The meeting opened with a call to action from several community members advocating for the recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, important holidays in the Muslim faith, on the school calendar. Personal experiences were shared, emphasizing the isolation and academic pressure faced by Muslim students when their holidays are not acknowledged by the school calendar. One parent underlined the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion, asserting that recognizing cultural holidays fosters confidence and strength in young students. Another speaker talked about the hindrance of having to prove themselves due to the lack of minority representation in history books.

The board’s discussion of the mission statement revolved around a proposal to change the word “Excel” to “Thrive,” with an additional suggestion to include “Joy.” This debate centered on the language’s potential to create undue pressure on students and the desire for a more inclusive and well-rounded educational experience. Though a motion was made to amend the mission statement, it was ultimately unsuccessful. The board voted to approve the strategic plan with the current wording but expressed a willingness to revisit the mission statement in the future.

Another focal point of the meeting was the possible elimination of middle school sports from the budget. Students provided emotional testimony on how sports positively impacted their personal development, including improvements in responsibility, time management, and forming friendships. The board was urged to consider the broader implications for future students if such programs were removed.

Public health professional and parent Tiffany Neil advocated for healthy school hours, stressing the adverse effects of early start times on adolescent sleep, academic performance, and mental health. Her testimony supported aligning school hours with the district’s mission to empower students. Amy Salinger, another community member, proposed modifications to the district’s mission statement.

The board also reviewed the 2022-2023 school performance report, presented by Dr. Fry, which included data on enrollment, student growth, proficiency rates on assessments, and participation in standardized tests. The report showed the district’s chronic absenteeism rate was lower than the state average. Concerns were raised about budgetary constraints affecting the district’s resources for teachers and students.

Student safety data was another key issue, with reports on disciplinary incidents and trends over time. Concerns were raised about student behavior, particularly related to altercations, and the importance of a safe school environment was emphasized.

Finally, the meeting included the announcement of an upcoming family STEM night scheduled for May 28th.