Nathan Priest

The School Board held a business meeting where they discussed several items. Key topics included the presentation of the Hartwood Magazine and the activities of the G&G athletic boosters, including fundraising efforts for a new snack shack. The Board also recognized the efforts of the high school staff regarding graduation events. Formal actions taken included the approval of the MSAD15 strategic capital improvement plan and the approval of a first probationary contract for a new middle school science teacher.

The board conducted a comprehensive budget presentation for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included academic achievement metrics, enrollment data, and staffing adjustments. Financial discussions focused on contract and benefit increases, capital investments for school facilities, and proposed software implementations for human resources, transportation, and family communications. The board reviewed budget articles covering regular and special instruction, systems administration, and transportation, including plans for bus fleet replacement and the introduction of a bus routing software with GPS tracking. The meeting also addressed the upcoming budget vote and referendum timeline.

The board meeting featured a discussion on upcoming personnel and facilities committee meetings and a tour of the middle school. Recognition was given to staff members nominated for teacher of the year awards, highlighting their positive impact on students and the community. The board also recognized the Patriot Parents organization for their extensive support of school programs, extracurricular activities, and staff appreciation efforts. Finally, the board celebrated a high school student's achievement in winning a gold key in the Scholastics exhibit competition for a pencil drawing.

The meeting featured recognitions for student and staff achievements, including the middle school's Crazy Cobb Cafe initiative and national honors awarded to several staff members for their contributions to organ donation and excellence in education. The board also received a strategic plan update, which included a presentation on the annual data dashboard and a review of student assessment metrics in literacy, math, and science.

The meeting included discussions on upcoming committee schedules, the implementation of a remote meeting participation policy, and various student and board member recognitions. The board also reviewed and approved an updated curriculum guide for science standards, focusing on vertical alignment across grade levels and the integration of math and science instruction. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding student performance data in science and the planned strategic approach to improve educational outcomes through curriculum material investment and professional development.