The adoption of the 2024 budget was a point of discussion, with the board highlighting no changes had been made to the budget since its presentation a month prior. The static nature of the budget was a concern due to several factors impacting the district’s financial health. One of the issues was the reduction in state funding, which necessitated the consideration of staff cuts.

Another financial challenge discussed was the projected 14% increase in health benefits, which posed a significant strain on the district’s resources. The board grappled with the constraints imposed by the 2% cap on budget increases, which limited their ability to address rising costs effectively. Shared services were mentioned as a vital strategy for cost reduction.

Safety was another prominent topic during the meeting, with a community member emphasizing the importance of adhering to the visitor policy to ensure safety within the school.

The board also recognized a student’s achievement in winning a contest for mental health awareness, which aligned with the resolution proclaiming May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in River Public Schools. This resolution called for increased awareness and understanding of mental health.

In addition to these discussions, the board approved several measures, including a partial roof replacement at Roosevelt School, spring tree planting at both schools, and the acceptance of various donations. One notable donation was a bench constructed from plastic bottle caps.

Standardized contracts and a reduction in compensation were also on the agenda, with the board examining ways to manage financial resources more effectively. Furthermore, the board focused on the importance of safety education for students.

These sentiments were formalized with a resolution proclaiming May 6 to 10, 2024, as Teacher Appreciation Week, encouraging the community to express gratitude to the educators who play a role in students’ lives.

Another item was the motion to nominate an individual to the County School Association. The meeting concluded with a public comment session, although no further comments were recorded.