A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the proposal of staggered start and end times for two educational programs, Ascend Virtual School and the newly designed RPA. Ascend Virtual School was proposed to operate from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, while RPA was suggested to run from 10:30 AM to 5:25 PM. These changes aim to better accommodate students who struggle with early mornings and allow for internships and work placements. A committee member strongly supported the proposals, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among RPA students. The need for clear communication with families about these changes was highlighted to ensure decisions regarding enrollment are well-informed.

Transportation logistics were also discussed, focusing on public transportation routes near the new building location. Meetings with SERTA, the local transportation authority, are planned to address these routes and ensure transportation availability for students in the area. The committee acknowledged the importance of aligning the new start and end times with previously approved schedules and discussed whether a full committee vote was necessary, given previous precedents.

The meeting further delved into the Cartwheel mental health initiative, a partnership with Brookline and the Department of Public Health, aimed at providing mental health counseling to students and families. The program offers counseling in both English and students’ native languages, ensuring no waitlists for services and flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends. The district proposed increasing the number of counseling seats from 101 to 200 for the next school year, with an estimated cost of $150,000, partially offset by grants. The initiative was praised for its accessibility and immediate access to services, with plans to facilitate connections to in-person counseling as necessary.

Another notable discussion involved the proposal to establish a lead BCBA position within the district. This role, compensated through a stipend, would coordinate with the Extended School Year program and supervise Registered Behavior Technicians. The creation of this position aims to enhance the effectiveness of behavioral support services across schools. The committee expressed broad support for this role, emphasizing the importance of addressing social-emotional needs, which are increasingly recognized as critical for intellectual development.

The committee also explored the feasibility of a therapeutic day school for students with severe autism and other complex needs. Current out-of-district placements result in long wait times and significant costs, prompting the committee to consider utilizing the PACE building for a local program. The district spends approximately $2.6 million annually on out-of-district placements, which could be reduced with in-district solutions. The committee highlighted the need for a detailed feasibility study to assess staffing and structural needs for such a program.

In addition, the committee discussed expanding resources at Stone School to accommodate students currently awaiting out-of-district placements. The proposal included opening four new classrooms over two school years, potentially bringing back or retaining 32 students. This move could save the district approximately $167,000 per student. The committee also considered raising tuition rates for neighboring districts wishing to send students to Stone School to generate additional revenue.

The meeting concluded with discussions on staffing vacancies within the district, particularly in special education, with 141 current vacancies noted. The committee proposed referring the matter to the full committee for a decision in July to expedite the hiring process, given the competitive landscape for qualified candidates. Enhanced recruitment strategies, including promotional materials highlighting the district’s strengths, were also discussed as part of a comprehensive approach to address staffing challenges.