The meeting began with a notable public comment from Catherine York, who expressed deep concerns about her son Clinton York’s educational experience. Clinton, a 16-year-old junior with learning disabilities such as double deficit dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, has struggled within the Westfield school system. Despite having an Individualized Education Program (IEP) since the age of three and proactive parental involvement, he remains at a third-grade level in reading and math. Catherine York emphasized the lack of appropriate instruction and the emotional toll these challenges have on students, leading to anxiety and depression. She advocated for an increase in trained Orton-Gillingham and Linda Mood Bell instructors, insisting that parents should not have to fight for their children’s right to basic education. Her statement, “It shouldn’t be a part-time job fighting for your child to learn the basics of reading, writing, and math,” resonated with many.

Following public comments, the committee was presented with the ST Math program by Principal Stacy Burgess of Munger Hill Elementary. This program uses visual instructional methods and game-based puzzles to teach math concepts. The school exceeded its October engagement goal, achieving a 22% participation rate. The program’s mechanics focus on problem-solving rather than memorization, providing immediate feedback that helps educators monitor progress and adapt instruction. The committee showed interest in the program’s inclusive nature, which benefits students of all skill levels, including multilingual learners. The school aims to reach 80% progress in ST Math by the end of the year, with ongoing competitions and incentives planned to boost participation.

In policy discussions, the committee reviewed policy file JF on school admissions. Concerns were raised about the policy’s clarity, especially regarding the inclusion of pre-K students. The committee agreed on the current policy but acknowledged the need for further review. An important addition was the approval of policy file JLCA, concerning physical examinations and screenings, a policy previously absent in Westfield. The committee tailored this policy to meet local standards, with a motion for its first reading approved, highlighting the committee’s efforts to enhance student health and safety protocols.

Field trips were another significant topic, with a trip to Philadelphia and Jackson, New Jersey, scheduled for May 14-17 approved despite concerns about its timing during the MCAS testing period. A more proposal for a trip to Peru in April 2027 sparked debate due to safety concerns, as some regions were under U.S. State Department advisories. The committee sought additional safety information and decided to withdraw the proposal for further inquiry.

Financial matters were also a focal point, with Director of Finance Shannon Barry providing an overview of the district’s expenses. She highlighted a slight deficit in the internet budget due to fiber installation costs at the transition program site. Fewer students attending out-of-district vocational programs resulted in budget savings, though some legal settlements remained unresolved. Building maintenance expenses included a $53,500 deficit for architectural services related to bathroom renovations at Westfield Technical Academy, with the total project cost estimated between $600,000 and $700,000.

Personnel changes were discussed, with the restoration of several positions, including a tech supervisor and literacy and math coaches. The financial implications of these shifts were considered, particularly concerning budget allocations for substitute teachers and athletic departments. The committee approved multiple budget transfers to support these positions, focusing on reallocating funds to meet district needs.