School Board — June 17, 2026

The Board thanked the Association for stepping into a significantly larger role than anticipated, managing the acceptance and distribution of donations for award-winning school activities.

The Association members were formally saluted and thanked for their service to students, parents, and teachers.

a speaker reported that the bank returned the exact interest amount paid on a multi-million dollar loan used to cover the 2025-26 deficit. Additionally, the bank contributed $100,000 to the alumni fund for extracurricular activities.

The community was informed of the bank's generosity and the effective interest-free nature of the loan.

Don Lavalette requested corrections regarding Ellie Gerhardt's scholarship nomination, the specific details of the truancy officer position, bus aide compensation, and specific moving stipends. Heather Whitney requested the record reflect specific requests regarding staffing metrics and safety standards.

The consent agenda was accepted with the inclusion of two changes: moving the Board bylaws update to July and adding the nomination of Brian Rapp for the maintenance group negotiations to action items.

The Board will review the updated minutes incorporating these details.

Updates included successful graduation ceremonies, scholarship distributions exceeding $100,000, and the transition of staff in student services. The Superintendent also clarified that summer programs (ESY, Camp, and Credit Recovery) are grant-funded through federal programs like Perkins and Title IV-A.

The Board received confirmation that summer staffing and programming are in place and appropriately funded via grants.

HR will provide a larger report in July.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the district's historical struggle to successfully claim federal funds. The administration emphasized that $2 million is currently available and must be claimed by next fall through a monthly reporting process. Discussion also touched on the need for compliant electronic timecards for grant-funded employees.

The administration committed to a goal of being fully caught up with monthly reporting and reimbursements by August 1st.

The administration will meet next Thursday or Friday to review the current status of all grant programs.

The administration reported high-quality candidates for principal positions at the middle school and Maple. There was a discussion about the decision to hold out for certified and qualified candidates for the Director of Special Education rather than filling the role with any available person.

The administration remains focused on finding qualified leadership despite current vacancies and high turnover.

The current cash balance is approximately $3.5 million, expected to drop below $1 million by year-end. The Treasurer projected that the carried-over deficit will be less than $1 million, an improvement from previous estimates.

The financial report was presented; discussion occurred regarding the use of paraprofessionals vs. teachers to manage the budget.

A discussion on teacher vs. paraprofessional staffing is expected in July.

a speaker proposed swapping approximately two and a half 'pairs' to fund a teaching position. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between a 'pair' and a teacher, noting that pairs may be reimbursable but cannot provide direct instruction.

The board agreed that this topic requires a more formal discussion.

The topic is expected to be addressed in July.

a speaker questioned the high moving expenses and stipends paid to a recently departed CMS principal. a speaker explained that multiple transactions occurred due to the individual's various position transitions within the district.

It was confirmed that at least one other such contract currently exists in the district.

The board intends to discuss this matter in a non-public session.

Board members expressed frustration over the lack of audit reports, requesting visual progress charts. a speaker explained that delays are due to the difficulty of locating old documentation and noted that auditors are now working on fiscal years 2023-2025 simultaneously to expedite results.

The board was informed that the immediate priority is securing a verified beginning balance for July 1, 2025.

A freestanding agenda item will be added to share updates from auditors with the public; the board expects more information in July.

The fund, which holds money raised by students, lacked specific grade-level breakdowns. Matt Angel proposed allocating the total balance of $6,567 to Disnard and Maple based on student enrollment numbers.

The motion to close the account and allocate the funds passed.

Don Lavalette offered to lead a project to refresh CMS using donated paint and volunteer labor. a speaker mentioned that businesses like Home Depot have expressed interest in contributing.

The board voted to empower Don Lavalette to coordinate the project and solicit contributions.

Don Lavalette to work with Matt Angel to coordinate efforts.

Following the vandalism of diversity-themed artwork at the Claremont Makerspace, a speaker suggested displaying the artists' work in schools to send a community message.

The board agreed to discuss the proposal further.

Discussion scheduled for the July board meeting.