15:44A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to deliberating budget cuts aimed at addressing a fiscal shortfall. Superintendent Jeff Sampson presented a list of proposed cuts totaling $535,000, developed in collaboration with the administrative team and reviewed by the finance committee. These reductions included a $99,000 cut to technology subscriptions and the elimination of several teaching positions due to declining student enrollment. For instance, the third-grade class would be reduced from four sections to three. Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of reconfiguring the Innovation Lab, noting it was funded from undesignated funds without specific revenue support.

32:33The board also considered reducing social studies credit requirements, aligning them with state mandates, and eliminating extra sections of classes with insufficient enrollment. The scheduling process was identified as imprecise, posing challenges in accommodating student needs effectively. Another notable cut involved the elimination of transportation for the Bomber Academy, a decision driven by budget overruns in targeted services primarily due to transportation expenses, which are not common among neighboring schools.

Discussion about student financial burdens was particularly notable, as the board contemplated shifting standardized testing fees for the ACT and Advanced Placement tests onto students. The district has been subsidizing these costs, but the proposed change would require students to bear the expense, potentially increasing their financial strain.

50:13In addition to budget cuts, the meeting highlighted the introduction of a new personal finance class. Mandated for students in grades 10 through 12, this class aims to equip students with essential financial literacy skills. The school plans to phase in the necessary resources over the coming years to accommodate this requirement.

0:12Community engagement was also a focal point, with the Education Foundation and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) presentations underscoring the importance of collaboration to enhance the educational experience. The Education Foundation, established in 1993, continues to support educational programs beyond the regular budget through fundraising events such as a poker social, a fall fund drive, and a spring benefit auction. Notable funded projects included trips and retreats for students and various STEM initiatives.

The PTO, a relatively new group formed to support middle and high school students, shared its challenges, including funding constraints for projects like the repaving of tennis courts. The group also announced an upcoming meeting for the We Tech initiative.

15:44Public input was solicited, with speakers expressing concerns about proposed cuts to junior high assistant football positions and the transparency of committee meetings. One speaker emphasized the importance of retaining at least one assistant coach to enhance player development and maintain program structure for the nearly 40 students participating in junior high football annually. Another speaker highlighted the need for better communication about committee meetings to encourage community participation.

The board responded to these concerns by discussing improvements in communication strategies and clarifying the lack of a set schedule for committee meetings, which varies based on member availability. There was also discussion on the implications of eliminating a school bus route, with concerns raised about potential impacts on student coverage.

In terms of financial planning, the board considered adjustments to the Student Activity Bank rotation schedule. This measure was framed as a way to maintain fairness among the banks used by the school.