One item at the meeting was the acknowledgment of Louisa Ho’s contributions. Board members and community members alike expressed their appreciation for her leadership and commitment to the district. Dr. David Aderhold, Superintendent, praised Ho for her multifaceted role on the board, noting her involvement in various initiatives, including supporting the marching band and Girl Scouts. He emphasized her flexibility and willingness to make tough decisions, stating, “I’ve seen Louisa play the role of whatever the board needed.” Community members echoed these sentiments, with several speakers recounting personal anecdotes that illustrated Ho’s impact on the community. One parent highlighted her ability to inspire others, saying, “She somehow convinced folks to step up even when they don’t want to.” The meeting concluded with a presentation of a token of appreciation to Ho.

The board also engaged in a discussion on student absenteeism, led by Jessica Sincada. The presentation highlighted a decline in chronic absenteeism across the district, attributed to improved communication strategies and the normalization of expectations post-COVID. Sincada defined key terms, explaining that chronic absenteeism is missing 10% or more of school days, roughly 18 days in a typical 180-day school year. She noted the positive trends in attendance, particularly the low absenteeism rates at the high school and middle school levels, which were reported at four and five percent. This success was largely credited to the communication system known as Genesis, which has enhanced interaction between schools and caregivers.

The board plans to expand Genesis to all educational levels, emphasizing personalized communication through counseling and case management teams. Questions were raised about the specifics of how tardiness affects attendance records, particularly at the high school level, where three tardies equate to one absence. The board discussed evaluating practices regarding extended absences, acknowledging that while some absences may be excused, the state mandates that no student should miss more than ten consecutive days.

Community safety, particularly concerning student commutes, was another pressing topic. A community member highlighted hazardous conditions for students walking to school due to narrow streets and inadequate snow removal, exacerbated by recent weather conditions. Streets like Pen Lile and Harris Street were noted as particularly problematic. The speaker suggested that the district could address these safety concerns by enforcing regulations similar to those in Massachusetts, where fines are imposed for failing to clear pathways after a storm. The board was urged to consider community involvement in finding solutions to ensure safe passage for students.

Committee reports provided updates on various initiatives, including the administration and facilities committee’s review of policy 2535 regarding library materials, recommending its approval. The curriculum committee proposed updates to the high school program for the 2026-2027 academic year, and the finance committee detailed financial agenda items, including capital projects for the High School North auditorium and potential grants for electric buses.

The board proceeded to vote on several administration, curriculum, and finance items, with all motions approved without dissent. The meeting concluded with a final public comment period, which saw no participants, leading to an adjournment with well wishes for safe travels home.