The MVP program, a key focal point of the meeting, is designed to enhance vocational education for students, with juniors attending classes at Mon Tech and seniors at Gardner Academy. This initiative is funded through chapter 74 funds, which will facilitate the acquisition of necessary resources and teaching staff. The program seeks to address the application and admission gaps experienced by students of color, low-income students, special needs students, and English language learners. The school is working to expand its early college program to reduce the number of students intending to go to college who are applying to Montech. It is also making strides in expanding vocational programming for 11th and 12th graders, with pathways including automotive technology, manufacturing, certified nursing assistant, and business. Due to high interest from students, a lottery system may be required for program placement.

The committee and participants expressed excitement about the MVP program, predicting its growth into an increasingly effective vocational training option. There was also an acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts with Montech, which include the implementation of the MVP program and the Step program that targets young adults with disabilities, particularly those with autism and social-emotional challenges. Montech has received a grant to provide training for individuals in this demographic, in collaboration with organizations such as the CAPS Collaborative and The Arc, highlighting the benefits of these programs for both adult learners and traditional day students.

The discussion also touched on the school’s admissions process, with changes made to the selective criteria to expand ranges for grades and absences, and the removal of potential sources of bias in the recommendations process. The committee debated the wording and presentation of certain questions on the application, striving to ensure fairness in the admissions process.

Further discussions included the school’s focus on energy efficiency and its recognition as a Mass Save climate leader, which emphasizes the importance of training students in these competencies. The school has secured substantial grant funding, including a $25,000 grant from the iar foundation and is awaiting decisions on culinary and capital skills grants.

The committee also discussed the vocational school’s program that trains students in culinary skills, office work, retail customer service, and technical skills, featuring a two-week paid internship and job placement opportunities, with several companies showing interest in participating. Additionally, the school’s partnerships were highlighted, including co-op opportunities for juniors and seniors, college partnerships, and the potential development of an early college program with a local university.

The meeting further addressed the challenge of accurately tracking students’ work placements due to state-imposed categories and the collaboration with the mayor to provide opportunities for students to work on town projects. Co-op programs’ impact on students’ availability for workforce projects was noted, followed by a detailed presentation on the preliminary budget plan. The budget discussion covered the foundation budget established by the state and the breakdown of spending categories, including the decrease in funding due to changes in low-income classification criteria and the implications for the district’s financial burden.

The city’s budget was also a topic of discussion, with the presentation covering the use of the stabilization account to offset costs for building repairs, salary increases from collective bargaining agreements, Pupil Transportation contract costs, and technology expenditures, including cybersecurity protection following a cyberattack experienced by the city. The calculation of the required minimum contributions from the city for public welfare was discussed, with attention to changes in enrollment and the state’s determination factors. The meeting concluded with a note on the budget submission and approval process, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and involvement.