Mr. Tarell presented the 2024-2025 budget, highlighting a $19,000 reduction due to lower medical rates from the Summit AT health group. The budget was characterized by a zero-based approach, taking into account student enrollment and strategic alignment. The committee noted a total recommended reduction of $445,000 from the previous budget request, equating to a 2.76% increase over the previous fiscal year. Revenue sources, the impact of Chapter 70 funding, and enrollment figures were scrutinized, with the preliminary assessment showing a decrease for Berkeley and an increase for Somerset.

Debate ensued over the school choice program’s fixed rate of $5,000 per student and its sustainability given rising district costs. The smallest incoming freshman class prompted considerations of expanding school choice to address the issue of declining enrollment. The elimination of several staff positions, including paraprofessionals and a PE health teacher, due to low demand was also a contentious topic, as the committee weighed the district’s financial constraints against the necessity to preserve educational quality.

The addition of positions over the past few years, such as assistant principals and guidance counselors, was justified by the need to strengthen special education programs and support students’ social, emotional, and health needs post-COVID. However, the concern of declining enrollment and its potential impact on the school’s programs and staffing remained a focal point, with the committee acknowledging the need to remain competitive with neighboring schools.

A high school teacher’s public input highlighted the district’s treatment of teachers facing rising costs. The teacher questioned the district’s plan to maintain engaging learning experiences and healthy facilities amidst declining standards for teachers. Concerns about decreasing electives, class sizes, and competitiveness with other schools were also brought forward.

The committee approved the 2024-2025 school calendar, which included adjustments such as professional development days, early release days, and a two-week break around the Christmas and New Year period.

Further discussions included the potential makeup days for snow days, the impact of low attendance after vacations, and the possibility of holding freshman orientation on primary election day to ease the transition to high school. The committee approved the Student Opportunity Act three-year plan, which aims to address achievement gaps for students with disabilities. Additionally, the committee approved using district funds to pay for three students attending the DECA International competition in California.