BY WILL ROSS
BRANDON—This week, the OVUU school board convened to discuss the annual district meeting presentation and communication plan, potential changes to elementary school choice policies, and programs being developed as a result of a new wellness grant.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence to mourn the loss of Barstow principal, David St. Germain.
The annual report, which highlights the proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year along with tax implications, is currently at the printer and residents can expect to see it shortly. The board went over some final concerns to optimize the clarity of an additional budget flyer before it is sent out. Residents are encouraged to attend the annual district meeting held in the Otter Valley auditorium on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. to ask any questions or gain insight into budget decisions before voting. In-person voting will be available at each town’s polling location on March 7th, but there are also mail-in and early voting options as well.
There has been a disproportionate number of young students choosing to change schools from Otter Creek Academy in preference of attending Neshobe, and superintended Kristin Hubert raised some concerns about how this might affect class size requirements. To minimize these class size issues, Hubert suggested a revision of the current school choice policy. Board members noted that there are many reasons that might influence school choice, be it scheduling, transportation, or social and family connections. Board member Brett Mullins brought up the possibility that there may be a deeper underlying problem that is influencing the decision to change schools beyond the policy itself, noting additional information could help to clarify the root cause of the issue. The board hopes to find a solution that will be most beneficial to young students and their families.
RNESU has received a substantial wellness grant to support the mental health and well-being of students as they transition from 6th to 7th grade. Staff members are currently developing programming to implement these funds. The goal is to make students feel connected to the school and like they are part of the community upon arriving in 7th grade. Programming would be geared toward non-curricular activities focusing on team and community building. It would ideally provide a way to showcase the opportunities the school has to offer to incoming students.
