Residents praise ACE program, raise concerns about music cuts and dyslexia accommodations

Speakers during the board’s open forum offered firsthand testimony about district programs and raised operational concerns.

Laurie DiCaprio, the district's alternative education coordinator, described measurable improvements in the ACE/connections program: lower summer‑school enrollment, improved attendance and graduation outcomes for participating students and parent testimonials attesting to dramatic academic turnarounds. DiCaprio asked that the program remain available and supported as an option for students who benefit from smaller classes and more individualized structures.

A community member identifying himself only as Paul urged the board to look into reports that some music programs were being cut and said he heard parents were not contacted before decisions were made. He urged greater parent inclusion in program decisions because of music's role in cognitive development.

Rick Normandin advocated for the district to explore electric school buses and noted programs that allow buses to provide energy back to the grid during peak periods, which he said can generate revenue for districts. He raised pedestrian safety concerns at a bus exit/crosswalk and urged improved visibility. Normandin also discussed accessibility for students with dyslexia, urging the district to supply pre‑positioned notes, unlocked digital files and dyslexia‑friendly fonts so students can access materials and sustain placement in accelerated tracks when appropriate.

Board members thanked speakers and noted next steps where applicable; no formal board decisions were made during the public comments segment.