Superintendent Gross reported a strong turnout at open houses across the district and emphasized the smooth transition into the new school year. However, he pointed out several difficulties with transportation, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times, due to increased traffic and changes in the transportation system. Gross elaborated on the issues faced by the transportation department, citing late submission of bus requests, which resulted in significant routing difficulties. He acknowledged community frustrations over delays and encouraged patience, emphasizing the need for understanding as the district adjusted to operating with fewer staff members.

The superintendent also mentioned the installation of the My Ride K12 app, which enables real-time tracking of buses and aids communication with families. Despite these transportation challenges, he affirmed that safety remained the top priority and expressed optimism for the school year ahead. Gross commended the hard work of teachers over the summer in preparation for the new school year and highlighted the recent recognition of Cohasset as a School of Excellence, commending the leadership and staff there.

High school principal Darren Hoffstead shared details about the positive atmosphere on the first day of school, which included freshman orientation. Approximately 280 freshmen and around 20 to 30 new transfer students participated in the orientation, which involved an assembly in the gym and tours of the high school. Hoffstead described the high school as having “eight different floors,” making it somewhat intimidating for students transitioning from a single-level middle school. He expressed enthusiasm about the students’ engagement and the effective introduction to high school life, including teaching them the school song, which the freshmen grasped quickly.

Hoffstead also noted the excitement among teachers, stating that they were “overwhelmingly really excited about this year,” particularly with students present in the building. He described how students participated in health screenings, received iPads, and toured the school, which he found inspiring due to their positive attitudes. Hoffstead highlighted new behavioral expectations under the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework and shared an anecdote about a father thanking him for the “away for the day” policy, which restricts student phone use during school hours, illustrating a positive reception among parents.

Dan Adams echoed Hoffstead’s sentiments about the energy in the building, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere created by new staff members. He noted that the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) had a notably high attendance rate, with only two students absent on the first day, which was described as “unheard of.”

Ryan Sley, the new principal at Cohasset Elementary, reflected on the extensive preparation teachers undertook before the school year, noting that many staff members had put in significant effort to create an inviting environment for students. He shared an experience with his son, who transitioned from West to East Elementary, highlighting the seamless integration into the school community. Sley articulated a sense of unity among the schools.

Ken App, the principal in Big Fork, complimented the smooth start of the school year and noted the high attendance at the open house event held the previous week. He remarked that the positive energy among families and students contributed to the successful first day. He attributed the smooth transition to the extensive planning undertaken by staff throughout the summer, including professional development and team meetings. App also mentioned the successful introduction of a new music teacher, which brought excitement to the music program, and how new custodial staff received commendations from teachers for their efforts in preparing classrooms.

The board members acknowledged the hard work of all school staff and the collective efforts to ensure a positive start to the school year. One board member expressed gratitude, stating, “you’ve really stepped up” in light of the challenges faced over the summer, including staff and classroom relocations. The meeting transitioned into a workshop session.