The proposed bond referendum, which is to be voted on in September, seeks to secure state funding and provide the district with more options to enhance student and community engagement. A focal point of the discussion was the need to improve outdoor activity spaces, which are currently limited due to issues such as poor drainage and inadequate seating at the athletic fields. The board also plans for transportation, the repurposing of Sharp School as a community center, and updates to athletic facilities. While addressing these logistical matters, the board highlighted the significance of future community input and explored potential funding sources for projects not included in the referendum.

A portion of the meeting was devoted to a Q&A session, allowing community members to voice their concerns and seek clarifications on various aspects of the referendum proposal. Concerns were raised about the proposed changes to school grade configurations, the financial impact on the community, and the impact on Title One funding and diversity in student assignments. The board’s goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion were also scrutinized, following a racial bias incident at the high school. The board expressed a commitment to promoting these values within the district.

Community members expressed skepticism and frustration, highlighting a desire for improved communication and transparency from the school board. The need for detailed information on the board’s website, smaller settings for discussions, and engagement with community members who may not have children in the schools or may not speak English was emphasized.

Another area of concern was the potential removal of a school building and the subsequent use of the space. Questions arose regarding the allocation of funds for reintegrating libraries into schools, emphasizing the importance of libraries and librarians for student success. Furthermore, the debate included discussions on the potential split of the referendum into two questions, the ownership and use of various school buildings, and the funding sources for different aspects of the proposed changes.

The meeting also touched upon the expansion of preschool seats, the negotiation of a long-term lease agreement with a park to accommodate this expansion, and the incorporation of inclusive education practices. A pilot program for inclusive education was mentioned, and the need for time to fully manifest inclusive schools was acknowledged. The board discussed the long-range facilities plan, which included projections for the student body in 2027, special education funding, and the allocation of special services across the remaining elementary schools.

The overarching goal of the board is to ensure that multilingual learners, special needs students, and medically fragile students can attend all schools in the district. Questions about early polling or surveys to gauge community support for the plan were raised, with a suggestion to form a community group to educate the public on the referendum. The challenge of reaching and engaging all community members was recognized, with plans for information sessions and outreach efforts discussed.