The board meeting also highlighted various ongoing educational initiatives and administrative matters. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the implementation of the Read Act, which has led to curriculum changes, including the adoption of FastBridge assessments for screening students from fourth through 11th grade. The district introduced a new intervention program called Power Up at the middle school level, which received positive feedback from both teachers and parents. Additionally, the meeting addressed the district’s Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness results, showing a 96% proficiency rate among kindergarten-bound students in early childhood standards, although efforts to close racial and economic achievement gaps fell short of their target.

The board also discussed future infrastructure projects, particularly the proposed closure of Dr. Knight Elementary in 2025 due to declining enrollment and facility deficiencies. A significant proposal to combine seventh and eighth graders into a secondary school model at the high school, while relocating sixth grade back to Lindberg Elementary, was also reviewed. This proposal aims to address the need for additional classroom space and improve facility efficiency, potentially saving the district over a million dollars annually. The total cost of the proposed project is estimated at $43,825,000, with plans to fund it through general obligation bonds, pending voter approval in a special election.

The meeting included a detailed financial analysis of the proposed property tax levy, with board members explaining its implications for district funding and individual taxpayers. The tax levy is projected to decrease by 5.24%, but this reduction does not necessarily translate to lower tax burdens for residents due to balancing factors such as state aid and debt service increases. The board approved the resolution to certify the tax levy for 2025, to be collected in 2026, while highlighting the need for public understanding of the financial complexities involved.

The board also discussed the potential construction of a new gymnasium, prompting a debate over how to present the project to voters. Concerns were raised about the terminology used to describe the facility, with suggestions to refer to it as “gymnasium space” to accurately reflect its scope. The board emphasized the necessity of the gym space for both athletic and instructional purposes, particularly given the anticipated increase in student enrollment.

In administrative matters, the board approved a transition from Skyward to Infinite Campus for its finance and HR programs, expecting cost savings and enhanced efficiency. The discussion also touched on the meeting schedule for 2026 and the truth and taxation presentation, which aimed to inform the public about school funding and the proposed tax levy.

Additionally, student representatives updated the board on recent school events and upcoming activities.