Board presses administration on cuts to middle‑school robotics and technology electives; staff promises short‑term fixes and a longer plan

The board spent substantial time on middle‑school electives after members raised concerns that robotics and technology offerings had been reduced while staffing was reallocated to address math needs. Board member Mr. Childress asked why robotics had been discontinued and whether the program of studies still accurately reflected classes the district can offer.

Mister Neighbors, the division’s instruction lead, said administrators worked with principals and a teacher (identified in discussion as holding both math and robotics sections) to prioritize math instruction this year. He said staff identified schedule space and planned a “first run” of restored electives the following day by reallocating existing time and assignments rather than adding new full‑time positions. “We're actually gonna do the first run of that tomorrow, and we'll be able to get back with the board and verify that we have actually been able to fix that particular issue,” Neighbors said.

The board discussed obstacles: several members noted that technology and robotics require licensed teachers and that the district has not advertised a new FTE for a dedicated technology teacher. HR and staffing leads said a permanent expansion would likely require either redeploying an existing teacher with a new endorsement or adding an FTE, neither of which is automatic given budget constraints. HR director Jim Gallagher said endorsements and creative scheduling are possible short‑term responses; the board asked administrators to return with specific options and an implementation timeline.

Board members also urged a larger review of pathways, CTE alignment and feeder patterns so that middle‑school experiences lead into high‑school CTE programs. Administrators agreed to bring Mr. Maddox or other CTE staff to the next meeting to present a longer plan for technology pathways and credentialing.