The most newsworthy topic at the meeting was the unanimous approval of a co-op agreement with South Hadley for their boys lacrosse team. This decision followed a detailed presentation on the declining numbers of players in the Granby lacrosse program, which had previously been in a co-op with the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School. With South Hadley also experiencing a drop in enrollment, the two districts saw the opportunity to combine efforts and sustain their lacrosse offerings, with South Hadley serving as the host school. The user fee for participants was set at $250, with discussions on ensuring that financial constraints would not prevent student participation. The committee acknowledged logistical challenges, particularly in transportation, emphasizing the need for family involvement in getting players to practices and games.

Amid these developments, the meeting highlighted the district’s academic performance, specifically the encouraging MCCAST results. Despite a statewide decline, Granby reported a five-point increase in English Language Arts for grades 3 through 8, a ten-point rise in math, and a two-point gain in science. The district is analyzing these results, with staff discussions focusing on curriculum adjustments to further improve student outcomes. Concerns were raised about high school students’ participation in MCCAST, given it is no longer a graduation requirement. The committee stressed the importance of communicating the test’s value, especially for students competing for scholarships.

Another issue discussed was the community’s role in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget planning. Past complaints about inadequate information and participation prompted suggestions for more effective engagement strategies, including providing budget links in newsletters and possibly hosting public forums. The committee debated the timing of these forums, considering a December meeting to incorporate community feedback before the budget draft is finalized. The discussion also touched on using Google forms to collect public questions and comments. The effectiveness of previous attempts to engage the community was questioned, with suggestions to live-stream meetings to boost participation.

The meeting further explored the district’s fiscal challenges, with updates on the FY27 budget calendar and ongoing negotiations. The district is preparing for a challenging budget cycle, with expectations for clearer guidance once the governor’s cherry sheet is released in January. The committee noted the need for a policy subcommittee meeting and early budget discussions to address emerging financial needs. The potential withholding of Chapter 70 funds due to pending information from the town administrator was also a concern, emphasizing the need for close coordination and timely data sharing.

Additionally, the meeting acknowledged the recent achievements of the girls’ soccer team, though concerns were raised about the high cost of attending high school events, which could deter community support despite the team’s success. The meeting concluded with a mention of a joint committee meeting with the select board that had been canceled due to scheduling conflicts, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve coordination and address budgetary challenges.