The Innovation Pathways initiative, supported by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Vermont State University, is designed to align high school coursework with real-world applications. The committee is developing two distinct pathways: the Adventure Leadership Innovation Pathway and the Mental Health Innovation Pathway. The Adventure Leadership program will focus on outdoor education, offering students the opportunity to earn certifications like Wilderness First Aid through partnerships with organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club. This pathway will include a unique course set to run during an “X block” and potentially involve weekend outings.

Conversely, the Mental Health Innovation Pathway aims to cater to students interested in psychology and counseling careers. This program is still in the planning stages, with efforts underway to create relevant coursework and establish partnerships with local organizations to provide students with practical experiences in the mental health field. The committee clarified that student interest has been the driving force behind these pathways, with a clear distinction made between the two to avoid any confusion.

Another topic at the meeting was the expansion of concurrent enrollment opportunities, which differ from dual enrollment by allowing students to take college-level courses directly through their high school. These courses, developed in collaboration with Vermont State University and Greenfield Community College, aim to provide students with the chance to earn college credits without leaving the high school campus. The committee expressed enthusiasm for offering up to 24 courses, hoping to enable students to graduate with credits equivalent to a full semester of college study.

Logistics surrounding the development of these new courses were also discussed, with a preference for year-long courses to provide more comprehensive learning experiences. The involvement of 24 staff members in refining course descriptions and the potential to rotate offerings every other year were highlighted as unique aspects of this initiative.

The meeting also touched on financial and logistical matters, including the approval of grants totaling $27,200 and updates on capital projects. The committee noted the town’s approval to use ARPA funding for a freezer project and HVAC upgrades at Smith Academy. Discussions on facility maintenance emphasized the need to address aging infrastructure, such as roofs and HVAC systems, with boilers at the elementary school identified as a priority.

In addition to these discussions, the committee reviewed updates to the Smith Academy handbook. The committee approved these updates, emphasizing the importance of aligning handbook language with legal standards.

Another topic of interest was the policy subcommittee’s report on revising student conduct policies, with plans to incorporate restorative practices and ensure clarity between policies on student conduct and discipline. A motion to rename policy JIC to “student discipline” was approved, facilitating a clearer distinction between the two policies.

The committee also addressed the topic of school choice seats for the upcoming year, finalizing the number of open spots across various grades. This decision was seen as necessary to facilitate the application process, with a deadline set for February 14.

Finally, the meeting concluded with discussions on the school year calendar for 2025-2026, focusing on professional development days and ensuring clarity in scheduling. The committee approved the proposed calendar, incorporating changes to align with school and community needs.