Deepening the focus on this shift in educational structure, the board detailed how the reconfiguration would enhance developmentally appropriate practices and support student achievement.

In addition to the future vision for grade reconfiguration, the meeting addressed the district’s financial outlook through a detailed budget presentation. The expansion of preschool programs was a key feature, with new classes planned for Eldred’s Park and Slackwood. The budget also accounted for an increase in media specialist time at these locations to bolster the reading initiative. Maintaining police officers on campus and enhancing safety and security measures were also highlighted as budget priorities. The district’s economic considerations included salary increases, staff shortages, benefits and insurance costs, pension expenses, and transportation and contracted services.

The budget analysis showed an allocation of funds that includes a shift of approximately $2 million from Maintenance Reserve into the 2023-2024 budget, resulting in an overall decrease. Funding sources comprised surplus from the current year, slight increases in miscellaneous revenues and rents, a significant rise in state aid, and tax levy. The board stressed transparency in the budgeting process, with all information made available online for public scrutiny. The next steps involve submitting the budget to the Mercer County Department of Education, with an official budget hearing scheduled for May 7th.

The board took the opportunity to recognize the creative spirit of youth during National Music in Our Schools and Youth Art Month, celebrating the talents of young artists and musicians. They also acknowledged Women’s History Month, highlighting the contributions of women within the district. The president expressed gratitude for the St. Baldrick’s event, which raised $111,000 this year. Reports from various committees touched on community conversations, Read Across America celebrations, and updates on preschool classrooms.

Student representatives brought attention to notable achievements and events within the school community. They commended the impressive performances in recent LHS and LMS musicals and discussed senior parent meetings that focused on significant events such as awards, prom, project graduation, and graduation ceremonies. The AP Chinese class’s cross-cultural exchange with a school in Taiwan was mentioned, as well as field trips, pen pal initiatives, and reminders for students to apply for scholarships. Legislative committee discussions with guest speakers Senator Angela McNight and Rosie Boli centered on addressing teacher shortages and school funding, with topics ranging from cursive writing to tax return allocations to teacher recruitment.

The meeting covered various laws that have been passed or are pending, such as the expansion of free school meal programs, non-public school transportation consortiums, and revisions to school facilities law. The upcoming “unsung heroes” event to honor 12 students and an NCAA workshop for high school student-athletes were also mentioned. The student services committee highlighted inclusivity efforts for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, praising the work of Thrive counselors and announcing another NCAA workshop. The personnel committee reported on vacancies, contracts, new hires, and retirements, while the instructional student service committee focused on the preschool education plan, science programs, instructional minutes, and a parent series for math. The finance committee’s discussion revolved around the budget, PAA expansion, transportation renewals, and residency investigations.

Public comments included a mention of a student-led fundraising effort, and new business items addressed adjustments for leaves, substitute appointments, and retirement changes. The meeting then concluded with a motion to adjourn and the recognition of an upcoming birthday.