The teacher contract was a point of discussion, with the committee highlighting the benefits it would bring to teachers, students, and the community. The contract involves a 15-minute extension of the school day, equating to an additional 45 hours of instructional time annually, and greater flexibility for teacher planning time at the middle and high school levels. The committee emphasized the need for fair compensation for teachers, especially in light of the challenges posed by the post-pandemic landscape. The ratification of the contract is contingent on the approval of an override later in the year, which prompted a member of the public to stress the importance of educating the community about the contract’s implications and the necessity of an override to maintain adequate school funding.

The committee also tackled fiscal management, with commendations for the district’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prudent handling of federal funding was noted to avoid a potential fiscal crisis and layoffs. A roll call vote on the contract was conducted, with one member abstaining.

Updates on the District Improvement Plans were presented, covering communication practices, website enhancements, and cybersecurity measures. The committee discussed the implementation of a new data dashboard to track student progress and initiatives like the National Honor Society induction and senior scholarship night.

Cybersecurity concerns were addressed, with the committee acknowledging the risks of phishing emails and the implementation of a new content filtering system. The potential of the data dashboard to influence student and teaching outcomes was also a topic of interest, alongside the training of educators in trauma and learning and efforts to promote equity and vertical alignment within the district.

The Myap program, which offers College and Career counseling, was introduced, alongside discussions on new cell phone usage rules for students based on relevant research. The committee reviewed ongoing curricular updates in Wellness and Math and deliberated on rubrics related to the vision of graduates. Additionally, an agreement with Project Lead the Way was mentioned, aimed at enhancing STEM offerings in the high school.

The impact of social-emotional learning initiatives on student engagement and learning was highlighted, with the committee expressing a desire to support students who might be overlooked. Implementation of cell phone rules was expected to influence student engagement, with the committee keen on analyzing engagement data. The administration of student and staff climate and culture surveys was also discussed.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the Kickboard tool were credited for reducing discipline suspensions and acts of hate at the Middle School. The importance of involving the community and promoting student involvement in school activities was emphasized as key to creating a positive and inclusive school environment.

The meeting also covered the implementation of the Wind Block program, which provides tailored support for students, and the use of social media to give insights into school events. The school’s success with various emotional intelligence and diversity programs was highlighted.

Facility updates were considered, with the committee addressing the playground area’s challenges and the implementation of Dude Solutions for work order tracking. The School Choice program was reviewed, with the committee weighing the impact on class sizes and discussing outreach efforts to families.