The establishment of the regional transportation reimbursement fund emerged as a key highlight of the meeting. This fund will allow the district to deposit state transportation reimbursements and carry over any unspent funds into the next fiscal year, a shift from the current practice where such funds are returned to the excess and deficiency account. By enabling better budget planning, the fund aims to accommodate increased transportation funding anticipated from the Student Opportunity Act.

In a related development, the committee deliberated various budget proposals for the fiscal year 2021. The proposals included funding for a director of school counseling and a coordinator of social-emotional learning to address the counselor-to-student ratio concerns, particularly at Paige Hilltop. The high school and middle school also face counselor shortages, prompting recommendations for additional hires. These roles are designed to support student mental health and well-being, aligning with the district’s focus on holistic education.

Curriculum updates formed another focal point of the meeting. The introduction of a computer science department with five new courses, including AP Computer Science A and cyber security, was discussed. These courses aim to expand student exposure to technology and improve accountability scores. Similarly, the mathematics department is replacing the advanced math applications course with an advanced algebra and trigonometry class to better prepare students for college-level courses and exams like the ACUPLACER.

The world languages and science departments also reported changes. The transition of AP Spanish from an online to an in-person format, alongside real-life skill integration such as cooking and cultural dance classes, seeks to boost student success and enrollment. Meanwhile, the science department introduced an AP Physics C mechanics course, responding to student demand for more rigorous offerings, and a new cancer innovation lab, although the genetics course was eliminated due to overlap.

Athletic achievements were highlighted, with reports of increased winter sports participation and notable performances across basketball, ice hockey, and track teams. The boys’ basketball team improved from previous seasons, and the girls’ team qualified for the full season. The girls’ ice hockey team secured a league title, while the swim team saw a freshman swimmer achieve a personal record.

Facility updates included plans for expanding parking at Ayer Regional High School, following site plan approval by the planning board. The proposed development, set to begin over the summer, aims to address parking needs with cost-saving measures such as utilizing an existing curb cut.

Policy discussions concluded the meeting, focusing on the proposed naming policy for new facilities. The policy grants the regional school committee authority over naming school properties, with stipulations for honoring community-serving individuals. Concerns were raised over potential financial implications tied to naming rights, emphasizing the need for a policy that respects service over monetary contributions.