The meeting commenced with presentations highlighting the accomplishments of students involved in STEM programs. Students from various grades shared their projects. These included first graders Robert Duza Jr. and Myra Costa, who presented balloon cars to demonstrate kinetic and potential energy, and seventh-grade students who redesigned a zoo habitat for North American river otters.

A notable presentation came from Lex, a student in the robotics class, who demonstrated a robot designed to play freeze tag. The student articulated the importance of collaborative design and coding in creating the robot, which featured treads and a mechanism activated by a button. Lex expressed a desire for more resources in robotics.

The board also listened to updates about the district’s community programs. Mr. Leage, a physical education teacher, spoke about after-school sports programs aimed at skill development and enjoyment rather than competition. He highlighted the success of these programs in fostering a love for sports and teamwork, noting that some participants have progressed to varsity teams and even returned as volunteers. He emphasized the value of student feedback in shaping these programs, with popular sports like soccer, basketball, and flag football being staples.

In the realm of storytelling and cultural programs, the meeting featured a presentation on initiatives like “Playing with Porqua Stories,” where students create original tales inspired by traditional stories. A student, Cameron Porer, shared his experiences with intergenerational storytelling, describing how he connected with seniors to transform their life stories into narratives. Cameron recounted an emotional story shared by a Vietnam veteran.

The board also discussed the challenges and future plans for the district’s pool facility, with a recent engineering study under review. The need for a pool was emphasized by Lisa Pacho, who reported logistical difficulties with alternative cooling solutions during the Kids Cafe summer program. Pacho stressed the pool’s importance, stating it is important for the district. This underscores ongoing discussions on how to address the community’s recreational needs while managing logistical and financial challenges.

Athletic programs were another focal point, with student athletes like Cece Leval and Ryan Lec sharing their experiences balancing academics and sports. They highlighted the importance of time management and the supportive environment fostered by coaches. Mr. Kabusio, present alongside student representatives, acknowledged the challenges faced by the athletic department, including declining enrollment and participation in sports.

In addition to educational and community programs, the meeting addressed several financial and operational matters. A financial report announced a check of $2,240.61 for student activities, derived from photograph sales. The board expressed gratitude towards community members for their contributions. Furthermore, the AES PTO announced a donation of $18,083.24 for various school items and activities, illustrating strong community support for educational initiatives.

The board delved into ongoing negotiations with Aushnet Public Schools regarding a potential tuition agreement for high school students. The process involves multiple schools and remains confidential. The board emphasized that the agreement would not incur additional costs for taxpayers, addressing community concerns about financial implications.

Policy updates were reviewed, including a middle school pathway exploration policy mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This policy aims to provide families with information about high school options while students are still in middle school. Additionally, the board considered updates to competency determination requirements, aligning local graduation requirements with state standards.

Financial updates included discussions on retiree health insurance rates, with an average increase of 10.5% set to begin on January 1. The board also noted upcoming fiscal year rates for employees and emphasized the importance of managing financial considerations efficiently.