The Regional School Unit 40 Board has decided to hold its first monthly meeting at the middle school, a move aimed at improving accessibility and community engagement. This decision, made during the board meeting on October 17, 2024, reflects a desire to centralize meetings for better attendance and participation.

Board members discussed the logistics of meeting locations, considering the challenges posed by custodial shortages and the need for adequate facilities. The board previously held meetings at various schools, but concerns about overburdening custodial staff and ensuring sound quality for remote participants led to the decision to return to the middle school for the first meeting of each month. The second meeting will still rotate among different schools, allowing board members to engage with various communities.

The board chair announced that a workplace diversity training email would be sent out soon, indicating ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive environment within the district. This training aligns with the board's commitment to enhancing workplace culture and diversity.

In addition to the meeting location changes, board members expressed the importance of maintaining a consistent schedule to facilitate community involvement. The discussions highlighted the balance between accessibility for board members and the logistical challenges of moving meetings around different schools.

As the board moves forward with these changes, they aim to enhance community engagement and ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. The next steps will involve monitoring attendance and feedback from the community to assess the effectiveness of the new meeting structure.