45:02The board devoted significant time to discussing the elementary literacy curriculum, Wit and Wisdom, which is a structured literacy program emphasizing explicit teaching and systematic skill progression. This curriculum includes components such as Heggerty for phonemic awareness and Geodes for decoding. It integrates subjects like science and social studies into literacy instruction to build a comprehensive educational experience for K-5 students. Teachers reported positive outcomes, noting increased student engagement and improved literacy skills. One teacher observed that students were now expressing their ideas more effectively, attributing this to the program’s emphasis on repeated close readings of texts.

1:00:10Despite these successes, the board acknowledged challenges, particularly the difficulty of fitting 90-minute lessons into the daily schedule of elementary schools. The board discussed the need for additional resources to support diverse reading levels, including materials for multilingual learners. There was also a recognition of the significant workload placed on educators to implement the new curriculum, with ongoing professional development efforts required to support teachers.

The board underscored the critical importance of early literacy, with one member noting that reading proficiency by grade three is important for long-term success. Discussions included the need for district-wide collaboration to refine the curriculum and address common challenges, emphasizing that a collective approach could yield better results than isolated efforts by individual teams.

2:53:20Attention then turned to the introduction of a boys volleyball program, a new cooperative initiative among Century, John Marshall, and Mayo High Schools. The program is set to begin in March 2025 and run through the spring season of 2027. The decision to form a cooperative agreement stemmed from insufficient student numbers to field a team at each school independently. The program’s financial aspects were discussed, with expenses estimated at $28,835 for the first year, primarily covering coaches’ salaries and transportation costs. A booster club is expected to help offset these costs.

Despite enthusiasm for the program, several concerns were raised, particularly regarding transportation logistics. The board recognized the existing issues with the district’s transportation system and how they might impact student participation in the volleyball program. There were worries about ensuring equal opportunities for all interested students, regardless of their ability to travel across town for practices and games.

3:11:34The board considered Title IX compliance. Currently, the district offers 13 male sports and 15 female sports. Recruitment strategies for the volleyball program were discussed, with plans to utilize social media and flyers to generate interest. The proposed participation fee is set at $225, slightly higher than standard fees for spring sports, with scholarship options available for students in need.

45:02Additional discussions at the meeting included updates on the newly established Middle School Alternative Learning Program, designed to support students facing challenges in traditional educational settings. The program aims to create a supportive environment for students struggling academically or dealing with personal difficulties. Efforts to refine referral criteria and data used to identify students who would benefit from the program were highlighted, emphasizing the need for a nurturing environment that addresses both academic and emotional needs.