During the meeting, the board grappled with the complexities of the budget for the upcoming school year. They emphasized the importance of reflecting the district’s mission statement while maintaining all services amid contract obligations and potential budget uncertainties. The board outlined various budget drivers, including inflation, increased costs for services and energy, curriculum revisions, and staffing needs. They discussed the decrease in federal aid and the challenge of finding $4 million to cover recurring expenses, with the potential impact of a 2.7% tax increase on the community being a particular concern.

The board considered several cost-saving measures, such as self-insurance for health benefits, bringing students back from high-cost out-of-district placements, and utilizing technology and purchasing groups. They also explored options for joint purchasing with other districts and highlighted the significance of items that they aim to preserve due to their importance for the district. The board addressed concerns from community members about budget-related decisions and encouraged stakeholders to seek factual information and engage in deep conversations about the future of the district’s programs.

Amidst the financial discussions, the meeting also celebrated the accomplishments of district staff. Bonnie Brown was recognized as the support staff professional of the year for her work in the preschool classroom, providing comfort and care to students for over two decades. Courtney Leonard from Stony Brook and Ronald B. Canon from Bear Tavern were also honored for their positive impacts on students and their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the school community.

The superintendent updated the board on various initiatives, including the successful green week activities and the completion of strategic planning work, which identified six focus areas for the district’s future efforts. The superintendent also clarified the rationale behind the decision to consolidate kindergarten paraprofessionals. The goal was to optimize resource allocation, not to eliminate positions, with the intent to maintain a high-quality student experience.

A particular concern was raised regarding class sizes, with discussions on the possibility of adding another paraprofessional or splitting a kindergarten class to maintain smaller groups. The district’s high number of paraprofessionals came into question, with a board member suggesting a reevaluation of their necessity and the potential use of volunteer parents to assist in classrooms as a creative solution to budget constraints.

Maintenance issues were also addressed, with reports of roof leaks at Bear Tavern and the high school, plumbing problems, and delays in installing a chiller at Hopewell Elementary. The internal staff’s cost-saving efforts in managing these issues were acknowledged.

The meeting also saw the implementation of surveys to gather data for future planning, the presentation of policies, and the scheduling of upcoming committee meetings.