Will Meyer

Liz Callahan said her goal as chair of the BOE’s Special Education committee moving forward was “to remain committed to ensuring that students and teachers are at the heart of these discussions while supporting the district in intentional, well-structured planning that does reflect the evolving educational landscape.”

Meanwhile, the school district reported that Black student enrollment fell in the district overall, and the Board of Ed voiced its continued support for Integration, Access & Equity.

The next two Community Conversations with Superintendent Jason Bing will take place on February 6 and 25. (Bing will also be meeting residents at the Hilton Neighborhood Association meeting on Jan. 16.)

SOMEA President Rocio Lopez told board that she hopes they can work together come to an contract agreement to get teachers “the pay we deserve.”

Asst. Supt. of Special Services said the department has already fully complied in five of the nine areas that previous audits had revealed as lacking. Most of the changes were to department processes and procedures, and centered on a lack of paperwork. “We are already more than halfway there.”

Superintendent Bing said this year the District will incorporate more best practices into the budget process, including utilizing a budget tracking system the District already pays for.

“You’ve got the bones,” said consultant Patrick Keenoy. “Now it’s just a matter of putting those pieces around it.”

Meanwhile, questions remain about a second invoice for scheduling services.

However the bidding process to procure the bus has just begun. Additionally, a new full-time point person has been designated to improve transportation communication.

“There’s been a lot going on and we’re getting to the deadline, and I think we’re just going to make it by the skin of our teeth,” said Supt. Bing. Improvements – and some continued work – at CHS, Marshall, Montrose and MMS will greet students upon their return.