The meeting’s central topic was the presentation of the preschool improvement plan by Cory Comb, interim director of the preschool. Comb detailed the operations across three sites and the efforts to enhance family engagement and communication. Last year’s initiatives included a standardized communication platform and workshops on self-regulation and adaptive skills, which were well-received by families. This year, Comb aims to build on these successes by gathering baseline data on family engagement and refining communication strategies. Notably, the plan also addresses referral service delivery within a multi-tiered system to ensure clarity and consistency in evaluation and intervention processes. Comb acknowledged the need for historical data on waitlists and attrition rates, which will be crucial in planning for equitable access to preschool education.

The committee delved into the challenges of the preschool’s lottery-based admission system. A question was raised about how many families are unable to gain entry, highlighting the necessity of collecting data on waitlists and attrition rates. The need for clearer communication about the application process and the number of available slots for kindergarten was emphasized, alongside the importance of building partnerships with local preschools to enhance resource sharing.

The issue of chronic absenteeism was another focal point. The committee discussed strategies to reduce absenteeism by 25%, acknowledging its widespread nature across different grades, particularly among younger students. The administration emphasized the importance of robust data collection to track attendance patterns and follow up with families. There was consensus on the need for a strategic response, recognizing that absenteeism has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic and requires ongoing attention.

In addition to these topics, the meeting included updates from various schools on their initiatives. Dr. Shelby Marshall presented efforts at Lilja Elementary to improve tier one instruction and implement a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plan. The school’s goals for this year include supporting students who partially meet mathematics benchmarks, establishing multi-tiered systems for social-emotional learning, and promoting positive behavior through the PBIS system. The integration of social-emotional learning and PBIS efforts was discussed.

Principal Hoffman and Assistant Principal LeBlanc from Bennett Hemingway School shared their focus on professional development for multilingual learners and the implementation of a tier one PBIS system. Their goals include increasing fidelity to the PBIS system, closing achievement gaps through formative assessments, and reducing chronic absenteeism. An attendance team has been established to prioritize communication with families and intervene before absences accumulate.

The committee also approved several administrative matters, including school improvement plans and non-represented employee payment structures. A review of compensation for various positions aimed to ensure equity and transparency, with discussions on funding sources for specific roles. The meeting concluded with the approval of the superintendent’s goals for 2025 and plans for a feasibility study addressing the needs of the Memorial School and elementary schools.