The focus groups also revealed that 81% of participants were worried about the student-teacher ratio, while a majority were prepared to accept higher taxes for improvements in safety, student-teacher ratios, and instructional facilities. However, there was less willingness to increase taxes for aesthetic improvements, with 71% against it. Additionally, 56% of participants were amenable to paying an extra $300 annually for the proposed enhancements.

During the meeting, the board president presented these findings.

Participants from Birchwood, Copeland, and Deyo schools emphasized the nurturing and supportive environments, the strong sense of community, and the dedication of teachers to student development and wellbeing.

Educators spoke about their efforts to create positive learning environments and to instill a growth mindset in students. They highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning and promoting core values such as kindness, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. The superintendent relayed his pride in the district and gratitude for the community’s support.

The meeting also touched on the use of technology in classrooms, with interactive boards present in every classroom and fifth-grade students being equipped with Chromebooks. These technological advancements were seen as a means to enhance learning and prepare students for future challenges. Furthermore, the STEAM program at Copeland Middle School was noted for its emphasis on teamwork and a comfortable learning environment, aligning with the district’s focus on social and emotional growth.

The Operations Committee brought up logistical details, including the use of pay schools, the integration with Mashio, and remote participation in board meetings. The KDM water treatment and the discussion on class sizes were also addressed. The Committee Outreach Committee’s meeting with an architectural firm to discuss district capacity and educational needs was mentioned, along with the Policy Committee’s clarification on policy language.

During the Finance discussion, there were queries about the cost breakdown of pay schools. It was clarified that the one-time cost associated with this would be $23,800 with an annual fee of $6,745. The board approved multiple recommendations across various departments including personnel, special education, and administration.

Public comments raised questions regarding the abolition of policy 5755 and specifics about bus purchases.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an Executive session, expected to last between 30 to 45 minutes, to discuss personnel items and attorney-client privilege.