The meeting began with Superintendent Robert Kravitz’s report on the school’s activities, including student achievements and welcoming the winter break. He also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing board members, setting the tone for the evening. The board presented plaques to two members, recognizing their dedication, research skills, and insights. Notably, Julene Stassou was praised for her leadership and advocacy for the opening of schools during the pandemic.

Members of the public also expressed their gratitude to the outgoing board members.

Amid the farewell speeches, several issues were raised, one being the involvement of the company Veolia in providing services to the school. Viola’s past controversies and their response to water-related issues in Flint, Michigan, raised concerns among the board members, sparking a debate about the appropriateness of the company’s involvement.

Another topic was the suggestion by board member Elisa Cho to allow graduating students to purchase their old Chromebooks instead of recycling them. This sparked a conversation about the practicality and potential benefits of this idea, which could provide students with an affordable device for their future studies.

Moreover, the process of pre-ordering meals for students was discussed, with concerns raised about ensuring that all students have access to meals regardless of pre-ordering. The discussion highlighted the importance of communicating the new process to parents and providing support for those who may need assistance.

The board also addressed concerns raised by parents about the presence of an organization called GLEN, which advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community, in the school. Some parents perceived GLEN’s activities as an attempt to indoctrinate children, urging the board to investigate the matter. In response, Superintendent Kravitz assured them that the board would look into this issue.

The meeting also saw discussions about teacher compensation, with a speaker expressing dissatisfaction with the length of time allocated for meetings with teachers, suggesting that they should be paid for additional hours spent correcting exams and preparing for the next day. This concern reflects a broader issue regarding teacher compensation and workload, which is a factor affecting the quality of education.

The meeting concluded with a public comment session, where members of the public had the opportunity to address various matters, including special needs services, hate speech education, and school facilities. These discussions highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping the education and support services provided by the district.