The most pressing topic of the meeting was the introduction and approval of Carolyn Sbone as the new board member. Sbone, a lifelong resident of Belvidere, highlighted her extensive community involvement and professional background in business analysis. She emphasized her commitment to contributing to the school board, particularly expressing interest in the Finance committee. Following her introduction and a Q&A session, the board moved to an executive session to discuss her candidacy. Upon reconvening, Sbone was unanimously appointed as a new board member.

The board then focused on updates to the curriculum, beginning with the introduction of the Renaissance Learning program. Mr. Hline presented details about the new STAR assessment, which replaces the previous LinkIt system. The STAR assessment is an adaptive test for reading and math, administered three times a year, providing rapid feedback to tailor educational strategies. It categorizes students based on their performance, helping teachers identify areas of strength and need for intervention. The detailed presentation emphasized the potential of the program to enhance individualized student learning and track progress effectively.

Further discussion on educational platforms included Freckle and Nearpod, which are designed to adapt to students’ performance levels and provide interactive learning experiences. Freckle, in particular, requires students to engage with instructional videos when they answer questions incorrectly. Nearpod was highlighted for its interactive lessons and real-time engagement capabilities, especially useful during remote learning periods. The board compared these platforms favorably to the previous LinkIt system, noting the added benefits of student engagement and tailored instruction.

Administrative concerns were a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with several parents voicing their worries about the impact of leadership turnover on the educational environment. One speaker stressed the importance of consistent leadership for maintaining stability, urging the board to prioritize strategic planning for administrative continuity. Richard Newman, a new parent, shared personal experiences with disciplinary issues affecting his first-grade child, echoing the call for stable and effective leadership.

Kim Mason raised concerns about administrative consistency, particularly with Mr. Karuba handling multiple roles across schools. She highlighted the need for stability in administration to address behavioral issues in the elementary school. Mason argued that there appears to be a lack of consequences for student behavior and called for better communication and accountability from administrators.

Meredith Perkins also expressed concerns about recent administrative changes and their potential impact on students. She and other parents advocated for consistent leadership and effective discipline strategies. The discussion extended to classroom arrangements, with parents requesting individual desks to enhance focus and reduce distractions, especially in early grades.

Superintendent reports included an update on the Third Street School, which is still awaiting state approval for ongoing processes. The Superintendent also provided an overview of the new school year, highlighting successful sports initiatives and upcoming events, including senior night for football and a dinner theater featuring a murder mystery. Additionally, the Superintendent mentioned changes approved by the State Board of Education regarding the Quality Assurance Council metrics, aimed at better considering student growth.

During public comments, Chris Allen addressed concerns about the hiring process for administrative positions, questioning the transparency and qualifications of candidates. He inquired about the implications of a salary reduction for the Dena student position and its impact on classroom hours.

Victoria Skoo’s resignation for retirement was acknowledged, with reflections on her 42 years of service. The Superintendent praised her exceptional dedication, noting that her longevity in a role is a remarkable achievement.

The board also discussed several key agenda items, including personnel matters and policy updates. They considered a job posting for a principal, with Miss Black being the only applicant possessing the necessary certifications. A light-hearted discussion about the inclusion of mini horses as approved service animals highlighted the logistical challenges such animals could pose in school settings.

In other business, the board provided updates on a feasibility study, a grant application for school improvements, and the unexpected popularity of football broadcasts. The board scheduled a special meeting for October 9 dedicated to goal-setting and board evaluation, emphasizing the importance of participation in the associated survey.