A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the district’s budget crisis. The board emphasized the importance of adhering to the two and a half percent budget increase limit and advocating for full state reimbursements, including those for Chapter 70, charter schools, and regional transportation. The need to ensure the quality of the school district, despite budget constraints, was a key point of debate. Board members discussed how budget cuts could impact critical positions such as librarians, nurses, and counselors, and the importance of prioritizing funding for positions that directly interact with students. The idea of conducting an operational audit of the district surfaced as a potential strategy to identify areas for cost savings.

The board also contemplated the creation of an advisory group that would include community members without children in the school system.

Another topic was the discussion on the district’s literacy curriculum. Concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of the current approach, prompting a debate about the historical effectiveness of the district’s educational system. The assistant superintendent called for collaboration and the importance of providing effective teaching materials to improve student reading abilities.

The potential separation of Dunstable and Groton from the Regional School District was also discussed. Members expressed differing views on the separation, with some emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration while others highlighted the challenges in negotiations with the state. Declining testing scores and the impact of technology on student learning were brought up, leading to a discussion on the role of curriculum and teacher performance in addressing this issue.

In the face of these challenges, candidates for the school committee shared their qualifications and visions for the future. One school committee member seeking re-election highlighted their extensive experience in local politics and public service, advocating for equity and representation, transparent accountability, and responsible budgeting aligned with the community’s educational aspirations. A participant with a background as the president of the PTO proposed forming advisory groups with principals, teachers, and students to ensure regular feedback about school happenings.

Regarding problem-solving and the budget crisis, participants emphasized a collaborative approach, prioritizing communication with stakeholders, and excitement for the new superintendent’s arrival. The importance of data and evidence-based curricula, fostering professional development, and advocating for responsible budgeting were also underscored.

The meeting concluded with closing statements from the candidates, urging voter engagement and the importance of community feedback.