Westwood Community School District

The Board of Education received presentations regarding student data for Tomlinson Middle School and Robichaud High School, specifically covering enrollment trends, attendance, and academic performance in reading and mathematics. The board also reviewed the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting, including proposed consent items such as financial statements, check registers, and purchase orders over $3,000.

The Board discussed and passed several resolutions, including requesting state financial resources for public meetings, recognizing America's 250th anniversary, establishing a special education committee, and honoring the career of a retiring state superintendent. Additionally, the Board heard a presentation regarding teacher-led professional development initiatives aimed at improving teacher autonomy, collaboration, and classroom impact while reducing costs associated with traditional external professional development.

The strategic plan outlines three primary goals: improving attendance, enhancing ELA achievement, and boosting math achievement, all with a target completion date of June 30, 2026. The attendance goal aims for 95% on-track attendance by 2026, addressing social-emotional trauma through restorative practices, SEL curriculum (PATHS), and career pathways. The ELA achievement goal targets 60% proficiency by 2026, utilizing essential instructional practices, digital literacy programs, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), guaranteed and viable curriculum, family engagement, targeted tutoring, and expanded learning time. The math achievement goal aims for a 40% increase in proficiency by 2026, employing Everyday Mathematics, Imagine Learning Math, instructional coaching, MTSS, guaranteed and viable curriculum, family engagement, and expanded learning time.

The board conducted an expulsion hearing for a student and appointed a hearing officer to preside over the session. The board entered into closed sessions to deliberate on the student's actions and to discuss negotiations with the Westwood Education Association. Following the closed session deliberations, the board approved an extension of the contract with the Westwood Education Association.

The meeting included the review and approval of financial statements, check registers, and purchase orders exceeding $3,000. Additionally, the Board discussed personnel actions and personnel projections presented by the Director of Human Resources.