A strong vision for the future of Forest Hills Public Schools emerged during the Special Board of Education Meeting on March 5, 2024, as a superintendent candidate outlined critical priorities for the district. The candidate emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration among staff, students, and board members to elevate the district's performance.

Safety was highlighted as the foremost priority, with the candidate stressing the need for proactive measures to ensure the well-being of students and staff. Drawing from past experiences, they detailed initiatives implemented in previous roles, such as enhancing emergency operations plans and collaborating with public safety officials.

Another pressing issue discussed was the significant decline in student enrollment over the past decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The candidate proposed a data-driven approach to understand the underlying causes of this trend, suggesting that factors beyond birth rates, such as housing market dynamics, could be influencing enrollment. They shared successful strategies from previous districts, including targeted marketing efforts to attract families and students.

Lastly, the candidate addressed the necessity of maintaining a balanced budget amid declining enrollment and the impending expiration of COVID-related funding. They expressed a commitment to sustainable financial practices and collaborative problem-solving to navigate these challenges.

The meeting concluded with the candidate expressing readiness to tackle these priorities, emphasizing their solution-oriented mindset and collaborative leadership style. As Forest Hills Public Schools looks to the future, the insights shared during this meeting may play a pivotal role in shaping the district's direction.