The approval of Washington D.C. trips for students was a focal point of the meeting. Superintendent Kirk Downing introduced Middle School Principals Bates, Grady, and O’Shea to discuss the importance and logistics of the trips. Mr. O’Shea emphasized the educational value, stating, “The opportunity to travel out of state to Washington D.C. is a phenomenal opportunity for our students.” O’Shea highlighted the success and positive feedback from past trips.

Mr. Bates proposed a unique initiative for Florence Sawyer School. This would allow for two concurrent trips: one for current eighth graders in the spring and another for seventh graders in the fall. Bates noted benefits of a fall trip, such as lower crowds and alignment with the eighth-grade curriculum focused on civics and government.

Mr. Grady elaborated on coordination efforts at the Stow school, particularly the role of Mr. Kearney in managing logistics. Grady acknowledged operational differences among schools but affirmed the consistent educational value of the trips. The committee raised concerns about scheduling the trip during the last week of May when Congress is typically not in session. Amy Cohen praised the fall trip concept for its potential to help families plan expenses more effectively, seeking clarification on cost differences and advance commitments.

Following the discussions, the committee approved the Washington D.C. trips for the current school year and the Florence Sawyer School trip for fall 2025, both unanimously. The principals expressed gratitude, emphasizing the positive experiences these trips provide for students.

Another discussion centered around various staffing updates, particularly in the special education sector. The committee acknowledged past hiring struggles and highlighted ongoing efforts to round out lunchroom monitor positions funded through the Food Services budget. This funding strategy alleviates pressure from the operational budget, allowing teachers and instructional assistants to focus on student services rather than cafeteria duties.

The meeting also featured an update on the Food Services Program, announcing the addition of a kitchen manager at Hail Middle School. The substitute pool is expanding, thanks to an incentive program approved last year. Efforts to attract more substitutes include posting signs along Route 117.

Staffing adjustments made during the summer were discussed, including a net reduction of 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) at Florence Sawyer School by reducing a health position and increasing an art position. At Hail Middle School, staffing changes resulted from staff movements to other districts. Mary Rollinson School saw no net change in staffing, except for activating a previously held position to provide academic support for fourth and fifth grades. At Noober Regional High School, there was a 0.2 increase in Spanish staffing due to student interest, and the school psychologist’s presence increased from three to four days a week.

The superintendent updated the committee on the new pilot schedule for Nashoba Regional High School, set to begin on October 7th. This schedule aims to enhance the student learning experience with a 7-day rotation, eliminating one period each day for longer class periods. A new flex block period will be introduced twice a week for teacher collaboration and targeted student support. Feedback from staff and students will be gathered post-pilot to inform future implementation.

The committee then discussed the formulation and approval of goals for the upcoming two-year cycle, aligning with the district’s strategic plan. The chair of the budget and warrants subcommittee, Scott Powell, outlined their goal focusing on the district budget. The communication subcommittee, led by Amy, aimed to facilitate communication with the student advisory council and enhance access to meeting materials. Sharon presented the personnel subcommittee’s goals, focusing on the superintendent’s evaluation process.

A significant recognition during the meeting was for Mrs. Thuli, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, who received the 2024-2025 Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year award from the National Council for Social Studies. The committee celebrated her achievement, with Thuli expressing gratitude for the community’s support and acknowledging Laura Padington’s encouragement in her nomination.