During the public comments section, a junior student, Mariana Green, expressed concerns about the school’s handling of recent student deaths, particularly the lack of communication and support. She highlighted specific incidents involving the tragic deaths of three students and criticized the school’s response, alleging a lack of acknowledgment and support for the affected students.

Green also mentioned instances of alleged misconduct by school staff and the failure to provide adequate support to students grieving the losses. She concluded by expressing disappointment with the school, the board, and her peers for what she perceived as a lack of recognition and support for the deceased students.

The board president, Mrs. Downing, responded by acknowledging the student’s concerns and expressed a willingness to address them, indicating that a meeting with the supervisor of guidance would be arranged to discuss the issues further.

The meeting also saw Regina Denza question the qualifications of Business Administrator Sharon Ormsbee, particularly in relation to handling legal billing issues. Denza suggested that Ormsbee’s scrutiny of legal bills might infringe on attorney-client privilege. Furthermore, she argued that the board should pay a specific legal bill, indicating a concern over the board’s financial transparency and accountability.

Discussion around the board’s financial matters continued, with a resident expressing a desire to review all district legal bills.

The board also tackled policy committee matters, with updates on changes to board committees, policies on immunization regulations, and the education of homeless children and youths. The finance and facilities committee provided updates on various projects, including STEM, fire alarm, and HVAC projects.

The board acknowledged the services of Frank Palino, who is leaving the board, thanking him for his leadership. This was followed by a discussion on the need to fund the capital reserve account.

The meeting ended with a series of motions and roll call votes on various items, including budget transfers, finance and facilities matters, policies and regulations, donations, programs and curriculum, personnel items, and a salary adjustment for support personnel.