A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing the district’s financial challenges, with a budget subcommittee reporting on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The proposed budget of approximately $109 million represents a 21% increase that town officials deemed unsustainable, as it could potentially compromise funding for other departments. The committee is working to balance educational needs with the town’s financial limitations, exploring options such as a contentious tax override to meet budgetary requirements.

During discussions, concerns were raised about the potential long-term consequences of inadequate funding. It was noted that without sufficient financial support, class sizes could increase to 35 or even 40 students, and extracurricular activities might be eliminated. This scenario was deemed unacceptable, with calls for towns to increase their financial contributions to prevent further staffing cuts. The urgency of establishing a sustainable budget that addresses both educational needs and fiscal realities was emphasized, with an urgent call for collaboration between the school committee and town officials.

In tandem with financial discussions, the committee highlighted the successful launch of the Unified Sports Program. Developed in collaboration with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, the program’s inaugural session included a unified strength and conditioning program with 16 student participants. The enthusiasm surrounding the initiative was apparent, with 57 students and parents attending information sessions. The program aims to foster inclusion, with plans to expand offerings to include track and field and basketball in the coming year.

The program received positive feedback from students, staff, and parents, emphasizing the value of student interactions and relationship building in an after-school setting. The committee expressed a desire to increase family attendance at future events, leveraging well-attended gatherings such as the upcoming multi-lingual award ceremony to boost participation.

Another central topic was the NAS accreditation process, which involves a comprehensive self-reflection report from the high school. The report, collaboratively written by staff, parents, families, and students, serves as the foundation for the school’s growth plan. The NAS accreditation team conducted a collaborative conference visit, assessing the school’s alignment with accreditation standards. The committee discussed the potential implications of failing to secure necessary funding to meet accreditation standards, recalling a previous probationary period as a serious reminder.

The committee also addressed curriculum adjustments, specifically changes to the physical education program. The current structure for ninth graders remains unchanged, while tenth graders will experience a new “Wellness year” integrating PE and Health classes. These modifications aim to provide a holistic approach to student wellness, blending classroom and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Community members participated during the public comment segment, sharing concerns about the school budget’s implications for the district. Parents voiced the need for a comprehensive audit of operational costs and the exploration of privatization options. The idea of a tax override was brought up, with parents expressing willingness to pay higher taxes if it would enhance educational quality. There was a shared sentiment that the issue should be addressed promptly rather than postponed, with one parent stating, “this major community problem cannot stand to be pushed into next year.”

The meeting concluded with encouragement for community participation in upcoming budget hearings, especially the one scheduled for March 12. The superintendent emphasized the importance of these hearings as a platform for thorough engagement on budgetary matters, urging community members to attend and contribute to the discussion.