The board’s deliberation over a four-day school week was a key topic, with the proposal receiving attention during the session. A survey conducted among parents revealed that over 90% supported the transition to a four-day schedule. The board has been engaging with stakeholders through public meetings and information tables at parent-teacher conferences to gather input. Collaboration with neighboring districts, such as ACGC and BBE, which have already implemented this schedule, was considered for sharing insights and best practices. The board aims to ensure that any decision aligns with the needs of the community and supports the educational goals of the district.

Simultaneously, the urgent condition of the district’s tennis courts was highlighted. The courts, co-owned with the city, are experiencing significant damage, including severe cracking, which poses a risk of water damage. The board is in the process of obtaining estimates for necessary repairs, emphasizing the urgency to prevent further deterioration. Given the courts are relatively new, having been built seven to eight years ago, the board is motivated to address these issues promptly to avoid a repeat of the decline faced by the track facilities. The deterioration timeline highlights the need for proactive maintenance to preserve district assets.

In the realm of community education and student programs, the board celebrated the success of various initiatives. Noteworthy was the winter youth sports program, which saw the participation of nine basketball teams and hosted two tournaments despite challenging weather conditions. The board acknowledged the efforts of Denise in expanding activities, including the wrestling program’s strengthened connection with the quad elementary setup. Additional programs such as STEAM classes and adult fitness offerings, including Zumba and open gym, were also praised for their strong community engagement.

Preschool registration was another key issue, with a recently held event drawing approximately 60 families. While slightly lower than usual attendance, the event was successful, featuring engaging activities for children, such as a zoo visit. The board discussed the current preschool tuition rates, which have not been adjusted in about a decade and are lower than those of neighboring schools. The conversation centered on whether rates should be revised to reflect current financial realities while ensuring accessibility for families. Concerns about families depending on childcare services lacking educational components were also addressed, with suggestions for assessing the financial burdens on these families.

The meeting also touched on legislative matters affecting school finances. The superintendent’s visits to the state capital highlighted discussions with Senators regarding the implications of paid family leave policies on school operations compared to businesses. These legislative developments could necessitate financial adjustments for the district.

Recognition of student achievements was a heartening aspect of the meeting. Seventh grader Ethan Deacon was commended for his third-place finish at a regional spelling bee, while the gymnastics team was applauded for reaching the state tournament. The girls’ basketball team’s advancement to the state tournament was celebrated, with community support facilitated through organized transportation for attendees.

In closing, the board approved a motion to apply for a four-day school week through the 2031 academic year. This decision followed extensive data collection and community feedback, with assurances that the schedule could be reevaluated if necessary. The board also addressed updates to the school calendar, including adjustments due to the state tournament schedule.