During the public comment segment, Dorothy Hope Deo, a long-serving former employee, confronted the board about her termination by Superintendent John Bilodeau on November 6, 2024. Deo expressed her concerns and sought clarity on the circumstances surrounding her termination, questioning whether the decision had been shared with the board prior to being finalized. She emphasized her financial concerns as a taxpayer, noting her substantial tax contributions and the burden of losing her employment benefits. Deo insisted that her termination was timed to avoid granting her lifelong benefits, stating that she needed only five more months of work to secure them. She highlighted the financial strain of COBRA coverage, estimating a cost of $1,200 per month.

The board member present reminded Deo that legal constraints prevented them from discussing individual employment matters publicly and reaffirmed that specifics regarding the number of terminations could not be disclosed. Despite this, Deo persisted, demanding transparency and accountability from the board. She expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity and suggested that the timing of her termination was intentional. Deo reiterated her position as a taxpayer seeking answers, underscoring her frustration with the process and the perceived lack of communication.

Students from Lily School’s Girls Who Code club highlighted their work with programs like Scratch, Microbit, and 3D Doodler. The club aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science and technology. A student proudly shared their creation of a Captain America model using the 3D Doodler.

Union Valley Elementary School’s instrumental music program also took center stage, with students performing several pieces for the board. The program, which has grown since its inception, now includes over 350 students across eight schools. The music teacher praised the students for their impressive performance, noting the expansion of the program due to grants that provided instruments to those unable to afford them. This growth reflects the district’s support for arts education and broadening student participation.

Conversations about the school district’s solar energy initiative were another focal point. Questions arose regarding the financial aspects of the solar project, with a board member seeking clarification on savings from the initiative. It was explained that while current payments were significant, the district anticipates savings by the end of the contract in 2028. Transparency and communication about this initiative were emphasized as crucial for community understanding.

In terms of enhancing public engagement, a board member expressed concern about low public participation during meetings. This sentiment was echoed in the discussions about forming an ad hoc committee to explore artificial intelligence’s role in schools.

The meeting concluded with reflections on various events, including the Martin Luther King Day of Service and the “Star Award” program, celebrating student achievements and the importance of technology education. A proposal for a spirit day in response to a recent Eagles victory was also discussed.