The meeting began with a notable emphasis on staff recognition, with educators and administrators receiving accolades for their dedication and impact on students. Miss Megan Krescik, a K1 language and learning disabilities teacher at Strathmore Elementary School, was honored for her commitment to student success. The board celebrated her recent accolade as Strathmore’s educator of the year, underscoring her influence in fostering an inclusive learning environment.

In addition to Krescik, the meeting also acknowledged long-serving staff members such as Rick, the director of facilities, whose tenure and expertise have contributed to the district’s operational efficiency. His ability to maintain strong relationships with vendors and staff was praised as a key factor in achieving cost savings for the district. The board also recognized Mr. Leeman, who had transitioned from director of personnel to assistant superintendent, highlighting his effective communication skills and problem-solving capabilities, which have been instrumental in district decision-making processes.

A notable moment came when Vice President Tara Martinez was honored for her decade-long service on the board. Lauded for her commitment to student welfare and community involvement, Martinez’s contributions were described as vital to the district’s progress. Her leadership in initiatives such as food drives during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noted, with several board members expressing personal gratitude for her mentorship and dedication.

Moving beyond staff recognitions, the board delved into educational enhancements with a presentation from Dr. Bombardier about Lloyd Road Elementary School. He introduced the new WIN (What I Need) period, a 40-minute block designed to provide both enrichment and intervention without disrupting lunch or recess schedules. This initiative aims to foster student-teacher rapport through team-building activities and social skill development. The WIN period supports students at various levels, from those needing assistance in reading and math to those seeking enrichment in areas like art and music.

Dr. Bombardier also unveiled a new STEAM elective, replacing the previous community intervention program, to offer students project-based learning experiences aligned with educational standards. A peer mediation program was introduced to train students in conflict resolution, promoting empathy and respect among peers. The program encourages the use of “I statements” to help students express their feelings and understand the impact of their actions.

The return of a therapy dog program at Mory Road was also highlighted, providing students with opportunities to reduce stress and learn through interaction with therapy dogs.

The meeting also spotlighted community engagement efforts, such as a fire safety day where students interacted with local firefighters and first responders to learn emergency protocols. The recognition of the Week of Respect emphasized programming centered on respect for oneself and others, with contributions from local law enforcement to enhance student safety awareness.

The board acknowledged the significance of this achievement, noting past issues that have since been addressed, and emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards, particularly regarding compliance with fire resistance in classroom materials.

The meeting concluded with discussions on policy and procedural updates, including the facilities use policy, which the board committed to revisiting in light of recent events. The board encouraged direct communication with community members, emphasizing established feedback systems to enhance transparency and trust.