A major topic at the meeting was the legislative session’s potential impact on the school district’s budget. The administrative report underscored the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local legislators to ensure the district’s needs are represented in upcoming discussions. A meeting with several local legislators was highlighted, where the value of providing data and context to legislative decision-makers was emphasized. The board anticipated challenges due to an expected budget deficit in the forthcoming forecast, set to be released on March 6. They noted that, while a 2% to 3% funding increase is guaranteed based on inflation, it may not be sustainable. The district is seeking a more robust funding formula to ensure long-term financial stability.

The board also expressed concerns about legislative mandates that do not include funding. These discussions are crucial as the district prepares to revise the current year’s budget and plan for future budgets, specifically for the 2025-2026 school year. The board stressed the need for transparent communication with bargaining units to manage potential variability in funding.

Another point of discussion was the preschool playground community build scheduled for June 26-30. This initiative aims to reduce costs associated with assembling the playground equipment through community participation. Board members encouraged local residents to engage with the project, emphasizing that there is an opportunity for everyone to contribute. Chris O’Brien is coordinating the project, and the board expressed optimism that the playground would be completed in time for the upcoming school year.

Secondary principal Mr. Rasmason and elementary principal Mrs. Acron presented the winter benchmark summary, detailing improvements in reading fluency and comprehension across several grade levels. The data revealed that fluency rates rose from 2020, with increases noted in various grades. For instance, second-grade fluency improved from 44% to 48%, while eighth-grade fluency rose from 61% to 76%.

The board highlighted the success of the “power half hour” and “lead time” programs, which provide additional reading support. These initiatives have been instrumental in helping students meet academic benchmarks. The progress monitoring system allows for timely adjustments based on student performance.

The meeting also introduced personalized learning plans aimed at enhancing family involvement in student education. These plans provide parents with relevant data, helping them prepare for conferences and support their children’s learning at home. Feedback from families has been positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to engage more deeply with their children’s educational progress.

While discussing the improvements, a point of contention arose regarding the growth disparities between different grades. Board members acknowledged that the pandemic had created gaps in intervention, particularly affecting sixth graders who showed less growth compared to their peers. The board emphasized the need to better understand the transition from elementary to secondary education and how early interventions impact later performance.

In addition to these discussions, the board reviewed a formal bidding process for a roofing project. The recommendation to accept a proposal from the lowest bidder, Roof One, for a contract sum of $361,900 was considered. The roofing material, black EPDM, was chosen for its similarity to existing roofing materials, with discussions focusing on the long-term durability and structural integrity of the options.

The meeting concluded with a focus on employee appreciation, recognizing the contributions of school counselors and bus drivers during designated appreciation weeks. Board members expressed their gratitude for the staff’s dedication and the positive impact they have on the district’s students.