A primary focus of the meeting was the upcoming levy vote, described as essential for the district’s future. The board highlighted the collaborative efforts of “Rocket Vote,” a community group advocating for the levy, and stressed the importance of factual communication with residents. While the district cannot explicitly promote a “yes” vote, they are committed to providing accurate information through community events and direct mailings. An open house and Q&A session are scheduled, with efforts to engage various demographics, including senior residents. The board expressed optimism regarding community participation, though they acknowledged the potential necessity of making do with current resources should the levy fail. A mailer outlining levy details has been sent to households, and feedback has been positive but limited.

The plan aims to align teaching with the new Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum. Structured collaboration sessions for educators are established, fostering a unified approach to instructional practices. Recent training with CKLA trainers has been beneficial, allowing teachers to refine their teaching strategies.

Additionally, the SIP outlines the development of a building-wide engagement continuum to define and teach levels of student engagement. This initiative includes creating common visuals and lessons to enhance understanding among students, with a specific focus on math and reading. The approach aims to shift students from passive to active learning through consistent practice and expectation-setting, akin to fire drills.

An important aspect of the plan involves refining the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to better identify and address student needs. Educators are encouraged to assist students in setting personal academic goals and tracking progress. The use of a Student Assistance Plan (SAP) template provides a structured method for identifying learning barriers and planning interventions, preventing students from falling behind.

Complementing the academic focus, the board discussed the importance of social-emotional learning and its impact on student success. Initiatives include administering the MySavers survey to assess students’ sense of belonging, supplemented by weekly guidance lessons from counselors. Despite staffing challenges, the commitment to providing comprehensive support remains firm, with detailed data tracking illustrating the program’s reach.

Parallel to the levy discussion, the board received updates on ongoing contract negotiations and operational matters. Negotiations with the teachers’ bargaining group are nearing a tentative agreement, with financial details close to finalization. The district anticipates board approval of the agreement in the forthcoming November meeting. In addition, the board approved the 2026-2027 school calendar, incorporating feedback to improve the schedule, notably preventing the school year from extending into mid-June.

The meeting also celebrated the success of a summer theater camp, which attracted significant participation and community support, fostering arts engagement among the youth. The program’s expansion potential was acknowledged, with positive feedback from both participants and parents. The board recognized the theater program as an important part of the district’s arts magnet school status, which continues to attract interest from other schools seeking to develop similar programs.