During the recent Board of Education meeting, members approved the minutes from the previous meeting and discussed significant policy revisions related to Title IX, aimed at prohibiting sex discrimination and harassment in schools. The board unanimously adopted two revised policies, effective November 12, 2024, which mandate that all employees complete an hour of training on these policies every three years, as required by federal law.

In a show of community support, the Central Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) donated $3,400 to help cover costs for sixth-grade students attending Camp Jewel. The board expressed gratitude for the PTO's ongoing contributions to the school community.

The meeting also included the cancellation of the November 26th meeting due to its proximity to Thanksgiving, with the next gathering scheduled for December 10th.

A key highlight was the presentation by Mark Scully, chairperson of the Sustainability Committee, who outlined a comprehensive sustainability plan focusing on energy efficiency and waste reduction. Scully emphasized the need for the town and schools to adopt sustainable practices, including promoting solar energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. He noted that the community spends over $100 million annually on energy, primarily from non-renewable sources, and stressed the importance of transitioning to more sustainable energy solutions.

The committee's plan includes initiatives to enhance energy efficiency in school buildings, promote electric vehicles, and implement waste reduction strategies. Scully highlighted the potential for schools to serve as models for sustainability, particularly through solar installations, which could significantly reduce energy costs.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable environment for students and the community, with ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders in these vital initiatives.