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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-09-DIAMOND-min4/9/26 Attendees: Johnny Cole (Principal), Stef Harvey (Assistant Principal), Remy Coombs (Teacher), and parents Joyce Dvorak, Christina Finegold, Beth Bristol and Ramesh Kumar The meeting was unofficial due to low attendance from teacher absences, but Johnny provided updates on several critical topics.Town Budget and Staff Reductionsi • Overall Cuts: The budget cuts, detailed in an Observer article, have big implications, including about 65 reductions across the district. The reductions are partly based on a loss of 700 students over the years. • Proposed Amendment: An amendment to take money from a one-time account to reinstate 10 roles for one year (e.g., bringing back half of the learning coaches) has been postponed. Another summit is scheduled to discuss this amendment. • Impact on Staff: • Bad News: 160 staff across the district received "pink slips" so they would know their status by April break. This included all non-professional teachers (those in their first three years of employment or on probation). Roughly 40 were Unit A staff, with others from different unions, or people who are moving or retiring. • Good News: Final decisions on placement are being made on 4/9/26, and most people are expected to know their status by the end of the day on 4/10/26. JCC is hopeful staff will feel better, though a handful may still be without a job for next year. Permanence of Reductions: The majority of the 65 reductions are permanent, though the district does not anticipate this level of cuts in the coming year. • At Diamond, two special education positions were added due to increased enrollment, but half of the sixth grade was cut due to 50 fewer incoming students than outgoing eighth graders.i • Some professional status teachers will move to the high school due to a 20% increase in sections there. Program and Curriculum Discussions • Special Education Intervention: • Joyce questioned how costs could be reduced while special education enrollment is increasing, noting a lack of robust Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. • JCC stated the district is reviewing the process for getting students into special education and looking for ways to shift special education and pre -referrals. • Guided learning will not be cut, but will involve different staff members. The choral arts program shifted from two teachers to Jess and a pianist, maintaining student access. • Enrollment Trend: JCC confirmed that district enrollment is generally decreasing. However in the coming years we anticipate an increase in enrollment. • Honors Math Communication: Beth requested a parent session for 7th -grade parents and students to understand standard -based grading and the process for tracking into honors math. JCC confirmed communication is coming for 7th -grade parents, and Johnny will check with the math department head on the concern. Other Note Gratitude was expressed to all chaperones and administrators for their help in safely getting students off the bus during a fire incident.