The Lincoln D. Lynch roof project emerged as a pressing matter, with the committee facing setbacks after losing an appeal regarding the rejection of a low bidder. The Attorney General’s office sided with the bidder, and a notification to proceed was sent to both the original and low bidder with specific stipulations. This decision was received just hours before the meeting, leaving limited time for the committee to outline next steps. The timeline for the project is tight, with potential work slated for late December into January, contingent on weather conditions. Concerns were raised about possible winter damage to the roof if the project is delayed until spring. Temporary protective measures were suggested, with estimated costs around $20,000, highlighting the committee’s urgency in finding a viable solution to prevent further damage.

Policy reviews were another focal point of the meeting, with five significant policies up for their second reading. These included updates to policies on student fundraising, non-discrimination, and sexual harassment. Policy JJ, related to student fundraising activities, was primarily updated to include language about raffles, a frequent topic of inquiry. The town clerk’s office is compiling an informational packet to provide clarity on raffle permits, which will be accessible on the town’s website.

The committee also reviewed policy AC, addressing non-discrimination, which underwent a complete overhaul based on legal advice and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees’ standards. This policy, last updated in 2019, now aligns with current state laws. Similarly, policy ACA, concerning non-discrimination based on sex, was updated to reflect changes in federal regulations, particularly Title IX. The committee noted that the previous language was already compliant, and the update ensures ongoing adherence to federal standards.

Policy ACAB, addressing sexual harassment, also underwent significant revision, with the last update dating back to 2014. The revised policy aligns with current legal standards and includes comprehensive implementation procedures available on the school’s website. Lastly, policy ACCE, focusing on non-discrimination based on disability, received minor updates, primarily grammatical and legal references.

The committee expedited the approval of these policies through a unanimous vote, recognizing the necessity of updating outdated policies, some of which had not been reviewed since 2013. Plans for ongoing policy evaluation were also discussed.

In addition to policy updates, the meeting highlighted the school improvement plans presented by principals from the middle and high schools. These plans emphasized data-driven decision-making, student engagement, and effective communication. At Nichols Middle School, the focus was on developing a continuous data cycle and implementing a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to enhance student achievement. The school aims to foster a sense of belonging and community, with initiatives like the Junior National Honor Society and various student recognition programs being discussed.

Communication with parents and the community was identified as a critical focus area, with strategies proposed to enhance transparency and involvement. This included organizing open houses, parent conferences, and “coffee with the principal” sessions to facilitate informal discussions between parents and school leadership.

The high school improvement plans centered on aligning instructional practices with Advanced Placement (AP) course requirements, creating smoother transitions for students from college preparatory programs to AP courses. The establishment of professional learning communities (PLCs) was introduced as a replacement for traditional faculty meetings, providing nearly 40 hours of collaborative planning time throughout the school year. These PLCs aim to foster collaboration across various subjects, integrating special education teachers with general education staff to address student performance collectively.

The meeting also addressed a proposal to increase substitute teacher rates. The proposed rates for certified substitutes were increased from $140 to $175 and from $145 to $182, with the proposal passing unanimously.

In efforts to improve school culture and student engagement, a consultant had been brought in to analyze the school’s climate, leading to initiatives to enhance peer support and engagement. Traditions like having concert choirs perform the national anthem at home senior games were introduced, and plans to revive underclassman awards night were discussed.