Andrew J. Barrett

The Policy Committee meeting focused on discussing and considering modifications to policies 7200 (suspension procedures) and 7210 (expulsion procedures) to accommodate the potential future use of a hearing officer. Several potential options for amending the suspension review policy were drafted and discussed, focusing on defining the roles of the board and a hearing officer, and differentiating procedures based on suspension length (three days or less versus four days or more). Additionally, the committee discussed incorporating language to ensure parents/guardians have an avenue to provide input, either via a written statement or an in-person appearance before the board, even when a hearing officer conducts the primary review. There was advocacy for using a hearing officer for suspension reviews due to capacity constraints, while maintaining board accessibility for expulsion matters.

The regular meeting of the Board focused heavily on career and college pathways for students. A presentation was given by the counseling department detailing their services, which include career exploration through self-reflection, assessments, research, and practical experiences like informational interviews, job shadowing, and a senior career internship program. The internship program allows seniors to earn credit while gaining hands-on experience in their field of interest, requiring approximately 60 to 65 hours over a semester. A student intern shared her experience with a deferred prosecution internship at a courthouse. Discussion also covered how to keep students motivated regarding career changes due to technological advancements like AI, emphasizing the importance of the human factor and understanding how technology supplements versus replaces roles. Furthermore, staff discussed support mechanisms for the approximately 15% of graduating seniors who plan to enter the workforce directly, including assistance with resumes, job search techniques, and exploring vocational training and apprenticeships.

The policy committee meeting involved reviewing and discussing several policy updates. Key discussions focused on Policy 480 (Accounting and Audits), where the recommendation was to exclude an optional sentence regarding auditor compliance to maintain flexibility, as the district often submits audits late. For Policy 660 (Curriculum Content Question), the committee decided against adopting optional language concerning the Irish Famine, preferring to address drug and alcohol abuse topics in grades K through four through existing social-emotional learning curriculum due to sensitive nature and implementation challenges. Policy 6130 (Acceleration and Enrichment) and Policy 6160 (English Language Learners) saw minor updates without major impact. Policy 6210 (Instructional Materials) was discussed extensively, with the committee electing to retain the current language where the board approves all textbooks and primary instructional materials, acknowledging the value of board review and community conversations, despite the superintendent having the option to approve other materials. Policy 6210 (Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices), Policy 6260 (Complaints about Curriculum), and Policy 6280 (Grading and Promotion) involved minor legal reference updates or standard review. Policy 63000 (Graduation Requirements) updates included moving the requirement to learn how to vote to another policy. Policies 6310 and 6315 concerned high school credit for nondistrict experiences and early credit opportunities, respectively, with no major changes adopted.

The meeting covered several key agenda items, including an update on the complex implementation of the new student information system (SIS), Synergy from EdgPoint, which involves migrating data from the current ESCL+ system over four rounds of conversion, with the aim to onboard parents and students around Labor Day. A presentation was given on the 2026-2027 preliminary technology capital plan, which totals nearly $1.5 million, primarily funded through the Education (ED) fund for classroom-facing technology (like replacing the remaining half of staff laptops and procuring student devices for grades K-5 and 9) and the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) fund for infrastructure. Infrastructure items include renewing phone system maintenance, data center support, cybersecurity assessments, and the replacement of the copier fleet. Discussion also covered device life cycles, noting student devices have a four-year life cycle due to component and battery constraints, while staff devices have an eight-year life cycle.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on the discussion and consideration of the proposed 2025 draft tax levy receivable in 2026, along with 10-year financial projections. Key components of the levy process discussed included the equalized assessed valuation (EAV), property tax extension limitation law (PTEL), Consumer Price Index (CPI), tax rates, extension limitations, and revenue recapture. Discussions highlighted the significant growth in EAV and property values, contrasted with a slight decrease in new construction valuation compared to the previous year. The committee also reviewed the limitations imposed by PTEL, noting that new property and debt service payments are exempt from these limitations. A significant concern raised was the projected depletion of the fund balance, dropping from $70,610,000 in fiscal year 2022 to a forecasted $29,710,000 by fiscal year 2031, representing a decrease in the fund balance as a percentage of expenditures from 74% to 13.47%. The presentation concluded with plans for the Truth in Taxation hearing scheduled for December and a commitment to return with adjusted numbers after compiling final data.