A key point of contention at the meeting was the estimated $3.5 million cost for roof repair at Conley Elementary School. Council members scrutinized the availability of funds for the project, expressing concerns over the possibility of financial strains on other programs. The necessity of a clear and alternative strategy was highlighted should the funds be insufficient or the renovations delayed.

The council also engaged in deliberations over the use of the Tany school and the potential acquisition of Conley School. The need for rezoning and redistricting was brought up, accompanied by a motion to refer the decision about moving scholars to the full committee for further examination.

Furthermore, the council dealt with the complexities surrounding the organization of classroom programs across various schools. A cost-benefit analysis was highlighted, wherein council members voiced their dissatisfaction with the clarity of information presented and the delay in receiving the report. The accuracy of a slide that suggested a surplus in the pre-K program came under scrutiny, with calls for a more comprehensive analysis and potential outreach for additional state funding.

The superintendent reported on the addition of 12 new pre-K classrooms, addressing compliance issues and the growing demand for early childhood education. The council considered the use of Bishop Conley as a potential new space for these programs, with the superintendent outlining the associated costs and funding necessities. The temporary nature of current spaces and the aim to integrate them into the K-12 model were also topics of discussion, emphasizing the need for suitable and sustainable classroom locations.

The expansion of pre-K services was a focal point, with the superintendent’s update revealing that the task force had expanded pre-K by adding 12 classrooms to accommodate increasing referrals and high-needs students. The council explored the use of Bishop Conley for early childhood education, a previously unavailable option that had become viable. The costs of utilizing Bishop Conley and creating an Early Learning Center at PACE were queried, with the superintendent providing insights into the pre-K classroom landscape, student services, and class sizes.

Changes to the Resiliency Prep Academy’s program of studies were also on the agenda. The council examined proposals for reorganizing grade levels, semester-based courses for upperclassmen, multiple graduation ceremonies throughout the year, and a reduction of the graduation credit requirement from 100 to 90. Questions were raised about the impact of these proposals on student achievement and the possibility of future adjustments to credit requirements.

Additionally, the council discussed the graduation credit requirements for students, with a focus on the minimum credit threshold and the potential elimination of elective credits. They considered alternative pathways for earning credits, including internships and workforce development programs. Concerns were raised about the readiness of the facility and staffing for a culinary program, the cost-effectiveness of Edgenuity, and the success of the Workforce Development program.

Lastly, the council addressed the RPA Academy program of studies, which included plans for a cafe component to provide students with business management experience. Job descriptions related to school counseling positions were also reviewed, with motions made to refer both the program and the job descriptions to the full committee.