Overcrowding in classrooms dominated the conversation, with reports of some classes having as many as 40 students. This issue was exacerbated by the significant teacher loss at the high school level, resulting in a drastic increase in class sizes. Stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents, voiced their frustration over the inability to provide or receive individualized attention. The committee acknowledged that class size targets outlined in their collective bargaining agreement were not being met, leading to an average class size higher than what is considered manageable. Teachers shared experiences of feeling overwhelmed, with one describing the physical constraints by stating, “I’m literally crawling over desks and sitting on heat registers.”

The overcrowding issue was further highlighted by a survey sent to teaching staff, revealing widespread feelings of burnout and frustration. Teachers expressed concerns about failing to provide necessary support due to high student numbers. Comments from parents echoed these sentiments, with one noting that students are not being adequately challenged because teachers lack the bandwidth to do so. The community expressed anxiety over the potential loss of quality teachers, who may leave the profession due to the overwhelming conditions.

Budgetary concerns were another focal point of the meeting, with committee members and stakeholders discussing the need for increased funding. The superintendent’s report included updates on advocacy efforts for the proposed FY27 budget, with meetings held with town officials to discuss budget cycles and capital expenses. There was hope for additional state funding, though local revenue generation remained uncertain. The feedback from various stakeholders emphasized the district’s need for more resources to address issues such as large class sizes and inadequate instructional support.

In addition to classroom and budget issues, the committee addressed the impact of these constraints on special education and high-achieving students. Concerns were raised about the inadequate support for students requiring additional help due to high student-to-teacher ratios.

The meeting also delved into ongoing monitoring visits related to special education and civil rights. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) conducted a review involving record examinations, site visits, and interviews. Following these visits, remote interviews with selected staff members were planned, leading to a pre-finding report expected in February. The committee also discussed the implementation of recommendations from prior program reviews, including additional training on the new Individualized Education Program (IEP) model and exploring the team chair position to facilitate meetings at the building level.

Concerns about the district’s music program were also brought to the fore, with reports of declining student participation in band and festival events. The middle school music program’s struggles were highlighted as a factor affecting the high school program. Parents and music boosters voiced alarm over the program’s future viability amid budget constraints, urging collaboration with school district leaders to find solutions. The committee was informed that participation in music programs had dropped significantly, with fewer students involved in marching band and festival events. The lack of dedicated resources and attention to the middle school program was noted as a significant contributing factor to the decline of the overall music program.

Discussions also covered the ongoing challenges of health insurance costs, with a 15% increase noted last year. The committee is exploring options for healthcare coverage, including new insurance providers or joining a municipal purchasing group. A health insurance committee, comprising union representatives and school administration, has been meeting monthly to explore potential solutions, though union agreement is necessary for any changes.

Finally, the committee reviewed updates to school policies related to meal modifications and the physical education curriculum. Recommendations from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and DESE were integrated into existing policies. The committee also discussed the organizational meeting policy for the school committee, focusing on the rotation of committee chairs and the potential benefits of stable leadership during challenging times.