11:48The central focus of the meeting was the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year, which was crafted to maintain operations without layoffs. The business administrator presented the budget, approved by the county office, emphasizing its alignment with student and staff needs. A key issue was the discrepancy in student enrollment, with only 13,000 students enrolled in the district, while 20,000 were reported. The difference was attributed to students attending preschool and charter schools outside the district.

18:50A significant concern was the reduction in Title One funding, decreasing by approximately $5 million due to the lack of carryover funds from the previous year. The total Title One budget for the upcoming year is set at $11 million, down from $16 million. Other titles, including Title 2, Title 3, Title 4, and IDEA, face similar reductions. The district also reported an overall grant revenue of $22 million, largely from Title One and ESSER awards, with many of these funds tied to COVID relief efforts that are not available moving forward.

15:38The board reviewed detailed financial allocations, noting a 2% increase in the local tax levy and a decrease in Medicaid reimbursement. The expiration of ESSER funding was discussed, with the district preparing for a reduction in overall grant funding. Despite these challenges, the budget was deemed balanced and aligned with the district’s educational priorities.

29:19Infrastructure needs were another topic. The facilities administrator provided updates on ongoing construction and maintenance efforts, such as new heating and ventilation systems at the Gregory School, which had been without air conditioning for three years. The plan to replace old boiler systems, estimated at $10 million, was also discussed. The facilities department is addressing issues with glass block windows to improve heating efficiency.

37:10The meeting also addressed the budget impacts of a charter school relocating to a new building on Brunswick Avenue. The board emphasized the importance of managing financial risks while prioritizing student welfare, with nearly $10 million allocated for academic investments in the 2025-2026 school year.

41:54Personnel matters were discussed, with board members voting to amend the agenda to include new hires, highlighting the need for timely onboarding of teachers. The board was reminded to begin the evaluation process for the Chief School Administrator, with a deadline set for completion by the following Monday.

46:11Public comments acknowledged the superintendent’s participation in an immigrants’ rights conference, emphasizing the importance of maintaining schools as safe spaces for students. The board concluded with a motion to adjourn, agreeing unanimously on the timing of future meetings.