In other developments, the Business Administrator updated on construction projects, highlighting the near completion of the nurses’ room and the commencement of new locker room and trainer room constructions. The steam lab project is also in progress. Student representatives presented various student achievements, including community service recognitions and successes in school events. The sports update featured the achievements of multiple school sports teams.

The meeting’s strategic plan presentation focused on four key goals: social-emotional learning, pathways to educational success for all, imagination, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The plan emphasized the model of continuous improvement and the need for ongoing reflection and assessment of progress. The decrease in academic integrity violations over the past three and a half years and the Empower program’s success in restoring approximately 150 credits last year were highlighted. Over 60 students have enrolled in the Empower program this year, which offers credit recovery and proactive academic support.

Further discussion of the strategic plan goals included the expansion of career internship opportunities, the upcoming career day with almost 200 vendors, and the peer outreach program, which has a waitlist due to its popularity. The board commended the students and the transition coordinator for their impactful work in the peer outreach program.

The meeting also covered the school’s efforts to provide opportunities for students to explore different career paths. The board highlighted the Five-Year Plan’s progress, with the construction of a steam lab and professional development in design thinking. Students shared experiences with a design project in their history class and participation in the school’s science fair, undertaking diverse projects.

The strategic plan’s Goal Four was discussed, focusing on professional development and increasing access to courses, such as the STEAM Fair and the Hills Hacks program. Initiatives supporting the transition of eighth graders to high school were mentioned. Personal experiences were shared by two students, with one, Ilia, discussing their journey from Ukraine to the United States and their positive experience at the school. Questions from the audience were invited, with one asking about a student’s interest in visual art.