The public comment session was dominated by pleas from parents and students regarding the elimination of programs such as student government and safety patrol, which were reportedly cut from the budget. Tiffany Middle Acced, a vocal participant, criticized the board for slashing essential student programs while considering an 18% salary increase for a single employee. She emphasized the significance of these programs in shaping students’ educational experiences and highlighted the disparity between the proposed raise and reductions in support staff.

Another speaker, Sona, echoed these concerns, stressing the negative impact of cuts on student clubs, specifically at Mitchell. She called for greater transparency from the board, urging them to prioritize student investment over staff raises during financially challenging times. Mike Dennis, a parent, calculated the cost of running programs like safety control and student government at $4,400 annually, a minor expense compared to the proposed raise. He questioned the board’s fairness and priorities, advocating for the preservation of student opportunities.

Students also took the floor to express their dismay at the cuts. Sixth-grader Meredith Seals articulated the vital role of the safety patrol program in fostering responsibility and teamwork, while Sophia Andrews lamented the loss of a program that taught anti-bullying skills and independence. Abigail Hope, also a sixth grader, shared her pride in being selected for the safety patrol, describing it as an honor and a responsibility to keep peers safe. These students collectively highlighted the importance of such programs in promoting a positive school environment and urged the board to reconsider their decisions.

The board acknowledged these concerns and clarified that the reinstatement of student government and safety patrol programs was made possible by reallocating funds from previous budget decisions regarding paraprofessionals. This financial maneuvering was framed as a necessary step to prioritize the safety and development of students without acquiring additional funding.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the district’s approach to enhancing educational outcomes for English language learners (ELLs). The superintendent reported on the implementation of additional assessments for grades three to six, including the Link assessment and the ACCESS for ELLs assessment. Melissa Gallagher discussed the data from the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, which monitors English proficiency among students from kindergarten through grade 12, highlighting a 76% increase in multilingual learners. Gallagher outlined initiatives for the upcoming school year, including the introduction of Lexia, a targeted instructional program, and the adjustment of scheduling to minimize disruption of core subjects.

Environmental grievances and the hiring of paraprofessionals were also discussed, with updates provided on the salary increase for the transportation supervisor position. The board emphasized the importance of competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified staff, noting that the proposed salary was below the county average. The conversation underscored the need for careful financial planning and prioritization of educational resources.

In an emotionally charged moment, several students expressed their sadness over the departure of beloved teacher Miss Randall, whose unexpected transfer meant she would be divided between two schools. This change, they feared, would disrupt their learning experience and the nurturing support she provided.

As the meeting concluded, board members commended the students for their bravery in voicing their concerns, acknowledging the emotional impact of their words. The board members reiterated their commitment to addressing transportation priorities and announced plans to present a related proposal in the next meeting.