The meeting addressed the issue of staff reductions due to budget cuts for the 2025-2026 school year. Several teaching positions, including those of cafeteria monitors and physical education teachers, were slated for elimination. Public input underscored the emotional weight of these decisions, with speakers expressing discontent about the delayed notification of affected teachers. One speaker highlighted the stress and uncertainty faced by teachers, emphasizing the need for timely communication to allow for alternative employment opportunities. Another pointed out the problematic approach of displacing a high school teacher with professional teaching status (PTS) while non-PTS teachers at the K-8 level remained unaffected, suggesting that the criteria for teacher displacement followed a “last man in, first man out” approach.

A notable contribution came from Justin Feer, a physical education teacher and ice hockey coach, who shared his personal experience regarding the budget cuts. He articulated a deep sense of loss for himself, his students, and the community, emphasizing the broader contributions teachers make beyond their academic roles. Feer stressed that the decision to cut staff would impact students, stating that they would lose not just a teacher but a mentor and supporter as well.

Gabriel Gonzalez, a student athlete, voiced his support for Mr. Coocher, a teacher affected by the cuts. Gonzalez recounted how Coocher positively influenced his experience as a hockey player and emphasized the significant loss his absence would be to the school community. This sentiment was echoed by others who highlighted the importance of the relationships and mentorship that teachers provide.

In response to public concerns, a committee member confirmed that the decisions regarding layoffs were made in alignment with the collective bargaining agreement, which outlines guidelines for notifications and seniority considerations. The committee acknowledged the need to possibly revisit how additional contributions by teachers could be quantified.

Significant focus was also placed on student engagement, with updates on initiatives aimed at improving dining experiences and fostering positive relationships between students and staff. A representative from Chartwell’s provided an overview of the school’s food service operations, emphasizing improved menu offerings that include healthier options such as whole grains, low-fat dairy, and various fruits and vegetables. The introduction of new items like whole grain Belgian waffles and scrambled eggs received positive feedback, and a “student voice” initiative led to popular menu changes like the “made to melt” grilled cheese.

The vending machine initiative, designed with student input, reflects the integration of technology into food service, allowing students to access meals by scanning their badges. The representative underscored the program’s alignment with the No Kid Hungry initiative, ensuring meals are nutritious and student-preferred, while reporting over 116,000 meals served year-to-date, generating $500,000 in sales and a surplus of $76,000 reinvested into the program.

The meeting also touched on procedural matters, including the appointment of the Superintendent to the South Coast Educational Collaborative Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 school year, which passed without opposition. Discussions on the 2025-2026 budget included concerns over staffing flexibility, particularly regarding a reduction in force impacting staffing across two districts sharing a teachers’ union. The committee emphasized careful consideration of which positions to eliminate, especially concerning class sizes in core subjects like math and science.

Contractual agreements for the upcoming year, including those for electrical repairs and plumbing services, received unanimous support. Additionally, the committee recognized student achievements, celebrated recent graduates, and acknowledged the ongoing success of the varsity baseball team.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on various policy updates, including decisions to table certain policies until updated versions could be reviewed. The acceptance of a memorial bench donation was confirmed, and public input was introduced, allowing for community voices to be heard on issues.