The meeting’s primary focus was on the school budget, where members discussed the necessity for a comprehensive, zero-based budget approach. Emphasizing the importance of data, one member highlighted the need to justify budget requests to the town effectively, stating the importance of making a compelling argument to secure support from voters. This was underscored by the recognition that the upcoming budget year presented challenges that required strategic planning and communication to ensure community understanding and support.

To address these challenges, the committee outlined goals to improve communication with the community, focusing on both outgoing and incoming information. There was a strong emphasis on transparency, with suggestions to create one-page summaries and presentation decks to clarify budget matters for families and community members. Members proposed hosting public meetings and conducting surveys to gauge the community’s understanding of the school budget, particularly during fall and spring semesters.

In addition to budget transparency, the committee explored ways to enhance communication more broadly within the district and with the community. They discussed developing a “district and committee stories” initiative to improve information dissemination. This would involve updates from the superintendent and other school officials, with a focus on future-proofing communication tools to ensure their longevity and usability.

The committee also considered a goals tracker to communicate progress effectively and keep the community informed about their initiatives. Utilizing familiar Google tools, they proposed launching this tracker by mid-November. Members highlighted the importance of open and transparent communication.

Beyond communication, the meeting addressed the potential for increased educator and student representation within the committee’s decision-making processes. Members discussed holding joint listening sessions with administration to gain insights from educators on various issues, including budget discussions and student services. The possibility of adding an educator representative to the committee was considered, alongside enhancing the role of the student representative.

The committee also acknowledged its responsibilities in supporting the superintendent with the district improvement plan, viewing it as a roadmap for future budgets and staffing. Emphasizing the importance of aligning committee goals with this plan, they sought to ensure strategic planning and consistency in their communication efforts.

Attention then turned to the development of communication tools, with some members advocating for exploring social media to reach a broader audience. There was a suggestion for committee members to take responsibility for communications, using their channels to “rebroadcast” information and alleviate pressure on the administration.

During updates from various subcommittees, a member reported on a meeting with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC), stressing the importance of collaboration on the special education budget. The policy subcommittee was also mentioned, with ongoing revisions to existing policies and an invitation for suggestions from the full committee.