The budget cut discussion dominated the agenda as committee members grappled with the consequences. The reduction’s ramifications on educational quality and staffing levels were at the forefront of concerns, with members exploring various responses, including engaging with the community and petitioning the Board of Selectmen. The committee sought clarity on the motion’s specifics and questioned the involvement of the finance committee in the decision-making process. A strategy to communicate with town residents about the budget cut implications was considered essential to counter the potential negative impacts.

In addition to financial deliberations, the committee approved the reorganization of the committee for the 2024-2025 year. The new roles within the committee were filled, establishing leadership positions for the upcoming term.

Curriculum changes were a significant focal point. After extensive review and collaboration, the committee decided to maintain the use of Stem Scopes for elementary levels and implement McGraw Hill curriculums for middle and high school levels. This decision was based on various factors, including the curriculums’ alignment with Massachusetts standards and their accessibility for both teachers and students.

The meeting also delved into the elementary report card changes, highlighting updates to standards, performance criteria, and student behaviors. These changes aim to align with the district’s educational objectives and will be communicated to families through an FAQ to ensure transparency and understanding.

Another agenda item was the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Feasibility Study Agreement. The committee reviewed the feasibility study budget, which included costs for an owner’s project manager, designer, environmental and site testing, and underscored the importance of accurate enrollment certification numbers for the project.

The committee also tackled the negotiation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding grade reconfiguration, which encompassed start and end times for educators, team leadership, and logistical adjustments. The superintendent’s midcycle evaluation was discussed, emphasizing the coherence across the evaluation system and the superintendent’s performance in relation to the committee’s priorities.

Further discussions included the school’s focus on increasing student proficiency rates through curriculum and instruction. Specific attention was paid to literacy work for male students, with the committee approving the purchase of new reading materials tailored to engage this demographic. Additionally, initiatives such as the Men’s Leadership group were highlighted, providing students with career pathway exposure and leadership development opportunities.

The committee also reviewed the district’s special education civil rights monitoring report, praising the positive work with English language learners, and considered the school consolidation and grade reconfiguration plans. Staff meetings and discussions on the reconfiguration were ongoing, with a focus on ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff alike.

The meeting concluded with updates on the end-of-year celebrations, a proposal for the special education department’s reorganization, and the assistant superintendent’s presentation of the reconfiguration plan for the special education department. The committee also discussed the addition of a full-time admin assistant and LPN to support nursing needs.