Former board member Trish Everheart and parent Lisa Weber led the charge in questioning the closure of TBA. Everheart challenged the board’s revenue-generating efforts for TBA and proposed repurposing the facility for preschoolers instead of transforming it into a fifth-grade wing. Echoing her concerns, Weber stressed the adverse impact the closure would have on families and advocated for keeping the facility open with a revised purpose. These comments initiated a broader debate on the future of the TBA program and the necessity of involving the public in such critical decisions that affect the community.

Another concerned parent, Justin O’Brien, brought up financial queries about TBA’s operations, expressing his frustration over the claimed monetary losses despite the high fees. He demanded an explanation for the apparent discrepancy and greater transparency about the budget. These concerns were amplified by another speaker who questioned the reported $700,000 shortfall and inquired about the impact on TBA staff and the possibility of tuition increases to offset the deficit.

Superintendent Dr. Justin Smith addressed the TBA closure in his report, recognizing the tough decision and its effect on the staff. Dr. Smith mentioned future discussions on the budget, including a $2.5 million cut due to state aid reduction, and promised to seek stakeholder input in the process. Despite these assurances, board member Mrs. Null opposed the closure, highlighting the irreversible changes it would bring and urged her colleagues to slow down and reconsider.

The potential restructuring of fifth graders to middle school was another contentious topic. Parents Cindy Rogers, Colleen Ellis, Melissa Gail, Andrea Tierney, and teacher Angela Lamort spoke out against the plan. They emphasized the social and emotional toll on children, the disruption of tradition, and the need for thorough research and planning. The lack of transparency from the administration and board was a recurring theme in their statements, and the speakers called for the board to take the community’s concerns into account.

The English language arts curriculum was under scrutiny as several parents, including Christa Anelli, Jaclyn Ry, Amanda Gunn, and Maya Cerk, advocated for a revamp. They cited the need for a program that focuses on phonics-based reading strategies and aligns with updated standards. Moreover, Amanda Perry raised specific legal and regulatory points related to the district’s implementation of the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policy, emphasizing the necessity of effective measures to combat bullying.

The board acknowledged the community’s concerns and expressed gratitude for the detailed feedback. They encouraged individuals to continue sharing their insights and assured them that the input would be reviewed.