49:26A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the public forum where a parent, Teresa Carpenter, raised two issues. Carpenter advocated for the construction of a playground at the middle school, a project she argued would ease the transition for younger students entering the middle school environment. She highlighted parental willingness to volunteer for the project, underscoring community support. The committee responded that a warrant article concerning the playground is currently before both towns and expressed optimism about its approval, with construction potentially starting after July 1 when funds become available.

Carpenter also voiced concerns about high teacher turnover at the elementary school, particularly the departure of skilled educators. She questioned what measures are being implemented to improve the work environment and retain teachers, emphasizing that happy teachers lead to happy students. The committee suggested these issues should be addressed directly with the superintendent, as public forums are not designed for detailed personnel discussions. Carpenter expressed frustration over past discussions not leading to concrete solutions, pressing for more effective responses to these concerns.

31:53In addition to these concerns, the committee discussed the implementation of “thinking classrooms” in math education. Students reported increased engagement and confidence in their learning due to this new approach, which emphasizes group work and problem-solving without traditional grading. Teachers have restructured the curriculum to include varying levels of challenge in problem-solving questions, encouraging students to articulate their reasoning. This method was praised, with one student noting that the group format helps them work through problems collaboratively, promoting a deeper understanding.

0:02The meeting also focused on the district’s assessment data and the strategies employed to address gaps in student performance, particularly in math and literacy. The superintendent reported on the middle-of-the-year student performance, highlighting improvements in early literacy due to a grant from the Department of Education. However, challenges remain, particularly with a new math assessment that revealed student struggles with the lack of multiple-choice questions.

1:53:58Further discussion addressed the revised health curriculum, which now incorporates community feedback and balances various perspectives. Notably, gender identity education has been shifted from fifth to eighth grade to ensure age-appropriate content. The committee confirmed that these changes align with guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Infrastructure issues also garnered attention, particularly the installation of electric vehicle chargers at the school complex and middle school. The proposal outlines options for ownership and revenue sharing, with a decision to move forward with installation, supported by grants, without immediate financial implications for the district.

1:21:39Lastly, the condition of the tennis courts was a point of contention. The courts are deemed playable but have significant cracks, prompting discussions on accountability and potential future repairs. The committee expressed frustration with past maintenance work and suggested that new facilities might be integrated into plans for a new high school.