The board’s efforts to address the shortage of bilingual staff, particularly in seeking a Spanish-speaking counselor and therapist, were emphasized as a critical need for the district. The struggle to recruit professionals who can effectively communicate with and support the diverse student population has been a persistent hurdle. This particular issue sparked considerable debate among the board members.

Further enhancing the district’s educational support, the board spotlighted its partnership with various external organizations. Mercer Street Friends, Milhill, Henry J. Austin, Kinder Smiles, and Homefront are among the entities providing invaluable services such as counseling, reading intervention, and attendance initiatives. The summer bridge program, particularly at Gregory and MLK schools, was hailed for its positive impact on students’ ELA and math growth. The board acknowledged these partnerships’ contributions to the community, with several members calling for data to quantify the initiatives’ success.

The matter of payment discrepancies also took center stage when Althia Duncan addressed the board, questioning the transparency and fairness of staff compensation. Her concerns highlighted the need for open communication and equitable practices within the school district’s administrative operations. The board’s decision to enter an executive session to discuss confidential matters was met with unanimous consent, with the exception of Gene Bouie, who was absent for the vote. This decision could lead to further scrutiny in future sessions regarding the district’s internal governance.

Superintendent James Earle’s update on the Environmental Protection Agency’s soil sampling at two local schools to test for lead contamination was another significant topic. The results of these tests are highly anticipated as they will determine the necessary measures to ensure student safety.

The district’s efforts to attract and retain qualified staff were also presented by the HR committee. They highlighted various strategies, including offering incentives like training opportunities and salary adjustments. Notably, the introduction of a position for walking school bus drivers aims to engage community members in student safety initiatives.

The committee also discussed proposals aimed at fostering student development and staff professional growth.

Community engagement efforts were reported on, with successful conversations and information dissemination to the PTO at Gregory School being notable achievements.