Residents press board on budget website, 7–12 model; board approves calendar revisions and new special-education program

During the public-comment period on Aug. 14 four residents spoke about budget and facilities issues. Bernard Bahnam read on behalf of Liz Barnes; Stephanie Hagelstein raised questions about the district budget and reported a user-facing error on the budget website; Colleen Halasz voiced concerns about the new 7–12 grade model; and Heidi Spencer asked about the future of the middle school building.

Superintendent Mr. Ytreboe had earlier outlined district preparations for reopening schools, describing grade-configuration changes (Primary School reopening in September, elementary grades 1–6, and a high-school configuration of grades 7–12) and noting the district website will be updated. The board approved a revision to the 2024–2025 school calendar and accepted donations: $3,000 from the New Egypt Elks to help teachers purchase classroom supplies and $1,580 from Joseph Stathius to support the middle-school STEM lab in remembrance of a former teacher.

The board also approved establishment of a Special Education program for Emotional Regulation Impairment at New Egypt High School and Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School. The minutes note attachments and program descriptions are "as per the attached," and the settlement of a student matter (student 203447) was authorized in closed session with the board empowered to sign required documents.

Board members voted on these items by roll call; the motions passed with the usual quorum present (six yes, one absent). Residents who raised concerns were identified in the minutes by name and address; the minutes do not include verbatim transcripts of their remarks in the published minutes.