1:51:48The announcement of Dr. LaSusa’s resignation was met with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. The board president expressed deep appreciation for his nearly quarter-century of service, acknowledging the milestones achieved under his guidance. Dr. LaSusa’s leadership was particularly lauded for his proactive measures during pre-pandemic challenges, such as the implementation of masking and remote schooling. The emotional farewells underscored the profound impact of his leadership and the void his departure would leave.

1:01:58In the realm of curriculum development, the board explored a range of new course offerings aimed at enhancing student engagement and expanding educational opportunities. At Chatham Middle School, a series of new courses were proposed to revitalize the program of studies. These included “Middle School 101,” designed to aid fifth and sixth graders in their transition, and “Speak Up,” a public speaking course encouraging small group interactions. The performing arts program also saw proposed enhancements, with the introduction of labs for piano, instrument, and chorus, alongside an expansion of the music technology course.

Chatham High School’s curriculum proposals included several new electives, such as a podcasting course that merges writing and public speaking skills, and a theater and film course exploring literary adaptations. In the realm of history, an Advanced Placement course on African-American History was proposed for juniors and seniors, contingent on the completion of U.S. History 1 and 2 and a teacher’s recommendation. The American Sign Language program is set to expand with the addition of an honors level five class, responding to the program’s growing popularity.

46:08The board also tackled potential changes to school start times, spurred by community inquiries. Preliminary feedback from the transportation provider suggested that elementary schools could start at 7:45 AM and middle schools at 8:30 AM. However, a recommendation was made to delay implementation until the fall of 2026 to accommodate other systemic changes, such as restructuring grade levels and bus routes. This delay would allow the district to manage logistical challenges effectively.

1:01:58Adjustmentsttention was given to the restructuring of the math curriculum. The proposal to revert to the traditional Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 sequence for the 2025-2026 school year was driven by concerns over reduced rigor and staffing flexibility under the current geometry-first approach. Teachers highlighted gaps in student preparedness, prompting the board to consider the proposed changes to ensure students receive a robust mathematical education. The transition plan aims to accommodate a projected increase in Algebra 1 enrollment while equipping teachers with the necessary flexibility to manage class sizes.

1:34:19Financial stability was affirmed with a report from the business administrator, who shared the results of the recent audit. The district received an unqualified opinion. Discussions included long-range facility planning, budgeting, and exploring a tuition program for full-day kindergarten.

The meeting also welcomed a new student liaison, Summer Tadesco, who shared updates on high school activities and events. Her role aims to enhance communication between students and the board, further involving students in the governance process.

1:51:48Public commentary highlighted both praise and concerns. Residents expressed appreciation for Dr. LaSusa’s leadership while raising issues regarding past decisions, such as the removal of public voting rights on the operating budget. Calls were made for greater transparency and community involvement in financial decisions.