Superintendent Dr. Kelly R. Clenchy led the conversation on the necessity of maintaining high standards in the school district’s hiring process, particularly emphasizing the importance of thorough background checks and fingerprinting for all employees. This comes after a contracted employee was charged with a serious crime against a child, prompting an apology from the Superintendent to the community and affected families, and underscoring the need for vigilance in the hiring process. The committee agreed unanimously on the importance of comprehensive vetting procedures to guarantee the safety of the school community.

The meeting also addressed the survey conducted by students at Littleton High School, which brought to light the students’ perceptions of racism and diversity within the school. Notably, over half of the students felt their education provided an accurate and respectful approach to learning about different cultures and races, but a portion of the student body expressed uncertainty or disagreement. These findings led to a deeper conversation about the need for improvement in educating students about different cultures and races, as well as addressing racism within the school system.

The committee also reviewed the survey revealing that 62% of students had witnessed race-based jokes at school, and a concern was raised regarding the majority of students who hesitated to speak up when encountering racism. This hesitation could impede the progress in creating an inclusive environment. The committee was also presented with responses to an open-ended question about racism at the school, highlighting contrasting student perspectives on whether racism was a problem at Littleton High School.

In response to these concerns, the committee considered various proposals, including involving students in the hiring process of teachers, implementing a restorative justice program, and providing further education on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The suggestion to diversify the school’s curriculum was a focal point, with the idea to include works by authors of color and teaching history from a more inclusive perspective. The importance of addressing racial dynamics in the school was emphasized, with recognition given to the students’ initiative and the implications of their perspective in driving change.

The World Language curriculum coordinator shared the department’s achievements and vision for promoting linguistic and cultural proficiency and global citizenship. The History and Social Science Department coordinator discussed the implementation of a new Civics education program and the alignment of genocide education across different grades.

The discussion on social studies classes revealed new focuses, such as the history of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in medieval Europe, the Crusades, and the definition of genocide. High school courses were noted for their Eurocentric approach, but efforts were being made to incorporate more diverse voices. Furthermore, the committee discussed the integration of genocide education into the curriculum, emphasizing professional development and the partnership with Facing History and Ourselves.

The English Department’s presentation highlighted their initiatives in recognizing students’ cultural backgrounds, hands-on learning, and accomplishments in improving student performance. They also discussed the use of technology in the classroom, including AI, and the challenges of preparing for advancements in technology. The meeting included a sports update, discussing the winter athletics program, the importance of maintaining sports facilities, and the recognition of student athletes’ achievements.

In addition to these topics, the committee also discussed the Littleton Track Organization (LTO) and its collaboration with the recreation department and the Department of Public Works in managing outdoor facilities. There was also a report on the overall participation rate in sports, which had decreased post-COVID, and the adoption of a code of conduct for school committee members.