Amanda Bradley

The meeting commenced with administrative announcements regarding public notice procedures under the Open Public Meetings Act, fire safety protocols, and document availability. Following the roll call, the board observed a moment of silence for longtime staff member Tommy Walsh and conducted the flag salute. The President addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue and civility. Key discussions included superintendent reports, noting achievements such as a sixth grader winning an essay contest, recognition for students' success on AP exams, and the successful conclusion of the summer music program. During the public forum, community members raised concerns regarding significant property tax increases, specifically citing the impact of assessment increases. Additionally, there was a formal request to name the high school weight room in memory of the late former colleague and coach, Tom Walsh, which the board agreed to review. The board also addressed the ongoing financial challenges stemming from reduced state/federal funding and rising operational costs, emphasizing the necessity of the recent tax levy increase to avoid staff cuts and program cancellations.

The meeting agenda covered several administrative and operational items requiring Board of Education approval. Key discussions involved affirming the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (H.I.B.) report for the recent period and approving the District Report of Student Safety Data System for the first period of the 2025-2026 school year. The Board was asked to approve revised schedules for Abbreviated School Days and Health/Accident Emergency Reporting Procedure, as well as the revised Schedule of Hours for School Secretarial Personnel. Several staff training attendances were recommended for approval, along with the second/final reading and approval of a new policy regarding Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the first reading of new and revised policies related to Nepotism and Sexual Harassment. Financial items included approving a service provider (Occupational Therapist) and accepting proposals, awarding a contract, and approving a renewal for emergency transportation routes (ECCN3). Curriculum adoptions for Computer Applications 2, Science (Grade 1), and Visual Arts 3 were sought for approval, along with home instruction requests for three students. Personnel actions involved approving retirements/resignations, the appointment of a Custodian, approving/amending leaves of absence and transfers, approving a suspension with pay pending investigation, and approving various substitutes, extended term substitutes, stipend payments, and student practicums/internships.

The meeting addressed significant financial challenges resulting from S2 legislation, which caused state aid to drop drastically from $32 million to $8 million, shifting the funding burden to local taxpayers. Key discussion points included rising expenses related to health benefits (budgeted for a 22% increase), charter school tuition ($4 million), and out-of-district special education costs. The board confirmed they previously reduced positions, trimmed program expenses, utilized fund balances, and closed one building (ECC). The presentation detailed a 'doom and gloom' draft budget that included 40 staff cuts, elimination of courtesy busing, professional development, and field trips. To mitigate the deficit, the board sought approval to submit an application to increase the tax levy by the difference between the adequacy threshold and current spending, which amounts to approximately $17 million, to fund essential items for a thorough and efficient education. Attendees also discussed ongoing investigations into a local charter school regarding fund misuse and confirmed that sports programs would remain intact if the tax levy increase is approved, though some clubs and mental health support programs faced cuts in the draft budget.

The meeting began with administrative announcements regarding meeting protocol and fire exits, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks emphasizing respectful dialogue and the importance of modeling positive behavior for students. The Superintendent's report welcomed everyone back to school, noted upcoming orientation schedules, and detailed communications regarding bus passes and lunch forms. The Board addressed misinformation circulating on social media regarding the recent tax levy increase, attributing it to significant state and federal funding losses over six years and rising operational costs (healthcare, utilities, charter school tuition). The Board defended the difficult decision to raise taxes, stating alternatives included staff cuts and program reductions. Discussion also touched upon facility ownership (Abbott funding), the percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch, dispelling rumors about charging for PreK, and the self-sustaining nature of the aquatic center. Attendance challenges were discussed, noting the district's chronic absenteeism rate compared to state and peer districts, and ongoing efforts to secure funding to reopen the wellness center. Finally, facts about the Board members' uncompensated service, demographic composition, and experience were presented to counter social media narratives. Public comment included a follow-up on a request to name the weight room, with the presiding officer directing the resident to review the official policy requiring written requests.

The agenda outlines the proceedings for the meeting, including a moment of silence, the salute to the flag, and student government remarks. Key discussion and action items cover the approval of minutes from previous Work Session (November 24, 2025) and Regular Meeting (November 25, 2025). Administration and Committee Reports involve several resolutions: approving the Superintendent's recommendations which include affirming an H.I.B. report, approving the 2026-2027 School District Calendar, approving staff attendance at training sessions, and approving new and revised policies (including one on Generative Artificial Intelligence). Finance items include certifying budget status as of November 30, 2025, approving monthly financial reports, accepting the Audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, and approving a Wellness Grant. Transportation resolutions involve approving bus evacuation drills and amended jointure agreements. Special Resolutions recognize an individual for years of service. Education and Special Projects focus on approving a revised teacher schedule, the 2025-2026 AI Plan, and numerous curriculum adoptions for 2025-2026. Special Education requires approval for several Home Instruction placements and a Tuition Placement. Personnel items involve approving resignations/retirements, appointments for a nurse and registrar, approving/amending leaves and transfers, amending spring coaches, issuing contracts for custodians following probation, approving substitutes, amending start dates for extended term substitutes, approving payment for unused benefit days during transfers, and approving student observer practicums and internships. The Negotiations section includes approval of a Sidebar Agreement and Salary Guide for Registered Nurses. Finally, the schedule of future meetings for January 2026 is presented for approval.