The meeting began with the interim athletic director, Linda, recognizing the achievements of fall athletes across various sports. The boys’ cross country team, coached by Gayen Johnson, and the girls’ team, led by Steven Bower, were among those honored. Applause filled the room as athletes and coaches from field hockey, football, gymnastics, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, girls’ tennis, and girls’ volleyball were celebrated for their contributions. The gymnastics team, with standout athlete Amaya Rose Ransom, and boys’ soccer, led by Coach Kyle Dennis, received particular attention for their accomplishments.

Following the sports awards, the principal turned the spotlight on the marching band’s unprecedented success. Each band member was recognized, and the assistant director and Color Guard director were commended for their efforts.

A student speaker, the ninth-grade class president, provided updates on other sports teams and shared news of the competition cheer team’s recent victory, as well as the basketball and swim teams’ strong performances. He also mentioned upcoming events and a fundraiser organized by the class of 2025.

However, the celebration was tempered by concerns over the music program’s future. During the public comments, a parent expressed pride in the band’s achievements but voiced worries about the department’s shrinking numbers. The parent urged the board to support the music program by reinstating morning classes for concert band or choir, noting that scheduling conflicts often prevent students from participating. The parent warned, “If they get up here to the high school and they can’t fit concert band in their schedule, we lose them.”

School board members echoed sentiments of pride in the students’ achievements and acknowledged the vital role of parents and teachers in these successes. They emphasized the importance of maintaining robust extracurricular programs, with one member noting, “It takes a village.”

The meeting proceeded to routine administrative matters, including the approval of prior board minutes and discussions on curriculum and student activities. The board also addressed personnel matters, recognizing the retirements of Shan Patrio, a beloved preschool teacher, and Rosemary Pelton, a respected kindergarten teacher with a garden named in her honor.

In closing, a motion was made to enter into an executive session to discuss student and personnel matters, as well as legal issues. The board agreed to a brief intermission before resuming discussions in private, and a motion to adjourn the meeting was introduced shortly thereafter.