One notable topics discussed at the meeting was the administration of midterms and finals. Public comments, including those from Mr. Fox, highlighted inconsistencies in exam weights and potential discrepancies in how student performance was being evaluated. Mr. Fox brought up previous conversations with Dr. Bachenheimer and other supervisors that suggested there might be varied percentages for exam weight and conflicting statements from administrators. This issue sparked a broader debate on the impact of extensive testing on students.

Board members and attendees discussed the stress that students face due to the number of tests they are required to take. The frequency of testing was linked to increased visits to the school’s guidance and wellness center. Some board members noted that other districts have started to move away from extensive testing practices, considering the anxiety and performance issues they might cause.

The conversation extended to the importance of transparent and uniform grading practices. Confusion was expressed regarding the process by which grades are calculated and communicated. In response to these concerns, the possibility of streamulating communication was discussed, and a new system that automatically syncs grades between the learning management system Canvas and the student information system Genesis was presented as a solution. This development was seen as a step towards addressing the communication issues surrounding grading.

Further emphasizing the focus on student well-being, the suggestion was made to monitor the effects of midterms and finals on students’ mental health. The need for more comprehensive data, beyond academic performance, to assess the impact of testing was also emphasized.

In addition to the discussions about testing and exams, the board touched on other topics of interest. Efforts to improve cell coverage at the school were updated, addressing a practical need for reliable communication within the school premises. Furthermore, the availability of hard copies of documents at board meetings was brought up.

The meeting also included a mention of the upcoming deadline for nominating petitions for open board seats. This item is particularly relevant as it pertains to the future composition of the board and the direction it will take on these and other issues.