Superintendent lays out State of the Schools priorities: AI guidance, UPK expansion, attendance and budget timeline
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Summary
Superintendent Jody Monroe presented the district’s mission, core values and annual goals, previewed an AI-usage guidance scale to be embedded in syllabi next year, updated UPK enrollment and RFP timing, and outlined the budget calendar that leads to a May budget vote.
Superintendent Jody Monroe delivered a State of the Schools overview that the board described as the kickoff to the district’s budget process. She framed the district mission and core values, reviewed annual goals and highlighted work on equity, Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), restorative practices and attendance.
On technology and instruction, Monroe described an AI-usage framework developed by the Professional Practices Council that ranges from “AI free” to “AI empowered.” She said the district will require teachers next year to discuss AI expectations on course syllabi so students understand what is permitted for each assignment. "So all teachers next year will be using this to help students, identify how AI can be used in certain classes," Monroe said.
Monroe provided details on universal prekindergarten (UPK). The district issued an RFP for UPK providers; Monroe said the district has state funding for up to 235 UPK spots, currently serves 83 students and will run a lottery if multiple providers are chosen. She described UPK delivery as a partnership model where provider capacity, classroom ratios and space requirements (per OCFS rules) determine available seats.
On attendance, Monroe said the district will send families quarterly snapshots showing chronic absenteeism metrics (the presentation described 7.8 days missed as the chronic-absence threshold) and will tie attendance messaging to positive incentives and events. She also highlighted academic gains in AP participation and CTE and noted the district’s data dashboard tracks progress on goals in near real time.
Monroe reviewed the capital project passed by voters and said 34% of the bond will fund classroom renovations, 17% will fund air‑conditioning and other funds will go to infrastructure and safety upgrades. She reiterated the district will submit designs to the State Education Department and aims to begin construction in 2027.
Budget calendar: Monroe said John will kick off budget work next week; department budget reviews will follow, with March 4 scheduled for athletics, instruction and special education presentations, a potential board adoption on March 18, the public budget hearing on May 6 and the budget vote on May 19.
What’s next: Staff will continue budget development and provide regular updates via the data dashboard and ParentSquare when details are finalized.
