Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Todd Latham presented the FY2024-25 Tentative Budget, including reviews of revenues and expenditures for the following budgets: Technology, Transportation, Education, and Operations and Maintenance.
A presentation was provided to update the Board about the Summer Curriculum Work by Assistant Superintendent Shonette Sims and Director of Student Services Anne Scalia.
Public comments were made about smart devices by Colleen Carreiro and Stephanie Amore.
Board Member Jackie Forbes shared that IASB provided a report for the Board to review the 400 bills introduced in the state legislature this year.
Dr. Barrett shared that the theme for the school year is “Mission Possible” to reflect the new Strategic Plan. He said that the District is welcoming many new staff this week. As part of the new mission vision and values, the District updated the logo that will replace the old logo, over time.
He added that the next step in the Strategic Plan is to develop long-term and short-term goals, with small teams and focus groups. He explained that the demographic study draft indicates that the enrollment decline is slowing and stabilizing and that presentations will be made at a future date to the Board and the community.
Dr. Barrett also shared the practices and expectations for students related to cell phones, and he highlighted ways that parents can help support these practices and their students.
Lastly, he shared that the District has made safety enhancements for the upcoming school year and holds ongoing safety training for staff. He thanked the Geneva Police and Fire departments for collaborating with the District on safety.
BOARD DIALOGUE TOPICS AND PENDING ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
The Board approved updates to policies.
One Board member thanked Assistant Superintendent Todd Latham for his work on the budget and thanked Assistant Superintendent Shonette Sims and Director of Student Services Anne Scalia for their work on the summer curriculum. They said it was nice to see on social media that of the 45 new teachers who joined the district three of them are GHS alumni. They said they saw the GHS dance team out in the community raising money to start the school year. Several members thanked the parents who came to provide their thoughts and assured them that they were heard.
One member mentioned the Communications Task Force discussions about how the District will roll out the strategic plan and streamline communications to parents. They thanked the Operations and Maintenance staff for their work on projects over the summer. Another member talked about a tour of the high school they took where they observed the mechanical operations of the high school.