One of the primary topics of discussion was the introduction of a new middle school pathways policy, presented by a counselor from Mountain View Middle School. This policy is designed to engage students in career exploration from an early age, specifically targeting grades six through eight. The counselor shared her enthusiasm for career discussions, revealing her approach to addressing career facts and myths with sixth graders. She introduced questions about job environment preferences, helping students consider whether they might prefer indoor or outdoor work and whether they thrive in chaotic or structured settings.

For seventh graders, plans were in place to utilize Zello, a career exploration tool, along with organizing career assessments and inviting professionals from fields such as aerospace engineering and psychology to speak with students. The eighth-grade focus included scheduling evening events for parents to learn about high school transition opportunities. The counselor noted the shift in students’ aspirations as they progress through grades, from interests in video games and sports to practical considerations like financial stability and work-life balance.

In addition to the pathways policy, the meeting highlighted the findings from a series of community listening sessions and a student survey conducted by the equity committee, focusing on student belonging. The sessions and survey revealed core district values: learning, belonging, equity, and shared responsibility. These values are seen as central to the district’s mission, emphasizing support for historically marginalized students and fostering a sense of belonging and trust within the community.

Another area of focus was the discussion of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) being implemented within the district. This system of tiered educational support aims to provide varying levels of assistance based on student needs. The tiers were likened to dental care, with Tier One representing routine instruction, Tier Two providing targeted interventions, and Tier Three addressing significant needs. The importance of effective communication between schools and families was emphasized, noting the implementation of tools like ParentSquare to enhance parental engagement.

The committee also discussed potential benefits of a pre-K through 8th-grade building, including the opportunity for older students to mentor younger peers, thereby creating a supportive school environment. This approach was proposed as a way to reduce transitions and foster a sense of community.

Financial updates were provided by a representative from business services, who noted the submission of the FY25 end-of-year financial report and the plan for an outside audit to ensure compliance and accountability. The report also mentioned grant funding for student transportation and various district events. The acceptance of a significant grant from the East Hampton Learning Foundation was approved, aimed at supporting multiple projects.

The search for a new executive director for the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES) was another key agenda item. The search committee had narrowed the field to three finalists, with final interviews scheduled for the following evening. The meeting also touched on the Mountain View School playground project, which is in the early planning stages and will require further community input and administrative discussions to determine funding strategies.

Personnel updates revealed new hires within the district, including substitute teachers and administrative staff. The committee expressed a commitment to ongoing support for district priorities, focusing on learning, belonging, and equity.