The announcement of Mr. Kevin Greeway as the new high school principal stood out as a key topic of discussion. Set to take office in early February 2026, Mr. Greeway is well-acquainted with the district, having extensive experience within its schools. His appointment was met with positive remarks from the superintendent, who expressed confidence in Mr. Greeway’s leadership abilities and his strong connection to the community as a local graduate.

In addition to the leadership transition, the board recognized the decades-long service of outgoing superintendent Gary O’Brien and science educator Tommy Mulligan. Both are retiring in February, with O’Brien’s career spanning over three decades marked by dedication and influence within the district. Mulligan’s contributions, including his roles as a coach and supporter of various school activities, were also celebrated. The board expressed appreciation for their commitment and the significant impact they have had on students and the school community.

The meeting also featured a comprehensive student report, beginning with the introduction of the new student board representative, Luke Walni. Luke shared updates on upcoming winter events and proposed initiatives to boost school spirit and attendance at basketball games. His suggestions included halftime performances and contests to engage students and parents. Luke also addressed mental health concerns among seniors. The board responded positively to his ideas, discussing the challenges of organizing after-school events and expressing support for initiatives that enhance community and school spirit.

Further student achievements were noted by Lily and Ariel, who reported increased participation in school events this year. They highlighted the success of events like Crazy Olympics and Powder Puff, which saw higher shirt sales and participation than the previous year. The board also congratulated the school’s sports teams, including tennis, field hockey, and cross-country, for their commendable performances in state competitions. The soccer teams, recognized for their conference titles, faced challenges in state title games but were celebrated for their efforts. The recognition of these accomplishments underscored the increased student attendance at sports events, attributed to the teams’ successes and the positive atmosphere within the school community.

A notable development in the meeting was the introduction of a new program catering to students with diverse learning needs. The program allows students who previously required out-of-district placements to remain within their local schools, providing a less restrictive educational environment. Initially serving sixth graders, plans are in place to expand the program to include seventh graders in the coming year. The program aims to maintain academic rigor through collaborative projects with general education teachers and includes life skills and prevocational classes. Activities like greenhouse projects and restaurant simulations offer students practical learning experiences, while a beverage cart initiative is being explored to further develop students’ social and practical skills.

During the meeting, a board member raised concerns about student participation in extracurricular activities. A parent expressed appreciation for the program staff’s efforts in preparing students for self-advocacy as they transition out of the school system. The board also discussed ongoing financial and facilities matters, excluding certain contracts from a vote due to pending questions. However, items related to instruction and personnel matters were approved, including resolutions recognizing the service of retiring educators Mulligan and O’Brien.

Public comments invited community members to address the board on various issues, notably the safety of crossing guards at a specific intersection. Concerns were raised about the need for better traffic control measures to protect children crossing the street, with suggestions for flashing signs or other traffic calming devices to enhance safety. The board acknowledged these concerns.