The meeting opened with a detailed presentation on the River Union program, a longstanding initiative at the school that has been involved with students for 23 years. In response to challenges such as the pandemic and evolving educational needs, the program is undergoing a shift in focus. Historically aimed at fourth and fifth graders, the decision was made to concentrate efforts on middle school students. This change was prompted by the realization that the program’s previous structure was not as effective in engaging younger students.

Presenters from River Union emphasized the importance of integrating theater professionals into the school environment to enrich student experiences. Plans were shared to offer specialized workshops led by esteemed theater figures, including Bill Bowers, known for his mime work, and experts in stage combat. By leveraging existing school resources, the program aims to minimize costs while maximizing educational opportunities for students. The move to focus on middle school students also involves logistical considerations, such as updating outdated lighting equipment, which has been in place for over two decades. Presenters offered their expertise in theater production to help modernize equipment and avoid unnecessary costs.

Throughout the presentation, a strong emphasis was placed on collaboration between the school and River Union. The presenters expressed a long-standing commitment to supporting the school’s educational goals and conveyed enthusiasm for future collaborations. They articulated a vision for leveraging existing resources, engaging theater professionals, and modernizing equipment to enhance the overall educational experience for students involved in theater arts.

In addition to the theater program discussion, the board addressed the annual report on student safety, focusing on incidents of violence and vandalism. The report revealed a positive trend, with a decrease in such incidents, which was seen as a reason for confidence in the school environment. This was in contrast to troubling statistics from other schools facing higher rates of violence. The commitment to student safety was reinforced through ongoing training and character education programs, including kindness initiatives and collaborative exercises during fire drills.

The board clarified the process for reporting on violence and vandalism, which included a self-assessment of school safety climate. The assessment scores have reportedly improved over the years, reflecting efforts to enhance the school environment and culture. The importance of greeting students daily with positive interactions was emphasized, with staff contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. This practice was viewed as integral to fostering respect and kindness within the school community. The discussion concluded with a motion to adopt the resolution regarding the violence and vandalism report, which was supported by the board members present.

Another notable topic was the introduction of a new supplementary educational program designed to support students in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. This program involves pretesting students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, followed by an individualized learning plan. Implemented weekly in classes, the program offers both workbook and online components to cater to different learning preferences. Teacher feedback suggested mixed reactions from students. The integration of this program into existing curricula was seen as a positive step towards addressing academic needs, with data from the program intended to enhance instructional strategies and student learning outcomes.

Additionally, the board contemplated the establishment of an educational foundation to provide funding for initiatives not covered in the school budget. This idea aimed to engage the community and businesses in contributing to the school’s financial needs. However, concerns were raised about potential competition with existing organizations like the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), necessitating careful planning to avoid duplicating efforts.

The meeting also covered administrative updates, including adjustments to upcoming board meeting dates due to scheduling conflicts and the transition of the board attorney to a new firm. The board’s future legal representation will depend on the responses received from a formal request for proposals (RFP) process.