A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of Jason Benedict’s appointment to the school board, filling the vacancy left by Amy Winkler’s resignation. The board expressed gratitude towards the community for its involvement in the selection process.

In parallel, the board celebrated a milestone with the acquisition of a property on South Avenue. This property is earmarked for future educational facilities. The planning efforts for this new facility are intensifying, with final plans already submitted to the state. This development is part of the broader strategic plan supported by a recently passed referendum, which will facilitate substantial improvements across the district.

The meeting also featured a report on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) within the schools. Dr. Mass highlighted a total of 34 investigations conducted from September to December 2024, with eight incidents confirmed as HIB cases. The district has invested in various training programs to promote a positive school climate, such as the Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello program and the SecondStep social-emotional learning curriculum. Additionally, the Not in Our Schools program was implemented at the high school to encourage inclusivity and combat bullying. These initiatives are bolstered by partnerships with organizations like Imagine, a center for coping with loss, and funding from the Margaret and Peter Chang Foundation.

Further discussion extended to the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report, which combined incidents of violence, vandalism, and substance use. From September to December 2024, the district recorded ten incidents of violence, three substance-related incidents, and reiterated the eight confirmed HIB cases.

Public engagement was another focal point of the meeting. During the public comment session, resident Mike Washington presented his organization’s work with middle school students, emphasizing the benefits of martial arts training such as self-confidence and discipline. His proposal to expand services aligned with the board’s strategic plan, although his time to speak was limited, and he was encouraged to submit written comments.

Financial matters also took center stage, with updates on several key expenditures. These included a $60,000 repair for stage curtains and a $100,000 oil tank removal funded through capital reserves. Additionally, the board discussed a transportation addendum reflecting increased bus costs due to CPI adjustments and reported that school lunch prices would remain stable for standard meals.

In curriculum matters, the board celebrated the fifth anniversary of the “Nest” program, which provides life skills training for self-contained students. A kindergarten teacher’s dissertation on critical literacy practices was highlighted.

The board also addressed future assessments, such as the PSAT, where non-passing students will receive additional support to help them succeed upon retaking the test. This aligns with the district’s focus on academic achievement and preparation for higher education.

Sports and extracurricular activities were acknowledged, with several teams achieving notable success during their seasons. The softball and boys’ volleyball teams were specifically commended for their outstanding records and championships.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude toward staff and students for their contributions throughout the year, and a reminder of the upcoming Juneteenth celebration at Shady Rest, promoting community engagement and historical awareness.