Ryan expressed her gratitude to the community, stating, “It has been an honor and a privilege.” She recounted her family’s move to New Milford in 2001 and her commitment to the community’s educational landscape. Ryan emphasized the importance of a strong school district and board, remarking, “A strong community starts with a solid and strong school district, and a solid and strong board of education can make a difference.”

Ryan’s announcement prompted remarks from colleagues, with one board member noting, “You’ve made a huge impact on the district as well as the community.” Another humorously referred to her as the “Queen of England,” underscoring her protective nature toward the district. Board members expressed reluctance to accept her resignation, with one member stating, “Even though I reject your resignation, not accepted.” The impact of Ryan’s departure was further highlighted by another member who mentioned, “I would reach out to Paige often and ask her questions,” illustrating her role as a mentor and source of institutional knowledge.

The meeting also celebrated the district’s recognition as high-performing in a recent accountability check by a governmental agency. The superintendent shared the positive news, highlighting commendable scores in areas such as fiscal management and instruction. The district received top scores in most categories with only a minor deduction due to a late report submission. This achievement was attributed to the collective effort of the team, with acknowledgments of contributions from various members involved in the evaluation process.

In addition to these highlights, the meeting introduced the senior experience internship program for high school seniors. This program aims to provide practical experience by allowing students to engage in internships at local institutions. The initiative is designed to facilitate real-world learning opportunities, offering students insight into various fields before graduation.

The board also approved extra pay positions for over fifty clubs at both elementary and high school levels, encouraging student involvement in extracurricular activities. The REACH program for gifted and talented students was mentioned as part of the district’s educational offerings. The superintendent addressed transportation logistics, praising collaborative efforts with neighboring districts to optimize student transportation services.

Facilities improvements at the high school were discussed, specifically around the field area where unsightly storage boxes were removed and a pole barn was erected to better organize equipment. A new fence replaced one destroyed by flooding, and ongoing efforts include power washing and painting with plans for a mural club to contribute creatively.

The board addressed program enhancements in music education. Plans for a recording and broadcasting studio at Gibbs were announced, with the goal of launching a student-produced morning show supported by the Ed Foundation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities across the district.

An intriguing highlight was the discovery of historical artifacts during a theater cleanup, including an old telephone from the early 1930s and photographs from the school’s early days. These finds are set to be preserved as part of a new historical display within the school, adding a layer of historical context to the educational environment.