The most newsworthy moment of the meeting was the recognition of two board members for their contributions to the school district. Eileen Blinstein, who joined the board in January 2024, was honored for her extensive involvement in the community and her dedication to public education. Known for her commitment, Eileen was acknowledged for her roles in various committees, including facilities, transportation, curriculum, and student activities. Her efforts in establishing a girls varsity wrestling team and reopening Memorial School for pre-K programs were particularly highlighted. The superintendent praised her ability to balance her responsibilities as a mother of five with her service on the board.

Alongside Eileen, Kate Blin was acknowledged for her inspirational role as the youngest board member in a generation. Joining the board in early 2022 at the age of 22, Kate was praised for her active participation in finance, personnel, and policy legislation committees. Her contributions in launching the pre-K program were noted as having a lasting impact on the community. The recognition segment was filled with appreciation and a light-hearted moment when the superintendent humorously tested the audience’s awareness of Eileen’s number of children.

In addition to these recognitions, the board approved several personnel and curriculum items. Under personnel, the board considered mentor teachers, student teachers, substitutes, and tutors. These items were approved without discussion. The curriculum and instruction items included requests for monthly professional development, field trips, instructional materials for the middle school, the acknowledgment of HIV investigations, the monthly suspension report, and the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar. These were also approved, with one member abstaining from a particular line item.

Special education matters were addressed with the approval of a contract amendment and two student placements. Business and finance items included the acceptance of a grant from PPG Industries for the New Albany STEM program, approvals for staff mileage reimbursements, solicitation of quotes for school buses, and authorizations for school physician and custodial services proposals. The board further discussed and approved recommendations from the ad hoc committee on residency.

Public comments brought attention to concerns about the district’s treatment of students with disabilities. Scott Nikki expressed frustration over the district’s behavior following a complaint he filed, alleging retaliation and tense communications. He emphasized the need for parents to be equal partners in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and criticized the district’s alleged unwillingness to engage in open discussions regarding placement decisions. He urged the board to ensure transparency in IEP meetings and prevent predetermined decisions.

Another community member, Daniel Pelicone, advocated for a teacher known as Mr. R. Pelicone highlighted the value and respect students held for Mr. R, emphasizing the importance of retaining good teachers amid uncertainty about his role. He noted that he had not heard any serious allegations against Mr. R and expressed his support for him.

The meeting concluded with board comments, including congratulations to award-winning staff members and recognition of the service of Eileen Blinstein and Kate Blin on the board. The board members expressed gratitude to Mrs. Sigman and the middle school Select Singers for their performance during the meeting. As the session ended, the next scheduled meetings were announced, and the board members wished everyone a happy holiday season before adjourning.