A significant portion of the meeting focused on the condition and future of the school’s playground, which has been deemed outdated and unsafe. The playground, approximately 30 years old, has seen equipment removed due to deterioration, raising safety concerns. The representative presenting the playground initiative emphasized the need for new, inclusive equipment, particularly for students with disabilities. The current facilities lack adequate accommodations for children in wheelchairs or those with balance issues, prompting a push for a new playground that addresses these inclusivity gaps.

The proposed playground project, estimated to cost around one million dollars, includes installing a rubberized surface for easy wheelchair mobility, climbing structures, and sensory play equipment. The representative outlined a visual timeline for the project, highlighting collaboration with the Lions Club and Flagship Recreation, a Minnesota-based company known for designing inclusive playgrounds. Although fundraising efforts have not officially begun, discussions included community involvement opportunities, such as placing donation drop boxes in local businesses and utilizing community labor to reduce costs.

In parallel, the board deliberated on a proposal to transition sixth graders to a junior high setting. This proposal involves integrating sixth-grade teachers into the junior high staff, potentially reducing teaching positions. The shift is seen as a financial benefit, although opinions on its educational merit are mixed. Concerns were raised about sixth graders’ readiness for a junior high environment, which involves having multiple teachers for different subjects. Some board members expressed apprehension, describing the transition as “a big jump,” while others suggested it could offer academic and social benefits, such as exposure to different subjects and teaching styles.

The proposal also discussed logistical considerations, including the movement of staff and resources, such as kitchen personnel and lockers. Additionally, the potential lack of recess for seventh and eighth graders, which has been an issue for the past 19 years, was addressed with a suggestion to incorporate more activity during lunch periods.

The board plans to hold a public presentation on April 23 to gather community input on the sixth-grade transition proposal. The timeline for decision-making was emphasized, with a call for feedback from both the board and the community. Concerns about change were voiced by several board members, who stressed the importance of considering parents’ perspectives and the broader community’s views before implementing such a notable change.

In addition to these primary discussions, the board addressed a range of other topics, including the implementation of the educational tool Brisk, which is being trialed by high school teachers. The tool aims to improve student outcomes by adjusting reading materials to fit different reading levels and facilitating communication with non-English speaking students. The board discussed the tool’s potential to increase teacher efficiency by allowing more time for student interaction.

Budgetary matters were also on the agenda, with the board reviewing recent budget revisions and discussing the financial implications for the upcoming year. Attention was given to legal fees and transportation budgets, with a three-year financial forecast being developed with a consultant’s assistance. Concerns were raised about proposed changes in teacher retirement benefits and the implications of paid family medical leave legislation, emphasizing the need for state financial support to avoid drawing from the school’s funds.

The board also touched on the governance of booster clubs and fundraising activities, with a desire for increased transparency regarding who runs these clubs and their funding sources. This initiative aims to provide clarity for patrons contributing to fundraising efforts.

As discussions progressed, members were reminded of the need for further fundraising and community engagement to realize the vision for the new playground while addressing ongoing staffing challenges within the district.