Laura Nelson spoke on behalf of the FRCSTA Teachers Association. She read from a prepared statement (copy of which is attached hereto) expressing concerns about potential staffing reductions and emphasizing the importance of maintaining manageable class sizes and adequate staff to support student learning. The Teachers Association looks forward to further discussing these budget proposals with Mr. Romer.

Mr. Romer provided a leadership report highlighting recent school activities, including international trips, career day events, art shows and concerts. He also announced that early releases would be necessary on two additional days due to World Cup games at Gillette Stadium.

Strategic Plan and Enrollment Updates

Toby provided updates on funding, enrollment, and strategic plan implementation. The school received grants from the Barr Foundation, EdLight and Nellie Mae Foundation to support strategic plan implementation and professional development. 

Enrollment is on track with 1,585 students projected, including 130-230 open seats to fill. The school is implementing annual goals based on their three-year strategic plan and conducting surveys to gather baseline data on measures like belonging. Mr. Romer also mentioned a new video about the strategic plan that was created to increase parent engagement and awareness.

The meeting focused on reviewing the budget process and addressing a $500,000 budget gap. Mr. Romer explained that the budget was based on 1,395 student enrollment projections and included a 2% salary increase for non-aligned employees, along with maintaining benefits packages. The budget gap was reduced from $2.3 million to $500,000 through operating cost reductions and revisions to revenue projections. In particular, healthcare costs were negotiated down from 23% to 15% and further plan changes to reduce to 8.4% increase.

Mr. Romer outlined key areas of revenue, including tuition, state funding, and grants, while also detailing personnel cost assumptions. He explained the process for carefully selected position reductions across different areas to close the budget gap, while emphasizing that the actual human impact would be smaller due to vacant positions and role transitions.

Mr. Romer explained that staff reductions had been made, impacting approximately 4-6 positions, with affected employees having already been notified individually. The reductions will slightly increase class sizes at the high school but not beyond current levels, and he emphasized that the plan was designed to protect student experience while creating a sustainable employee experience.

Mr. Yezeukevich noted that the Finance Committee, including three board members, has been meeting regularly since January to review every budget line item, with a focus on maintaining the student experience while managing constraints from existing loans on school buildings. He explained the challenges in predicting revenue, which depends on enrollment numbers and per-pupil tuition from sending districts. 

The Finance Committee discussed budget decisions, with Mr. Yezukevich explaining that impact on students, families, and staff was the primary consideration in budget decisions. Mr. Martin affirmed that the FinCom is working with leadership to ensure that the budget is developed in direct consideration of the impact not adversely affecting student learning as much as possible.

Mr. Romer stated that leadership has met individually with staff affected by reductions/changes in positions.

Discussion ensued on the impact of oil costs on the budget. Mr. Michelot explained that oil is used for heating two office spaces and that transportation costs include an oil surcharge. He reported optimism about potential savings on specialized transportation costs, estimating between $150,000 and $300,000 in savings, although final amounts depend on summer program enrollment numbers and the rising costs of fuel.

The Finance Committee discussed budget risks, particularly regarding transportation costs due to rising fuel prices. Regardless of the cost of fuel, the increase is not passed along to families for their participation in transportation. 

Mr. Yezukevich explained that while there are expenses to manage, particularly in the event of extraordinary unplanned expenses, the district has strategies to balance the budget, including evaluating non-essential line items and potentially using reserves for capital expenditures. 

Mr. Romer noted the big picture strategy to staying ahead of expenses is to increase enrollment.

Mr. Yezukevich noted that the FinCom approved the budget and recommended that the final budget be voted at the Board's June meeting.

School Uniform and Policy Updates

Mr. Romer presented findings from a survey on the school's uniform policy, noting strong overall support but suggestions for increased flexibility and stricter enforcement in certain areas. The team is working on proposals to balance structure with student connection to the school, particularly focusing on items like Crocs, slippers, and hair coverings. Mr. Romer emphasized the need to finalize any changes by the June Board meeting to allow proper communication to families before the break, acknowledging that budget work had previously delayed this discussion.

Discussion ensued on school uniform affordability and support systems, including the existing clothing closet at the elementary school maintained by FEA volunteers. Ms. Vixamar suggested improving communication about the closet and potentially involving students in organizing it. Discussion ensued on the possibility of the Foundation providing financial support for families in need.

 Mr. Romer emphasized the need to finalize any changes by the June Board meeting to allow proper communication to families before the break, acknowledging that budget work had previously delayed this discussion.

Ms. Vixamar reviewed plans for the upcoming Board retreat focused on roles, responsibilities, and accountability, with pre-work including creating a get-to-know-you slide presentation. She asked members to contribute any personal/professional information to her by way of photos or text no later than May 25th.

First Reading - Student Withdrawal from School Policy

Mr. Romer pointed out that the only change made was the requirement of two signatures of both parents in the case of a child custodial arrangement.

The policy will be voted on as a second reading at the next meeting.

Mr. Martin urged members to complete the self-assessment on BoardOnTrack.

Finance/Facilities

Mr. Michelot provided a photo update on the solar panel installation project at the elementary school which had progressed quickly and was expected to be completed by July or early August, potentially saving between $97,000 and $100,000 in the first year.  The generators do not support the solar panels at the present time, but the plan is to add batteries to the solar system will provide full functionality.

Academic Excellence

Ms. Ortiz reported that a draft has been created for the reporting schedule. She suggested adding an agenda item to the Board retreat for further discussion. 

Governance

Mr. Martin reported that the committee has been meeting regularly to evaluate, discuss and propose presenting new or revised policies to the board for approval.

DEI/Culture

No update.

Mr. Romer urged members to participate in the Foundation's scheduled Rodman Ride fundraiser.

Items to review:

• First draft of Academic Excellence reporting schedule.
• Second reading of Student Withdrawal from School policy.
• Vote on FY27 budget.
• Executive Director evaluation begins in June; Mr. Romer to review goals.

No executive session.