Superintendent Dr. Anderson told the board the district began the school year with 4,842 students and currently has 4,762 — a decline of 80 students since the start of the year — and estimated the district has been losing about 200 students per year. He warned that continuing trends and nearby school expansions could leave the district with roughly 3,500–4,000 students in coming years and urged the board to start planning now for facility, staffing and program changes.

Dr. Anderson described Lincoln Academy’s expansion timeline and capacity: "The Lincoln Academy can currently hold 730 students. When the new addition reaches its capacity, which now is planned for the 2728 school year, it will be able to hold 1,500 students," a capacity that he said could draw more students away depending on open enrollment patterns. He recommended starting proactive reviews of buildings and classrooms so the district would not make short-term capital investments (new roofs, parking lots) in facilities that could be closed under a longer‑term enrollment scenario.

Board members broadly supported greater community engagement and a formal planning process. Board member Megan Miller urged reviving a structured strategic-planning process and extensive community input, saying the district should "be proactive, get into the community, and have some broader facilitated discussions." Others suggested exploring a community-schools model and partnerships — including child care and early‑childhood centers — as ways to retain families and use building space effectively.

Board members also emphasized the importance of clear public communication. Board member Joanne Ruehl said the district needs a plan for outreach and messaging; Dr. Anderson said he will work with an outside communications contractor (the Hadley Group) when he returns from travel. The board did not take formal action on facility closures but agreed to begin planning and to consider forming a committee to examine options and report back.