A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Shaker Lane building project. Community involvement was emphasized, with plans for two community tours scheduled for November 13 and November 19. These tours aim to provide public insight into the school’s current conditions and the proposed design and scope of the project. The necessity of renovations was highlighted by discussions of overcrowding and insufficient facilities, particularly in areas requiring specialized support like physical therapy and behavioral services. The tours are intended to bridge the gap between the community’s perception and the actual needs within the school, fostering a transparent dialogue about the project’s implications.

The committee proposed holding in-person public tours to facilitate direct interaction and allow attendees to ask questions on-site. There was a suggestion to broadcast the meeting remotely for those unable to attend in person. Additionally, a brief presentation is planned for an upcoming town meeting, although questions will not be entertained at that time due to expected large attendance. Instead, public input will be gathered through a Google form and a question box, providing structured opportunities for community feedback.

Alongside infrastructure discussions, the committee delved into the district’s professional development strategies. The District Professional Development Plan for the 2024 school year was outlined, focusing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), literacy initiatives, and the integration of technology. The plan includes ten early release days and a district-wide professional development day on November 5, which will feature collaboration with neighboring districts like Harvard and Ayer-Shirley.

The meeting detailed a shift in the professional development format, moving away from traditional keynote sessions to multiple workshops throughout the day. Topics for these workshops include “support through connectivity,” “empowering families,” and “AI,” among others. The workshops are designed to promote deeper engagement among educators, allowing them to revisit and expand on topics across several sessions.

A novel approach to professional development was introduced through a choice board system, enabling educators to select their learning paths. This system encourages self-directed engagement with materials, including articles, podcasts, and videos. The committee emphasized the importance of curriculum mapping during early release days, aligning instructional practices with educational standards and avoiding curriculum gaps. Faculty-led sessions within the professional development framework allow staff to offer or attend sessions facilitated by colleagues, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The implementation of a new literacy curriculum, “Wit and Wisdom,” was also discussed. An implementation team, comprising reading specialists and grade-level representatives, has been established to support the rollout. This team collaborates with the publisher, Great Minds, to provide comprehensive training on the curriculum’s benefits and methodology. The aim is to ensure effective lesson planning and share successful strategies among educators.