Superintendent reports facilities work, staff changes and cell-phone policy reminders

Dr. Capore delivered the board's administrative report, citing ongoing construction projects at the middle school and progress on the high-school cafeteria. He said vendors addressed a sinkhole near the former snack shack by removing an old pool-drain container, backfilling the area and paving it.

On student policy, Dr. Capore reminded the community of the state's distraction-free school law, saying it "basically bans cell phone usage by students for the entire school day," and noted district communications: an initial letter sent July 18, building-level reminders and an upcoming reminder in his welcome-back letter to parents.

Personnel and contracts: Dr. Capore said a contract for a field physician to cover athletic events would be placed on the board agenda for approval. He announced the retirement of security officer Tom Lively and said a part-time clerical employee, Marjorie Varnas, would move to a full-time role. He introduced Sarah Laveini, who will teach special education and English language arts at the high school following a thorough interview process.

Student voice: The high-school student representative (introduced in the meeting as Mr. Kind) told the board seniors are eager for the coming year and said upperclassmen plan to mentor incoming freshmen. The board thanked the student and offered its congratulations to staff and retirees.

Why it matters: Facilities and personnel decisions affect daily operations and student safety; reminders about the distraction-free law signal the district's enforcement approach for the year ahead.

Next steps: The field physician contract was placed on the agenda for approval; the contract with True North and other consent items were handled in subsequent agenda votes.