Max Rittner from Collier’s Engineering and Design reported on the current status of toilet room renovations at SatElementary School. The demolition of existing accessories and ceilings in both boys’ and girls’ bathrooms has been completed, with the roughening of mechanical plumbing and electrical systems underway. Approximately 95% of the ceramic tile installation is finished, and plans to commence above-ceiling work and install ceiling tile grid and lighting were discussed. The board ensured that material delays were unlikely as necessary materials were already on-site and confirmed that toilet fixtures would be adjusted to the appropriate height for the targeted age group.

The anti-bullying coordinator, Rob Fox, presented the biannual HIB report, which showed a total of 29 reported incidents. Of these, seven did not proceed to investigation, five were confirmed, and 17 were non-confirmed. The incidents were categorized by the nature of the harassment, with nine related to race, one to religion, and the rest related to other factors such as sexual orientation. Fox highlighted that adjustments in incident documentation led to an increase in reported numbers. The board also discussed improvements to bullying prevention, including enhancing the “stop it” anonymous reporting system, addressing cyberbullying, and establishing a positive school climate. The district’s response to self-assessments was reported, with schools focusing on areas for improvement, and a decrease in both in-school and out-of-school suspensions was noted from the previous year.

The board discussed three-year trends, noting consistent math scores and improvement in language arts. Members expressed interest in using the data to inform future curricular decisions and discussed the impressive performance of students with IEPs. The need for intervention programs at the secondary level to address math challenges was a topic of conversation, as was the concern over the number of students taking longer to meet math requirements compared to language arts. The board plans to take a deep dive into specific areas of the assessment to better support student performance in math.

The meeting also included discussions on crisis support services, the adoption of an AP economics textbook, updates on changes to the open campus policy at the high school, and the effectiveness of the Carousel mental health assistance program. The board reviewed financial implications of various initiatives and made informed budget decisions for the future, including updates on construction projects, electric bus considerations, and a preliminary look at the previous year’s financials.

Policies regarding emergency and crisis situations were discussed, with the board addressing the district’s ability to provide necessary training and designating the Methodist Church as the new evacuation spot. The board emphasized that all volunteers are mandatory reporters and discussed requirements for co-curricular activity volunteers. Future updates on board committee makeup, public meeting locations, and field usage agreements were also planned. The board acknowledged receiving Title One funding for the first time in several years, which they intend to use for interventions in middle and high schools, focusing on math, ELA, and executive functioning skills.

Discussions on how intervention strategies for at-risk students might benefit all students in need were had, with the board considering the inclusivity of these measures. Enrollment data showed some classes nearing maximum capacity, and the possibility of a committee to examine the realignment of neighborhood schools was mentioned. Concerns from community members during the open public comment session focused on a lawsuit against the commissioners and its implications for the school district, with efforts to advocate for the schools and address challenges posed by the lawsuit being discussed.

Other topics covered included the approval of board goals, student suicide prevention policies, revised academic calendars, field trips, resolutions with educational entities, and the transition to mandatory compliance with FAFSA requirements. The meeting concluded with the approval of personnel appointments and transfers, recognition of a staff member’s retirement, and discussions of future events, including board goals and back-to-school activities.