Centennial School District 28J

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, followed by the reading of proclamations acknowledging Black History Month and Classified School Employees Week. A student was recognized for completing his Eagle project by enhancing school grounds. Key reports included an overview of the Meadows Elementary School Improvement Plan focusing on student belonging through Morning Meetings, and updates from the Student Representatives. The Superintendent reported on various district activities, including Black History Month, CTE Month, legislative briefings, and current class size data. A significant portion of the meeting involved a Facilities Planning Update detailing work on the Long Range Facilities Master Plan, noting over $52 million in current facility needs and plans for future engagement workshops. The Board also reviewed and approved the student transfer process and limits for the 2026-2027 school year. New Business included a follow-up presentation on the 2020 Capital Bond Financing Update regarding a potential partial bond refunding. The Board convened in two separate executive sessions: the first to consider the dismissal of a probationary teacher and a complaint against an employee, and the second to discuss labor negotiations and school safety matters.

The meeting initiated with the adoption of the budget committee agenda. Introductions were made welcoming new committee members. The main discussion focused on budget conditions, highlighting statewide economic challenges leading to projected revenue shortfalls for the upcoming bianium, necessitating potential budget reductions. Key concerns addressed include rising salary and benefit costs, particularly PERS rate increases projected to reach 30% of compensation, and increases in insurance costs. Furthermore, declining enrollment is negatively impacting the budget by an estimated $800,000 to $1 million. The gap between projected expenses (increasing by at least 6%) and state school fund allocation (a 4.1% increase) results in a projected deficit of $1.5 million for the general fund annually, in addition to a $2.5 million existing deficit. Strategies discussed include utilizing the ending fund balance sustainably and monitoring expenses closely, potentially involving limiting non-critical investments. Discussions also covered improvements needed for the state school fund formula to adequately account for student needs, such as updating poverty measures and eliminating caps on disability funding. The impact of supplemental funding sources like the Student Investment Account was noted, which provided approximately $7 million in the previous year for specific programs and staffing. A question regarding efforts to re-engage students who are not reenrolling was addressed, detailing support provided through Measure 98 and countywide efforts. Transportation support for homeless students was also confirmed.

The work session focused on reviewing progress toward Roadmap 27 goals, specifically concerning student achievement and well-being. Key discussion points included the baseline data for third-grade reading proficiency (38.6%) and math proficiency, with targets set to increase reading proficiency to 42% by the end of the school year. Strategies emphasize strengthening core instruction, instructional consistency, and PLC collaboration. Student perception surveys indicated areas of strength and variation regarding inclusion and well-being, with a focus on building consistent adult connections due to high student mobility. Secondary student data showed an upward trend in belonging metrics. Attendance was noted as a significant concern, currently at an aggregate rate of 56.7% for PreK-12 students, influenced by complex factors such as health and transportation barriers. The discussion highlighted the importance of relationship-based supports through MTSS.

The meeting commenced with the approval of an amended and flexible agenda. Key discussions involved official proclamations, including recognizing National Black History Month for February 1st through 28th, 2026, and designating March 2nd through 6th, 2026, as Classified School Employees Week. A special recognition was given to student Henry Doyle for completing his Eagle Scout project, which involved beautification improvements to the Centennial High School courtyard, installing new benches, and enhancing band space facilities. The board also addressed public forum comments regarding student behavior and special education placements, noting concerns about the impact of severely traumatized students' behavior on the general education environment and the challenges within the existing special education support system. The minutes from the January 28th meeting were approved.

The meeting included the introduction of a new temporary Centennial High School Assistant Principal. Key reports presented included the Roadmap '27 First Trimester Report, which detailed progress on strategic goals using fall assessment data, attendance, and graduation readiness indicators. A significant discussion centered on the 2020 Capital Bond Financing Update, where refinancing options for General Obligation debt were reviewed, with potential interest savings of approximately $2.8 million. The Superintendent provided updates on legislative briefings, facility visits, and team recognition. Board Action Items involved a first read of several policies: IIA (Instructional Materials), JOA (Directory Information), and JFG AR (Student Searches), with feedback provided for revisions on the latter two. The regular meeting adjourned, followed by an executive session to deliberate on labor negotiations and school safety matters.