Superintendent Tom told the school board the start of school “has been pretty fun” and said he had “never seen a school district open smoother in my 20 some odd years as a school employee.” He credited bus drivers, custodians, teachers and volunteers for an orderly opening and said principals were working to make sure students’ basic needs — including food — are met.

Tom told the board the district must focus on reading instruction and the high school facility. He said the district purchased “a very expensive reading program prior to my arrival here,” and that staff are divided about its use. “This is the most important thing that we're going to do right now is figure out how to make sure that every kid possible gets to the end of second grade knowing how to read,” he said, describing second grade as the point when instruction shifts from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”

He said he is leading conversations with principals and the curriculum director to identify gaps and determine how to align instruction so teachers have voice while ensuring consistent student outcomes. Tom asked the board to be involved in decisions about reading program use because the purchase predated his tenure.

On facilities, Tom said he sent a letter raising concerns about the high school’s condition and the district’s accreditation, and said he and staff will work with the board to develop next steps. He praised staff handling of transportation this week, saying he received “one email in four days about bussing” and that operations staff investigated and responded to the lone complaint.

Board members and staff added detail during the meeting. Business Manager Karen reported facility repairs completed over the summer (septic repaired at the high school; operable windows at Union Elementary; intercom and bell fixes at the high school). A principal and other board members described food pantries and volunteer efforts that they said supported student readiness.

Discussion and next steps: board members asked to be part of tours and school visits so they understand facility needs firsthand. Tom recommended scheduled tours before the budget process so board members can cite personal observations when discussing facilities. The board did not take formal action on curriculum adoption or capital projects at this meeting; Tom said he will bring more information to a future meeting.