Superintendent says school year opened smoothly; district welcomed more than 24,000 students

Superintendent Allen delivered the report on the opening of the 2627 school year, saying the district welcomed more than 24,000 students and credited staff across operations for preparing buses, meals and materials.

Allen said leadership convened at Doherty High School for a district leadership meeting that included a keynote address and student performances, and previewed the 'vision to action' framework for the year. He reported the district processed 246 new hires over the summer, including 144 teachers and 48 paraeducators, named 11 new principals and several new deans and instructional coaches, and described near‑completion of several window replacement projects and ADA upgrades.

Operations highlights included 104 large bus routes, 97 midsize specialized routes, and continued work on technology upgrades to the district's My Stop bus app and stop‑arm camera implementation. The superintendent also noted the summer meals program served over 40,000 meals across 20 locations.

Allen said preliminary enrollment trends were lower overall but that kindergarten and pre‑K just started and final enrollment figures will be known in several weeks. He said the district will present proposed goals for the 2627 school year at the next committee meeting.