A primary focus of the meeting was the formation of a subcommittee to oversee the search for a new superintendent, following Dr. Clenchy’s announcement of his retirement effective July 1, 2026. The committee recognized the need to begin the search process well in advance, acknowledging the importance of a seamless transition in leadership. The subcommittee will evaluate various search methodologies, including potential collaboration with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), which offers a full-service search option at a cost of $11,500. However, some members expressed a preference for a hands-on approach, despite the availability of external expertise. The subcommittee will also gather community feedback to identify desirable qualities in a new superintendent and is expected to report back by January 2026. The timeline sets a goal for posting the job later in January, conducting interviews in March, and ideally extending an offer by then, allowing some overlap with Dr. Clenchy for a smoother transition.

In tandem with leadership changes, the meeting addressed ongoing safety initiatives within the district. The school resource officer provided updates on safety protocols, particularly the Alice protocol, which stands for alert, lockdown, inform, counter, and evacuate. The officer also shared details on recent safety drills and a reunification tabletop exercise, which involved administrators and public safety personnel. The district’s security systems were discussed, with weekly checks of surveillance cameras ensuring their functionality. There was also a conversation about the potential benefits of labeling windows for first responders, though the necessity of this measure remains under consideration.

Additionally, the meeting explored the mental health crisis affecting students, emphasizing the severe shortage of child psychiatrists in the United States. The district is considering a “Tier 4” model for mental health support, which involves schools directly coordinating and delivering services instead of relying solely on external providers. The conversation acknowledged the financial implications of such a model but noted potential savings from reduced out-of-district placements.

The meeting also featured discussions on community engagement strategies. One innovative approach is the launch of a monthly podcast to increase communication with residents. Additionally, the committee is exploring ways to hold virtual town meetings to better accommodate residents with family obligations. The importance of community involvement was underscored, particularly in light of past efforts to secure funding for new school projects.

Finally, updates were provided on the Shaker Lane building project, with the committee engaging a construction manager after a thorough bidding process. Interviews with candidates are scheduled for mid-December, with a final decision expected shortly thereafter.