Dr. Kelly Curtis was introduced as the new K-12 mathematics supervisor after a thorough interview process that incorporated community feedback. Her appointment was formalized during the meeting, where she expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to join the district as the new K-12 math supervisor.” Dr. Curtis’s appointment, along with that of a new biology teacher, Mr. Mead, was approved unanimously by the board.

The meeting also highlighted several generous donations that will benefit various programs and facilities within the school district. Notable contributions included $750 from the Chatham JCs for the high school robotics program, $20,000 from the Lafayette Avenue PTO for new playground equipment, and $13,922 from the Milton Avenue PTO for outdoor basketball hoops. The Performing Arts Boosters contributed $12,096.70 for string instruments, while the Chatham Booster Club donated $5,500 for a Hudl subscription. Additionally, the Charities Aid Foundation of America provided over $74,000 to support K-12 literacy. These donations, celebrated by the board, reflect the strong community support for local schools and will enhance resources available to students and staff.

In administrative updates, Dr. Sortino discussed the recent graduation ceremony, expressing pride in the accomplishments of the graduates and the efforts of staff in organizing the event. He also reported on staffing efforts, noting that while paraprofessional positions remain open, overall staffing is in a better position than in previous years. Dr. Sortino provided insights into the Extended School Year (ESY) and brain camp programs at Washington Avenue School, which faced temporary disruptions due to power outages from recent weather events. Despite these challenges, he commended the cooperation of staff and families in navigating the disruptions.

The board also addressed the impact of storm damage from the July 4th weekend, with minimal damage reported, primarily involving downed trees and a temporary power outage at Washington Avenue. Ongoing construction projects, including roof work at Washington and Chatham Middle School and a boiler replacement at Lafayette, were reported to be progressing well. The finance committee discussed the potential tax impact of an upcoming referendum scheduled for January 2027, emphasizing the prioritization of safety-based projects.

Another topic was the school calendar, with draft calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years presented for review. The 2026-2027 calendar was adjusted to include a half-day professional development session on June 17. For the 2027-2028 calendar, a survey of approximately 600 families revealed a preference for option one, which was subsequently put forth for a vote. Discussions ensued regarding the scheduling of half days and the absence of days off in March 2028, leading to the decision to approve the calendar with the option to make revisions later. The board voted unanimously to approve the option one calendar for 2027-2028, with an additional half day added before Labor Day weekend.

Public commentary included remarks from a recent graduate, Lily Arves, who expressed gratitude for the district and its staff. She highlighted her appreciation for specific teachers and administrators who impacted her educational experience, naming English teacher Rachel Ruffner and English supervisor Katie Harms as particularly influential figures.

As the meeting concluded, there was an opportunity for additional public commentary, although no significant comments were recorded. The meeting adjourned before 8:00 p.m., noted as an early adjournment time.