Brentwood Board appoints Caitlin Dittmeier as special services coordinator

The Brentwood Union Free School District Board of Education convened on November 21, 2024, to address key administrative appointments and review student enrollment figures, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance educational services within the district.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the appointment of Caitlin Dittmeier as the new Coordinator of Special Services for Elementary Education. This decision, recommended by the superintendent, will see Dittmeier serve a four-year probationary period starting January 6, 2025, through January 5, 2029. The board unanimously supported the motion, with members expressing their congratulations to Dittmeier, indicating a positive reception of her appointment.

In addition to personnel changes, the board reviewed current student enrollment statistics. As of September 27, 2024, the district reported an enrollment of 18,067 students, which decreased to 17,993 by October 25, 2024. The breakdown of special services enrollment revealed 1,345 students in elementary, 631 in middle school, 202 in the freshman campus, and 625 in senior high school. Notably, 468 students are attending out-of-district schools, highlighting the district's ongoing challenges in retaining students.

The meeting also included miscellaneous items for information, such as board action memos from previous meetings and upcoming events. A workshop is scheduled for December 3, 2024, which will provide further opportunities for board members to engage with educational leadership and community stakeholders.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving special services and addressing enrollment trends, which are critical for planning future educational strategies. The board's proactive approach in appointing qualified personnel and reviewing enrollment data reflects its dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.