The meeting began with a focus on collective bargaining agreements spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The committee conducted roll call votes on each agreement, starting with the Chelsea Administrators Association, followed by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees for the security and cafeteria unit, and concluded with the United Steel Workers Local 94271 for school nurses and aides. Each agreement passed with unanimous support from the nine members present and one absence. These agreements mark a step in securing stable labor relations for the coming years.

Following the unanimous approvals, attention shifted to the Superintendent’s report on the beginning of the school year. The Superintendent expressed satisfaction with the smooth start and commended educators for their unwavering efforts. The “Name, Strength, and Story” awards highlighted this appreciation, recognizing educators Mr. Gomez and Marcela Moreno for their exceptional contributions. Mr. Gomez, a teacher in the Camino program, was lauded for his mentorship and ability to inspire students. Ms. Moreno, from Chelsea High School, was praised for her advocacy and positive influence on students and staff. The awards were met with applause.

A detailed report on student enrollment and performance unveiled critical trends. Notably, the district has experienced significant student mobility, with 725 new students entering and 621 exiting, resulting in a net gain of 104 students this school year. However, high school enrollment showed a concerning trend with 41 exits and only one new student, highlighting challenges in retaining students at this level. Ninth grade stood out as a transitional period with the lowest attendance rate at 82%.

Academic performance data revealed a mixed picture. While there was a decrease in the number of students with one or two failing grades for the fourth quarter, the number of students with four or more failing grades increased. Ninth grade remains a critical year, as failing two courses raises the risk of dropping out. The overall percentage of failing students rose to 32.9%, a 4% increase, prompting discussions on intervention strategies to improve outcomes.

The district’s current enrollment stands at 574, a decrease from approximately 6,100 the previous year, with projections indicating a further drop of about 300 students. This decline is attributed to national immigration policies affecting student inflow. The administration expressed optimism for an increase of 50 to 100 additional students by the October reporting deadline, which is important for funding determinations. Concerns were raised about the financial impact of lower enrollment, with the potential for state support through funds from the recently implemented millionaire’s tax highlighted as a possible remedy for budget shortfalls.

Financial matters also featured prominently, with the committee approving several resolutions related to funding acceptance. These included a $500 grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Performing Arts, as well as allocations for mental health and wellness programs and adult education, totaling over $1.1 million. Each funding item received unanimous approval.

The meeting concluded with various announcements, including an upcoming Chelsea Day and a review of safety drills conducted in schools. The resilience of students during these drills was commended, and members were reminded of traffic safety around schools, especially with ongoing construction and increased student foot traffic. The meeting adjourned with thanks extended to all participants for their contributions.