedback for its effectiveness in enhancing learning through formative assessment and immediate feedback on student writing.