The board made a decision to bring behavioral placement services in-house next year. This move is aligned with a broader commitment to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students. The plan includes implementing strong consequences for unacceptable behaviors and revisiting the code of conduct to ensure it reflects this stance.

Discussing the district and board goals, concerns were raised about vaping in the high school bathrooms. The board is considering the installation of vaping detectors as a deterrent, despite the challenges presented by potential false positives and the financial implications. Additionally, the administration is rehiring hall monitors to supervise bathroom areas.

This decision was part of a broader discussion on goal number three, which also included professional development initiatives focusing on digital tools and curriculum options, such as the transition to Google technology—a notable move expected to save the district substantial funds and improve device battery life.

In terms of academic excellence, the board reviewed district goals and the need for a measurable means to assess their achievement. The previous year’s goals were also evaluated, with one member calling for clarification on their measurement and whether they had been met.

Another theme of the meeting was the preparation for the opening of Kindle Elementary School, which involved renovations to accommodate prekindergarten students. Emphasis was placed on using PAA grant funds to ensure the building’s functionality and presentability. The board also discussed the formation of a budget Community Input Task Force to engage community support for this initiative.

To support the recruitment, retention, and development of staff who embody the district’s core values, the board highlighted the addition of a new HR person and the implementation of demo lessons for teacher interviews. The intention is to streamline the online application process and attract more candidates by participating in college job fairs. Moreover, the board emphasized the importance of welcoming student teachers and keeping them informed about job opportunities within the district.

In the realm of school and community relations, various events were mentioned, including food bank distributions and blood drives, alongside the importance of meal applications for students. The district urged families to report address changes for proper student placement and transportation. Additionally, the introduction of the Parent Square communication system was discussed, with plans to encourage parental opt-in for text messaging.

The board also debated the creation of an ad hoc Community Council committee. This committee will involve community members in augmenting the work of the business administration, furthering the district’s connection with the community it serves.

Among the other topics discussed, the board addressed the issue of long-range facility planning and the aging infrastructure of district buildings. A thorough study and prioritization of high-impact projects are underway, and the possibility of a future referendum to address capital needs was mentioned.

The meeting concluded with votes on several agenda items, including the Safer School Plan and Emergency Remote Plan. The board made it clear that there was no intention to adopt a remote learning model at any time. Other items, such as student communication, human resources, and retirement, were also approved, though details on the retirement were not specified in the transcript.