The curriculum shift from balanced literacy to structured literacy was a focal point of the meeting. The committee discussed transitioning from leveled readers to decodable readers that align with specific skills for each grade level. The aim is to address gaps in foundational skills by introducing new programs that include Hegerty for phonemic awareness, Foundations for systematic foundational skills, Morpheme Magic for word study, Patterns of Power for addressing writing weaknesses, and Wordly Wise for vocabulary instruction. The adoption of Amplify CK came after a rigorous evaluation process, which included a pilot test of two programs, CK and Intering. The programs were assessed for student engagement, literacy integration, accessibility, and teacher usability.

The decision to adopt Amplify CK was informed by a review process involving feedback from teachers who participated in the pilot program, as well as quantitative and narrative feedback. The program was commended for its comprehensive approach to developing readers, writers, and thinkers, and its focus on speaking, listening skills, vocabulary development, and problem-solving. The financial aspect was carefully considered, with the committee noting that the initial investment would be an upfront cost, while potential recurring costs would be covered by funds already allocated in the budget. The digital access for teachers would last for eight years, with decodable texts expected to last about three years. The committee voiced expectations that the curriculum would remain relevant for the next 5 to 8 years.

The adoption of the new curriculum also raised questions during the meeting, particularly regarding the process of data collection used to evaluate the pilot programs. Concerns were expressed about the independence of the data collection, the randomization or blinding of data, and the use of Likert scales for assessment. Additionally, the possibility of using T-testing for a more objective statistical analysis was discussed.

In anticipation of the upcoming town meeting on May 14th, the committee noted that the next step would be to present a warrant article for the funding of the curriculum. In collaboration with the select board, the committee has worked to maintain the budget and operating costs for the year within a 3% increase, highlighting the curriculum expense as a one-time, but impactful investment for students across grades K through 5.

The meeting also acknowledged the significance of Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week, with the committee expressing gratitude for the commitment of educators and staff. The high school’s Key Club and other organizations were reported to have organized events to honor teachers, including a teacher appreciation breakfast and themed activities.

Additionally, the committee discussed the process for the superintendent’s evaluation, with members required to submit their reports by May 13th. The Middle School building project was another key topic, with the presentation of various options for upgrades or new construction at two potential sites, Glenbrook and Williams, with associated costs ranging from $80 million to $154 million. The committee decided to advance several options, including a base repair code upgrade at Glenbrook and both an addition/renovation and new construction at the Williams site for 665 students.

The LPVEC report updated the committee on the progress of introducing electric buses, with five already arrived and 20 more expected soon. Efforts to install charging stations and the testing of the My Ride K12 transportation application were also mentioned.