18:34The primary focus of the meeting was tackling chronic absenteeism among students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Current monitoring showed that 30 students were under observation for attendance issues, with 17 of those students identified as nearing the chronic absenteeism threshold. This number represents approximately 3.5% of the 482 student body, which was considered favorable for mid-January. Chronic absenteeism is defined as having nine or more absences, irrespective of whether they are excused or unexcused.

The board discussed a systematic approach to address this challenge. Notification letters are sent home after a student reaches five, ten, and fifteen absences. A family meeting is then convened with school personnel to develop an attendance contract. Community outreach efforts were highlighted as crucial, with staff communicating with families about their children’s attendance status through calls and letters. New initiatives such as student accountability mentors were introduced, where trusted staff members provide support to students struggling with attendance, particularly those facing social or emotional difficulties.

0:00The discussion also noted the importance of school engagement in promoting attendance. The board emphasized creating engaging educational experiences and fostering supportive environments as critical factors in encouraging students to attend school consistently. A community survey identified communication gaps, with 14% of families uncertain about whom to contact regarding attendance issues. The board expressed a commitment to enhancing communication strategies.

18:34In addition to absenteeism, the meeting addressed the biannual Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) report, which included two investigations with two cases confirmed and one training completed. This segment was brief but underscored the ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and supportive school environment.

The meeting transitioned to a discussion of the recent audit, which revealed no findings or recommendations. This was met with commendation from attendees. The financial report included details such as $90,000 allocated towards excess surplus and various reserve balances, including a maintenance reserve of $153,506. The board also discussed the sewer project, with a meeting scheduled for February 7 to finalize contract details with Kleinfelder. Concerns were raised about limitations in the contract’s liability coverage, prompting discussions to ensure adequate protection in case of issues arising from the project.

Additionally, the board highlighted a Local Recreation Improvement Grant application seeking $70,000 to regrade baseball and softball fields, focusing on drainage improvements. Last year’s grant facilitated the installation of fencing and benches, and the board hopes for a similar outcome this year.

Public comments included questions about the relevance of including Pre-K attendance in the absenteeism statistics, given that Pre-K is not mandated by the state. The response clarified that the chronic absenteeism figure cited excluded Pre-K, concentrating solely on K-8 attendance. Nonetheless, the overall average for Pre-K to 8 was acknowledged as higher.

In routine business matters, the board approved various agenda items and reminded members of the upcoming annual School ethics disclosure requirement. The meeting concluded with announcements of the next board meeting scheduled for February 24 and the eighth-grade dance on May 31, inviting members to volunteer or participate in planning.