Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva said during the Oct. 7 board meeting that he believes the boards’ continued approach of full disclosure and inclusion with the community has helped eliminate disparities.

The Curriculum Committee provided the board with a discussion regarding the first reading of policies addressing discrimination/harassment affecting students and staff.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maureen Leeson presented the high school program of studies development timeline for the 2025-26 school year. This timeline has been very helpful in aiding and preparing students for future careers/jobs by making available job shadowing and internships. Silva referred to this as “pathways to their careers.” Discussion morphed into expectations for grade level achievements and the district’s educational goals.

The Education Programs Team presented the first of three results regarding reading and math studies. The first results, Beginning Of Year benchmark results showed areas of strength and challenges for teachers to address, compared with the end of the year benchmarks from last school year.

Leeson said one of the most helpful and productive aspects is having common curriculum, among all schools for all grades in the district. This means a first grader in Fountain Hill is learning exactly the same material as a first grader in Clearview, and so forth. Directors Winston Alozie and Reva Levi raised concerns that life skills, civic awareness, local history and civic engagement are being taught as well.

Silva commended the Educational Programs Team for including the four pillars of education in their presentation – curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.