A major focus of the meeting was the compulsory attendance report, which detailed a continued, albeit declining, trend of students leaving the district for homeschooling or parochial schools. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the district saw a 46% increase in such departures, with numbers now decreasing from that high point of 188 students. The report underscored that a majority of homeschooled students come from families with multiple children. Further discussion revealed that the district reviews cumulative files when these students return for high school or stop homeschooling. Clarification was provided that homeschooled students are required to take an annual standardized test, though results are kept private by the families.

The board then moved to the approval of a new custodial master agreement, which includes a 3.5% salary increase for the first year and 2% for the second year. It also features alterations to the certified pool operator stipend, transitioning to an across-the-board approach to recognize certified expertise in maintaining pool safety. The agreement was approved following a brief discussion about its implications.

In addition to these discussions, the board spotlighted a fourth-grade student, Helena Turin, lauded for her academic excellence and leadership, which led to her election as student council president. Helena shared her goals to foster kindness and organize activities for a positive school atmosphere.

The board also reviewed and approved the superintendent goals for 2025-2026, focusing on ensuring a safe learning environment, fostering student success, and promoting continuous improvement. These goals include specific initiatives like ensuring projects remain on time and within budget, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing student outcomes. The goals were organized with key performance indicators to facilitate monitoring progress, earning appreciation from board members for their clarity and thoroughness.

Closely aligned with these goals was the district’s strategic plan for the same period. The plan outlined initiatives such as implementing a standards response protocol for emergencies and improving multi-tiered systems of support based on student data. The strategic plan was approved, emphasizing consistency in commitments across different school buildings.

The board also approved changes to Policy 516, which involves student medication and telehealth, and Policy 621, the readact policy, both of which had undergone significant revisions. The new guidelines for Policy 516 require all medication to be documented and managed through the school nurse, while the revamped readact policy aligns with recent legislative changes. Training for the readact policy is on track for completion within the current school year.

Fundraising activities across the district were another point of discussion, with plans presented for various events and initiatives. South and North Elementary schools are organizing events like book fairs and readathons, while the high school introduced new fundraising ideas, including poinsettia and mattress sales. Concerns were raised to ensure funds raised by individual students contribute to group activities, which was confirmed to be the case.

In other reports, a principal from North Elementary highlighted the success of the “Ride, Roll, and Walk” event, encouraging students to walk to school. The principal also introduced student-led conferences aimed at enhancing student engagement and productivity. Extracurricular activities were celebrated, with the girls’ tennis team reaching state competition for the first time since 1999, and the choir was selected to perform at a prominent music educators convention.