Transportation issues took a prominent place on the agenda as Jenna, the CEO of Palmer Bus, addressed the critical shortage of bus drivers. The aging workforce and difficulties in recruiting new drivers have prompted the board to explore potential solutions. One proposed strategy is to encourage school employees, such as coaches and teachers, to obtain their bus licenses to help cover morning routes. The conversation underscored concerns about the future availability of drivers, which may necessitate fewer routes and result in longer bus rides for students.

Another highlight from the meeting was the Veterans Day program, which drew considerable praise for its educational impact on students. Featuring morning and afternoon sessions, the program included participation from local legions and a guest speaker, Colonel Jesse Carlson, who shared his military experiences. Students engaged in activities such as readings, singing, and art displays, fostering an understanding of patriotism and the importance of Veterans Day. The program was complemented by an essay contest organized by the Raymond Legion, involving approximately 80 students. These initiatives were lauded for their ability to instill respect and valuable lessons in students.

The board also received updates on several community-focused events and health initiatives. The Briggs and Motley fall craft fair experienced a substantial turnout, utilizing expanded school facilities to accommodate more vendors than in previous years. The event’s success highlighted the efforts of the community education team and custodial staff. Health initiatives, organized by Nurse Donna, included vision and hearing screenings that benefited over 1,200 students since 2022. A notable outcome was the referral of 145 children for glasses. Plans for a dental visit in March and April aim to provide essential dental care to students in need.

Financial matters were also addressed, with discussions on rising health insurance costs prompting the administration to explore alternatives in preparation for contract negotiations. The implications of paid family medical leave on district finances and union negotiations were considered, with the board expressing a desire to proactively assess these impacts.

The board concluded its meeting with a review of recent elections. A resolution was passed to canvass the votes from the school district’s general election, confirming the election of Ben Dun, Jason Noble, and Andrew Vanderpool in District 1, along with Carmel Thein and Julie Alsum in Districts 3 and 6, respectively. Certificates of election will be issued, and the elected candidates are set to be sworn in during the school board meeting on January 13, 2025.

In further financial matters, a resolution was approved to transfer funds from the general fund to community education, with the current amount being just over $310,000. The board acknowledged the positive performance of community education programs, attributing success to effective management and strong volunteer support.