In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the upcoming school budget and the importance of incorporating teacher feedback into funding decisions. Officials expressed optimism about increased voter turnout for the upcoming budget referendum, suggesting that a larger number of participants could influence the outcome positively.

One key topic was the results of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) surveys conducted among teachers, parents, and students. These surveys, which were collected from August to October 2023, revealed significant insights into school conditions and community involvement. For instance, Libby Tozier Primary School received a notably low score of 1.1% regarding the maintenance of its facilities, highlighting concerns about budget cuts affecting essential services.

The meeting also addressed the need for greater parental involvement in school activities, as many schools reported low scores in areas such as volunteer participation and attendance at events. For example, Oak Hill Middle School recorded a low score of 1.93 for parental volunteering, indicating a potential area for improvement in community engagement.

Participants emphasized the necessity of listening to teachers and staff, who voiced concerns about student behavior and safety. The overall sentiment was clear: stakeholders are urging for a budget that prioritizes the needs and feedback of educators to enhance the learning environment for students.

As the referendum approaches, the discussions underscore the critical role of community input in shaping educational funding and the ongoing challenges schools face in maintaining safe and supportive environments for learning.