Brent Borchelt

The curriculum workshop focused on a review of winter benchmark assessment data for students, including performance in math and reading, and identified necessary instructional adjustments. The board discussed the ongoing middle school math pilot program, updates on the transition to the SDEAA athletic conference, and the scope of middle school extracurricular clubs and activities. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the district's ELA, Science, and MTSS intervention committees, the District Equity Leadership Team's efforts, the dual language program, and feedback on professional learning sessions.

The Board meeting included a presentation from Herrick Middle School highlighting school climate, instructional items, student activities, and recent construction updates. The Board also reviewed assessment data and school improvement plan goals, specifically focusing on math curriculum, the implementation of academic vocabulary strategies, and assessment alignment. Additionally, the district discussed the annual process for determining class size and section development, including priorities regarding class-size targets and budgetary implications.

The Board meeting included a student council and PTA school report for Henry Puffer school, a review of a 10-year Health Life Safety Survey regarding building code compliance, and a superintendent's report covering staffing, music festivals, assessment data, and community relations. The Board also discussed a proposed kindergarten program called Camp Kindergarten, reviewed monthly business and financial advisory committee reports, and addressed the upcoming food service RFP. Action items included the approval of school fees for the next academic year, the dismissal of a custodial maintenance employee, and the purchase of elementary school kitchen equipment.

The meeting focused on a financial workshop regarding the current economic state of the district and the necessity of budget adjustments for the upcoming year. Key topics included the challenges of balancing the budget, declining fund balances, and unmet infrastructure needs following the limitations of a previous referendum. The presentation detailed revenue sources, particularly the impact of the Evidence-Based Funding model and the tier 4 status of the district, which limits state funding. Additionally, there was a detailed discussion on the harmful effects of state reimbursement proration, specifically regarding mandated categoricals like transportation costs, and how these funding gaps force the redirection of resources from other educational programs.

The board meeting featured a student presentation from the Highland School student council and PTA representatives, highlighting school spirit initiatives, service projects, fundraisers, and library improvement plans. The school improvement plan was discussed, focusing on three goals: grammar instruction alignment, social-emotional learning, and collaborative data analysis. Additionally, there was a presentation regarding the fiscal year 2025 audit, covering the requirements and deliverables for the annual audit conducted by an independent auditor.