The most compelling moment of the meeting came with the acknowledgment of the Barcalo cross country team. The team’s head coach, Mrs. West, delivered a address, commending the team’s perseverance and teamwork. She highlighted their successful season, where they dominated their division and secured impressive results at the championship, ranking highly among 26 competing teams. Mrs. West drew a metaphorical parallel between the challenges of distance running and life, emphasizing the values of endurance and collaboration. Individual runners, notably seventh graders Drew Smith and Justice Flores, received recognition for their contributions and character. The coaching staff, including Mrs. West’s assistant coaches, was praised for their dedication and support.

Following the awards presentation, the session shifted to the bullying investigation report, revealing that nine investigations had been conducted since the last meeting. Of these, eight cases of harassment, intimidation, and bullying were confirmed, while one was deemed unfounded. This disclosure highlights the ongoing efforts by the district to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The administration expressed gratitude to the staff, families, and community members for their role in supporting these initiatives.

In the realm of financial and logistical matters, the school business administrator, Robert Dvidita, confirmed that the district’s financial obligations had been met as of November 30, 2025. The board circulated a draft calendar for the upcoming year and scheduled a reorganization meeting for January 6.

The finance, facilities, and transportation committee reported on the status of construction projects, with all necessary documents submitted to the Department of Education. The board anticipates going out for bid in February, at which point a detailed construction timeline will be shared with the public. Discussions on the relocation of main offices during construction are ongoing, and preliminary budget talks are focusing on healthcare costs, though exact figures are unavailable due to delays caused by a government shutdown affecting data access.

The meeting also featured a discussion on curriculum items, including home instruction, course reimbursement, and field trip plans for the 2025-2026 school year. Notably, students from Barcelo and Eisenhower schools have been invited to a statewide conference hosted at Ocean Place. It was clarified that the event would focus on educational activities rather than leisure.

In personnel matters, the board addressed various policy readings and personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, new hires, leaves of absence, and assignment changes. Mrs. Lambert inquired about the sudden addition of new substitutes, receiving confirmation that these were recent updates.

In the old business segment, board member Jeff was acknowledged for his three years of service. Board members shared anecdotes and expressed gratitude for Jeff’s dedication and advocacy for students. He was presented with a gift of chocolate as a token of appreciation. In his response, Jeff reflected on his rewarding tenure, congratulated fellow members on their reelection, and urged them to maintain accountability and foster a safe, inclusive environment for all students. He encouraged parents to engage consistently with the board, beyond election periods, emphasizing collective responsibility in education.