Jess walked the committee through a scripted PowerPoint presentation. She updated the committee on one open eighth-grade seat resulting from a late student departure during the year. Sally asked about progress in filling the seat, and Jess provided an update on outreach efforts, noting that the budget will not be impacted.

Jess also provided a staffing update regarding a mid-year staff departure, as a teacher left for a unique opportunity. Bill added additional context about the situation.  Lashawna asked whether recent weather events had impacted teacher attendance. Sally noted that peer schools are experiencing significant teacher vacancy challenges.

Bill provided an update on state legislation related to the Right to Read law.

Jess also shared an update on the school’s 30 tutoring seats funded by DESE.

Several ideas related to Pre-K programming were discussed. Shawna asked additional questions about the Right to Read legislation, and Jess and Bill provided further clarification.

Jess provided an overview of several academic achievement benchmarks and assessment tools used by the school, including K–1 math assessments, MAP, and ANet. Shawna asked a clarifying question about the ANet assessment. Sally discussed the need to increase the frequency of coaching tied to assessment results. A committee member asked whether the school is shifting away from ANet. Jess explained that the school is shifting away from using the peer network associated with the ANet assessment but continues to use the assessment itself. She noted that the school has not identified a better alternative but is adjusting how the assessment is used internally.

Bill presented data from the parent survey regarding the proposed school schedule change. Sally noted she was impressed with the thoughtfulness of the survey. Shawna asked whether the school has plans to support families who may have challenges with the change. Jess discussed ideas related to expanding the after-school program and noted that an earlier end to the school day may make it easier to staff these programs. She explained that some teachers may be more interested in working after-school hours if they are able to leave earlier in the day. Bill also discussed the number of students who currently participate in after-school programming.