A highlight of the meeting was the discussion around the positive impact of the district’s first Unified Sports team, which brought together students with and without disabilities to participate in athletic activities. A representative from the Westport Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) thanked the committee for their support in establishing the team, emphasizing the profound effects it has had on participants and their families. The initiative fostered acceptance and inclusion, with families expressing appreciation for the opportunities it provided their children. The representative noted, “Families have shared the importance and impact this team has had on their students being by their peers,” underscoring the joy and pride students felt in their achievements. The success of the program extended beyond students with disabilities, as Unified Partners also gained valuable leadership skills and increased compassion.

The CPAC has also been active in various efforts to enhance inclusivity across the district. They partnered with Parent-Teacher Organization events to create inclusive experiences, such as providing noise-canceling headphones at events and setting up sensory play areas. The council’s recent attainment of nonprofit status enables them to fund additional programs, including a Unified Bocce team and resources for the Westport High School café. Their ongoing initiatives aim to expand Unified sports and activities to younger students, promoting inclusion from an early age. The committee members responded enthusiastically, praising the community engagement and the successful atmosphere at recent Unified Sports games.

Another focal point of the meeting was the recognition of State Representative Paul Schmid, who is retiring in January. The committee honored Schmid for his longstanding contributions to the Westport community and school district. His efforts included securing $660,000 in funding for the district, which facilitated the installation of HVAC systems and the acquisition of zSpace computers and software. Committee members expressed deep gratitude for Schmid’s accessibility and support, with one recounting how his guidance was invaluable during their campaign for the school committee. Schmid, in turn, acknowledged the hard work of the committee and school staff and advocated for continued support of local farming and fishing communities. The discussion concluded with a presentation of a token of gratitude to Schmid, celebrating his impact on the district.

The meeting also addressed changes to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing requirements. Superintendent Thomas F. Aubin explained the new legislation that, effective December 5, alters how students’ competency determination for diplomas is assessed. While students will still need to meet local graduation requirements, they will no longer be bound by the qualifying scores of the MCAS tests in science, math, and English. Concerns were raised about the potential confusion and challenges schools might face as they adapt to the new guidelines. The superintendent emphasized the need for clarity around local requirements for graduation, noting that this change would likely be a “notable topic” as the district navigates its implications.

The committee’s meeting also covered various operational updates, including upcoming meetings and member commitments to other town committees. Discussions touched on the Capital Improvement Planning Committee and the importance of school committee representation at these meetings to ensure school interests are considered. The superintendent reported no concerning trends in student attendance, attributing improvements to enhanced efforts in student accountability and engagement. Health concerns such as respiratory illnesses were acknowledged, but overall, attendance was highlighted as a critical factor for student success.

Further, the committee reviewed the school warrant for funding, ongoing communications with a utility company, and the establishment of a Fund Advisory Committee. They confirmed a representative from the Westport Education Foundation, who had recently been sworn in. Amendments to a memorandum of agreement with the teachers’ federation regarding clubs and athletics were also discussed, along with the approval of grants for school programs.

The revised school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was addressed, specifically adjusting senior graduation dates to align with state requirements. The committee explored the potential consolidation of voting precincts and the implications of utilizing school facilities on voting days. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve out-of-state field trips, recognizing the pep band for their invitation to perform at an event and their contributions to school events.