The meeting began with the approval of a change order for the Driscoll School project, resulting in a credit of $119,800 due to the cancellation of planned window testing. This financial adjustment was unanimously approved by the committee, offering a positive note on the project’s budget management. The discussion around this credit was concise, leading to a swift vote and approval.

Following this, the student representative, Kieran, provided a report on the start of the school year at BHS. Notably, Kieran outlined the implementation of new attendance and tardy policies. These policies include a progressive disciplinary system where four tardies lead to detention, and new categories like “super tardy” and “left class” were introduced. Kieran explained that while students are adapting, some challenges remain, particularly with the seven-minute transition time between classes, which can be tight given the school’s layout.

The committee also discussed the use of “phone caddies” in classrooms, where students must place their phones at the beginning of class. This policy, continued from the previous year, has generally been well-received, though some students have faced difficulties adhering to it. Additionally, the recent Club Fair at BHS saw participation from over 140 student organizations, a significant increase from the previous year’s 60 clubs, highlighting vibrant student involvement.

The superintendent’s report featured the introduction of new staff members, including Mr. Jose Albuquerque, the new director of operations, and Sarah Apollo Ladner, who transitioned to a director position focused on establishing a pilot middle school for Winthrop House. Dr. Briana Brown was introduced as the high school science curriculum coordinator, and Mr. Alvin Cooper was welcomed as the director of Human Resources. These introductions were followed by brief remarks from each new staff member, expressing gratitude and excitement for their roles.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the School Improvement Plans (SIPs) and their integration into the budgetary process. The committee emphasized the importance of aligning SIPs with budget allocation and curriculum development, as mandated by the 1993 education reform law. The proposed budget development calendar was unanimously approved, outlining key dates for the fiscal year 2026 budget process.

The committee also delved into the superintendent’s draft goals and focus indicators for the 2025 evaluation. One of the primary goals centers on supervision and evaluation, aiming to improve student engagement through active, ongoing feedback.

Another topic was the condition of the Lincoln School playground, which has not been updated for 30 years. Several parents raised concerns about drainage problems and overall playability. In response, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has prioritized the playground’s renovation, planning for 2027 with a budget of $400,000 for planning and an anticipated $5 million for the renovation. Preliminary steps have already been taken to address drainage issues.

Traffic safety near school sites, particularly around the Old Lincoln School, was also discussed. The committee acknowledged ongoing issues with pedestrian safety and traffic congestion, with plans to implement bike lanes and widen sidewalks on School Street. Adjustments to traffic light cycles and the introduction of new crosswalks were noted as part of efforts to improve safety.

In terms of historical preservation, the committee discussed the preservation of historic plaster freezes at Pierce School. The freezes, which have educational value linked to Greek and Middle Eastern history, are being removed and stored with a restoration company. A motion to support the application for Community Preservation Act funding for their restoration was passed, despite some reservations about the additional costs.

Finally, the meeting included public comments, where a community member, Carrie Goldberg, raised concerns about a public records request filed nearly a year prior. Goldberg emphasized the lack of substantive content in the district’s response and urged the committee to address transparency and accountability regarding the request.