The primary focus of the meeting was a discussion about revising the school’s admissions lottery system. In light of updated state regulations, the committee proposed transitioning to an unweighted lottery, which would allocate one ticket per completed application. This approach was favored over a weighted lottery as it was seen to offer a more equitable opportunity for all applicants. The members emphasized that the unweighted system would allow a fair chance for every student, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

The proposed system also included a strategic plan for seat allocation across the participating municipalities. The committee recommended using a ten-year average of ninth-grade enrollment statistics to determine the distribution of seats. The lottery would be conducted based on these allocations, with an annual review to maintain fairness. Each municipality would receive its designated number of seats through the lottery process, and any vacated seats would first be offered to waitlisted students from the same city or town before considering those from the general waitlist.

The timeline for applications was also planned, with midyear admissions opening on November 1st and applications due by December 1st. Regular admissions deadlines for incoming ninth graders and grades nine and ten were set for January 9th and February 1st, respectively. The committee aimed to accommodate the holiday period, allowing families ample time to apply. An essential component of this process was residency verification, requiring applicants to submit proof of residency such as utility bills or lease agreements before enrollment.

Additional discussions during the meeting revolved around the percentage distribution of seats among towns. For instance, Haverhill was allocated 68% of the seats, translating to 231 seats in a class of 340. This data prompted questions about addressing situations where smaller towns might not meet their quotas. The committee was praised for its thoughtful, student-centered deliberation and the commitment to transitioning to a blind lottery system to promote equity. However, there were concerns about effectively communicating the new midyear admissions process to students and schools.

Beyond the admissions lottery changes, the meeting also brought attention to community collaboration and student involvement in local projects. Updates were provided on significant ongoing projects involving students from the carpentry, CAD drafting, and HVAC departments. Notably, carpentry students were engaged in rebuilding exterior stairs at the Georgetown Electric Light facility, and plans were in place for the Georgetown Water Department to replace a door with a new window. The Haverhill Fire Department and Historical Society requested student assistance for refurbishing signs and creating a commemorative sign for the Lake Whittier dance hall.

The committee also emphasized cooperative education, with 179 students, or 56.6% of the senior class, participating in co-op programs. Efforts to expand these opportunities included new business partnerships and pre-apprentice cards for high-performing students to pursue union jobs. Industry-recognized credentials were another focal point, with juniors and sophomores working towards OSHA 10 and hutwork credentials, and seniors achieving EPA certification for refrigeration.

The meeting further highlighted the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program, recognized for its role in supporting high school graduates with grant-funded training and career placement. Participants undergo a rigorous training program with career coaching and industry exposure. The Superintendent shared her experiences attending meetings and engaging with community stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming building project and eligibility items due by October 30th.

Consideration of potential Chapter 74 programs, including criminal justice, environmental science, and robotics, was also on the agenda, driven by regional workforce needs. The committee explored articulation agreements with local colleges to facilitate students’ transition to higher education. The discussion included the importance of aligning new programs with labor market demands and ensuring viable employment opportunities for students.

Towards the meeting’s end, the proposal to add Frank Cousins as co-chair of the school building committee was discussed and approved, despite concerns about the unusual nature of appointing co-chairs. Additionally, the establishment of a subcommittee to amend the regional agreement was deliberated, with emphasis on fair representation and collaboration among the eleven communities served by the school.