The Community School District school board took a break from recent budget talks to discuss business as usual April 2. After enjoying a performance from the middle school chorus, the board approved next year’s calendar and a school field trip.

The chorus performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful” for the school board, board of trustees and other attendees during a break between back-to-back board meetings. The audience applauded the a cappella performance and showmanship.  

During the meeting, the board approved the 2024-2025 school year calendar with 175 student days and seven professional development days. School will start Sept. 3 and finish June 12 if there are no snow days. The board talked about whether remote learning days limit the impact of snow days, which could set the calendar back.  

“A school day on June 21 is not a school day,” said Boothbay Region Elementary School Principal Shawna Kurr. “No, it’s just here,” board member Stephanie Hawke added.  

“So, actually, the continuity of learning and kiddos keeping up that practice on a (remote) snow day has more benefit than tacking a day on the end of the year,” Kurr continued.  

The board also approved the high school college tour trip to Boston. According to Chair Peggy Splaine, the trip is paid for by grant money, but the board needs to approve out-of-state trips. 

In public comment, Trustee Troy Lewis asked the school board about its plans to offer industrial arts and trades as part of the curriculum, especially if the April 24 referendum passes. He said it has been the trustees’ intent to make space for trade-skills education and hoped the board agreed. Splaine thanked Lewis for his work on encouraging kids in vocational topics and said it was the intent of the building exploratory committee to support them.  

.An April 11 budget meeting has been moved again. It is on April 29. It was moved to May 1 after it was originally set for April 25.