In discussing the district’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget at the Feb. 23 school board meeting, two tax plans to develop around were proposed: one which would cost taxpayers 3 percent more over the prior year, with the other boasting no increase. The 3 percent increase was quickly shot down, with not a single board member voting in favor of the proposal. The latter proposal was much more warmly received, although board member Sandra Miller did raise concerns regarding whether staffing cuts were being reflected.

Board member Cedric Dettmar particularly expressed his support of the latter plan, saying, “the finances of our district are pretty healthy right now, and given the difficulties that many folks in our community have, I think we can delay raising taxes this year. If we need to, we can come back to it in a future year.”

It was explained that moving forward without raising the tax burden on district residents would be realistic, thanks in part to a $2 million grant from the federal government which is expected to ease some of the burden. The latter motion passed with near-unanimous support and the final budget is due by the end of May. Miller abstained from both votes, saying she had “not enough information” to make a decision.

Middle school Principal James Deegan and high school assistant principal Amy Braxmeier also provided an update on the district’s previously discussed after-school remediation program for struggling students.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler initially sent an email Feb. 6 to parents/guardians of 113 students in grades 7 through 10 who were in danger of failing one or more core subjects (math, language arts, science, social studies). Braxmeier explained that there were 56 affirmative responses, meaning parents/guardians interested in having their students receive additional tutoring and instruction beyond what they are already provided.

Deegan went on to provide more details about the program itself. He said 50 of those students were scheduled for remediation sessions in-person, spread among 10 classrooms (each with its own dedicated teacher). The other six are attending classes virtually, he said. Deegan also gave detailed breakdowns of the teacher per student ratios for each grade level and subject, as well as transportation and other features.

As of the day of the meeting, two after-school sessions had been held, with over 20 students scheduled each day. Assistant to the Superintendent Jamie Vlasaty added that there are also pending plans for a similar program for younger students.

Lastly, long-discussed changes to the meeting format moved forward, with an in-person format for future board meetings, perhaps as soon as the second meeting March, being seriously considered, barring any technological issues during setup. Meetings have been held fully virtually since last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was indicated that, due to restrictions on room capacity and needing to maintain the ability for community members to participate, something of a ‘hybrid’ model for public meetings is likely to exist through at least June 2021. Public comment opportunities will be made available for those who are unable to attend through email, and meetings will continue to be posted for public viewing via YouTube. More details on this are likely to follow at the next meeting.