At the forefront of the committee’s agenda was the discussion and approval of the 2025 fiscal year budget. The superintendent presented detailed insights into the demographic shifts within the student population, noting an increase in high-need students, low-income families, students with disabilities, and English language learners. These changes necessitate targeted initiatives to support academic and social-emotional progress, for which the district plans to allocate $2.5 million over the next three years.

The Director of Finance and Operations laid out the budget, focusing on new revenue streams and expenses, and underlined the district’s effort to maintain financial stability with no budget gap. The budget’s approval by the committee followed, along with commendations for the administrative team’s efforts in balancing fiscal responsibility with educational needs.

In addition to the budget, the committee addressed the appointment of representatives to the Keystone and CAPS Collaborative. The superintendent was appointed as the representative for both collaborative groups, which are integral in sharing resources and best practices among regional educational institutions.

School improvement plans for various levels within the district, including the high school, academy, middle school, and elementary school, were approved. These plans are a componet of the district’s strategy to adapt to changing educational demands and elevate student outcomes.

The committee also approved a field trip, allowing seventh-grade students to visit Canobie Lake Park.

Policy updates and revisions also took a prominent place in the meeting’s agenda. A series of policies underwent first and second readings, and in some cases, adoption or removal from the policy manual. These policy changes are part of the committee’s routine efforts to ensure that their guidelines remain relevant and effective in governing the district’s operations.

Reports from the curriculum coordinator, grants administrator, special education coordinator, and the CPAC provided the committee with updates on various educational programs and initiatives. These presentations are instrumental in informing the committee’s decisions and fostering transparency within the district’s administration.

The committee members concluded the meeting with final remarks, expressing gratitude for the informative presentations and the successful execution of district events. However, there was a notable concern about the lack of public engagement with issues such as the budget.