Superintendent Richard R. Corbett presented a detailed superintendent’s report, emphasizing the importance of student safety and the district’s focus on reducing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) incidents. The report covered data from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, revealing that Birchwood and Katherine D. Malone schools reported zero incidents across all categories, while Dennis B. O’Brien and Stony Brook each had one alleged HIB incident. However, Copeland Middle School had a more concerning number, with 17 confirmed HIB incidents and 84 other instances that led to student removal, including suspensions. Dr. Corbett expressed optimism about improving the climate at Copeland Middle School, noting a meeting with students who assured him there would be no HIB incidents this year.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the new school year, highlighting three key staff events: the principal’s leadership retreat, new teacher orientation, and a convocation for all staff. These gatherings aimed to promote collaboration among educators and foster a positive atmosphere among the teaching staff. Dr. Corbett noted the absence of training for new initiatives during convocation, as these were addressed during the school year due to prior staff efforts. He personally visited each school on the first day, observing the welcoming atmosphere created by faculty and staff.

Transportation issues were a significant topic of discussion, with Dr. Corbett acknowledging a shortage of drivers leading to delays for some bus routes. He assured the board and public that he, along with Megan Slam, would investigate specific transportation concerns, particularly Route 20 from KDM, and work diligently to resolve them. He highlighted the challenges faced with outsourced bus routes and mentioned the acquisition of portable radios to enhance communication with bus companies.

Dr. Corbett also provided updates on improvements within the KDM school community, such as the long-awaited functioning water fountains, and credited Peter Campusano from USA Architects for making this possible. He reported completed roofing projects at Copeland Middle School and Birchwood, with ongoing work at KDM expected to finish ahead of schedule. Additionally, he discussed the implementation of a new character education curriculum, which the Department of Student Services is monitoring.

Beyond safety and infrastructure, the importance of community involvement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Parental participation and community engagement were praised, with the superintendent emphasizing the role of parents in creating a thriving school environment. The Parent-Teacher Association’s (PTA) involvement was noted as instrumental in organizing well-attended events that foster a strong school community.

Public comments during the meeting brought additional dimensions to the discussion, with Dana Tabella, a community member, raising concerns about the board president’s handling of previous public comments. Tabella questioned the adherence to policy 0171, which outlines the responsibility for orderly conduct during meetings, citing incidents where individuals were allegedly interrupted or faced undue criticism. The board president responded by asserting fairness in handling public commentary and addressing accusations of bias.

Amidst the discussions, the board also tackled the complexities of remote participation in meetings, with a member suggesting the need for a new resolution to allow continued public participation via remote means, despite the absence of a declared emergency. The board acknowledged technical difficulties with simultaneously utilizing Zoom and live-streaming the meeting, which had hindered effective communication for both in-person attendees and those participating remotely. The board expressed a desire to explore technological solutions to improve accessibility while ensuring that in-person attendees could clearly hear the proceedings.

Towards the end of the meeting, the board expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement and emphasized the importance of feedback in shaping the school district. A recent community survey, which received over 1,400 responses, was highlighted as a valuable tool for gathering input on school improvements. The board acknowledged the need for greater community engagement and encouraged attendees to spread the word about the survey to ensure that more voices are heard.