Lisa Costantini

The committee meeting featured a presentation from students regarding the West United club and their initiatives to improve student inclusivity. The committee reviewed a temporary bell schedule proposed for CB South for the upcoming school year to accommodate ongoing construction. Additionally, the committee discussed several course of study curricula for Social Studies, Physical Education, and Health, along with a proposal for a new mathematics intervention resource titled Do The Math.

The board meeting addressed several administrative and financial items, including contract negotiations for support staff, the appointment of a new elementary school principal, and the presentation of the 2026-2027 budget. The board approved various financial agreements, including the 2026-2027 MBIT budget, BCIU service agreements, and several bid purchases for general supplies, sports equipment, and school photography. Operational items were also finalized, such as the Warwick Elementary sealant project, summer flooring renovations, water system replacements, and the execution of a five-year transportation contract. Furthermore, the board reviewed new music and English Language Arts courses of study and discussed a draft Responsible Contractor Policy.

The Board meeting included the recognition of student achievements and staff for their contributions, as well as an update on the evaluation of the pupil services department. Discussion topics included the proposed 2026-27 budget, the dedication of the CB East press box, and the appointment of the new superintendent. Business actions included the approval of financial reports, tax assessment appeals, staff development, and a range of operational projects including facility use regulations, water service replacement, playground upgrades, and installation of emergency generators. Furthermore, the Board approved special education settlement agreements, a Head Start grant MOU, various educational resource renewals, policy updates, and numerous student field trips. Human resources actions, including staff appointments and status changes, were also finalized.

The Board announced the superintendent finalist, Dr. Joanna Wexler, and reviewed reports from various committees, including Education, Policy, and Finance and Operations. Key actions included approving significant financial disbursements, tax assessment appeals, legal service agreements, and an Apple Financial Services lease. The Board also approved various infrastructure projects, including paving, fire suppression systems, and renovations, as well as the acquisition of new buses and vans. Educational items, including textbook purchases and field trips, were authorized. Policy updates were enacted, and various personnel matters, including leaves of absence and appointments, were addressed. Public comment sessions focused heavily on support staff compensation, wage equity, and staffing shortages.

The board meeting included several recognitions for student achievements and school recognitions, alongside a presentation of the Superintendent's Report which covered the district's comprehensive plan and upcoming calendar adjustments. Business department approvals included financial reports, check disbursements, audit reports, and multiple technology contracts. Operational approvals featured various infrastructure projects, such as pool railing design, fire alarm panel upgrades, playground equipment, generator installations, chiller plant replacements, and roofing projects. The board also acted on special education settlement agreements, student tuition requests, new course and textbook adoptions, and various human resources items. Policy discussions included the tabling of several policies, the approval of field trips, and a resolution to ban cell phone use during the school day.