The meeting saw the approval of four new roles, deemed essential to address current and future needs within the district. These include an early childhood autism specialist, an adjustment school counselor for Page Hilltop, a digital literacy integration specialist, and a director of equity and school counseling services. The necessity for these positions was articulated, with the autism specialist position highlighted for its critical role in supporting preschoolers on the autism spectrum and their families. This position was noted to require experience with culturally diverse families.

The adjustment school counselor role was justified by an increase in student population at Hilltop, necessitating a better counselor-to-student ratio. Meanwhile, the digital literacy integration specialist was identified as crucial in supporting the district’s hybrid and remote learning models, particularly in light of the increased reliance on technology due to the pandemic. The director of equity and school counseling services position aims to enhance diversity and equity initiatives, with responsibilities including conducting equity audits and developing programs promoting inclusiveness.

The financial implications of these new positions were discussed, with assurances given that the general fund could cover the associated costs without altering the funding sources previously laid out in the FY21 budget. Concerns about future economic conditions affecting state funding were raised, but it was noted that Title One and IDA grants would support the autism specialist position, despite inherent risks of funding reductions.

Sports adaptations in response to COVID-19 were another focal point. The committee discussed the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) decision to introduce a fourth sports season, prioritizing it over spring sports that lost their entire season last year. This prompted questions about fairness and the potential for spring sports to have a postseason, given their lost opportunities. The concept of “pod playoffs” was introduced, allowing teams to compete within designated groups to ensure participation despite traditional tournament cancellations.

The committee approved motions to allow participation in fall sports, including remote learning students and middle school students in high school sports. Safety measures and logistical considerations were outlined, including team size limitations, travel arrangements, and hygiene protocols. The committee emphasized the value of maintaining exercise and sports participation for students’ overall well-being during the pandemic.

Concerns about facilities, particularly the condition of the football field during late winter and early spring, were addressed, with contingency plans to use local turf fields if necessary. Moreover, the possibility of athletes participating in multiple sports was confirmed, providing students with expanded opportunities to engage in athletics.

The discussion on equity extended to the approval of a resolution drafted by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), which aimed to ensure anti-racist practices within the district. The committee debated the resolution’s language and scope, preferring a focus on district-specific responsibilities rather than broader oversight of other districts. Adjustments to the resolution included changes from “eradicated” to “identified, addressed, and eliminated,” reflecting a more practical approach to addressing racial issues. The resolution’s language will undergo further refinement by the subcommittee before returning for a second reading.

The meeting also touched on the approval of the 2021 student handbooks, which incorporated revisions in line with COVID-19 guidelines. These updates were linked to the district’s return-to-school blueprint, with the inclusion of health protocols like mask-wearing and hand sanitizer use. Concerns about cell phone policies and locker usage were also addressed, with a call for policies that balance safety with student needs.