A point of discussion revolved around the renovation and expansion projects at East Ridge High School. The plan includes accommodating an additional 600 students, focusing on science, general education, special education, and online learning. The cafeteria is set for a upgrade to serve approximately 750 students per lunch period, a necessary increase from the current 600. This expansion aims to ease congestion and improve the overall dining experience. Notably, the project includes a new two-story classroom wing and a modernized cafeteria, with construction scheduled to begin in March and completion expected by August 2026.

Key features of the expansion include a dedicated space for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, particularly focusing on trades like electrical work and plumbing. This initiative provides practical experience opportunities for students, essential for future career readiness. The board discussed traffic flow improvements to enhance safety and efficiency during parent drop-off and pick-up times. A reconfiguration of the entry and drive sequence aims to create more stacking space for vehicles, addressing a concern for school safety.

Additionally, the renovation plans address the needs of online learning students by providing them with a dedicated space, alleviating current overcrowding in the media center. This area will offer various seating and study options, designed to support the growing number of online learners effectively.

The board also discussed the flexibility of new collaborative spaces within classrooms, which will allow for group work and student interactions. Teachers can request these spaces to facilitate group activities outside traditional classrooms, promoting a more engaging learning environment. The importance of such spaces in accommodating modern educational strategies was underscored during the meeting.

In conjunction with the building improvements, the board examined academic performance metrics, particularly student achievement gaps highlighted in the district’s annual report on Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) goals. The report, a legislative requirement, provides a detailed account of the district’s progress toward its goals. The district showed success in areas like early childhood screenings, surpassing the goal with 47.2% of three-year-olds screened. However, challenges remain in math and reading proficiency, where the district fell short of its goals. Only 53.7% of students met proficiency in math against a goal of 87.2%, and 54.4% in reading against a target of 87.6%.

The board expressed concerns about the significant discrepancies between student performance on state assessments and the established goals set in 2016. Discussions highlighted the need to revisit and possibly revise these goals to better align with current student trajectories and performance benchmarks. The conversation also addressed differentiated proficiency goals based on ethnic groups.

Further, the discussion touched on the district’s Achievement and Integration (AI) plan, particularly its focus on racially isolated schools like Sashko. The plan is structured around three main goals: student academic success and access, relationships and affirmation of social identities, and community engagement. Key indicators for success include the impact of academic success coaches in elementary schools and the effectiveness of the AVID program in preparing students for college applications.

In the context of financial management, the board addressed the tax levy process, detailing the proposed tax levy for 2025. The levy is set to increase by $1.5 million, or 1.2%, compared to the previous year. The board discussed the legislative framework governing school funding and the challenges posed by underfunding in special education programs. The district faces a significant funding deficit due to the state’s basic general education formula not keeping pace with inflation since the 2002-2003 school year. This has necessitated the consideration of either reducing other programming or increasing operating referendums to address budgetary constraints.

Finally, the board reviewed a tentative agreement with the Kids Club supervisors represented by Teamsters 320, outlining wage increases and benefits adjustments for the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss a proposed student expulsion, followed by a unanimous vote in favor of the expulsion resolution, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and student privacy.