The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for Gabriel, a beloved senior and athlete whose passing deeply affected the school community. The superintendent expressed condolences to Gabriel’s family, acknowledging the profound emotional impact on students and staff. He praised the rapid response of counselors and staff who provided essential support to help the community navigate this difficult period. This tragic event set a somber tone for the meeting.

In a detailed curriculum update, the focus shifted to the district’s literacy and mathematics programs. The committee discussed the phased implementation of Amplify ELA for K-8 students and outlined the adoption of HMH Into Reading for grades K-5. These programs were selected for their alignment with educational standards and their focus on foundational skills. The committee emphasized the need for ongoing professional development and support to ensure effective implementation. Instructional coaches play a role in assisting teachers, with a concerted effort on collaborative planning through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

The mathematics curriculum update highlighted the use of Great Minds Eureka Math for elementary grades, McGraw-Hill’s Illustrative Mathematics for middle school, and Carnegie Math for high school students. Early indicators suggest positive outcomes on standardized assessments, though concerns remain about stagnant scores among fifth graders compared to state averages. This prompted discussions on the effectiveness of the current curriculum and the need for resource evaluation, particularly for grades six through eight.

A significant topic of discussion was the need to enhance conceptual understanding in math and science. The committee underscored the importance of aligning instructional resources with teaching practices to optimize student outcomes. They highlighted the evolving role of instructional coaches in facilitating curriculum comprehension and delivery, particularly for challenging standards.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing mediation litigation related to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) project. Delays in finalizing the project closure have implications for receiving reimbursement funds, which are important for reducing the bond amount. The necessity of extending the bond anticipation note was discussed, with hopes that this would be the final extension required.

In financial discussions, the committee reviewed a quarterly budget report for FY26, which detailed expenditures and future encumbrances. The report aimed for transparency and consistency, revealing that $17 million had already been spent out of the $84.4 million budget. Emphasis was placed on the need for diligent monitoring of expenditure fluctuations, especially in special education transportation and tuition costs.

Community engagement was also a focal point, with the committee acknowledging generous donations from various sources, including a substantial $30,000 contribution from the PTO at Station. These funds support projects across the district, from capital improvements to special education grants.

Looking ahead, the committee announced an upcoming vote on the Emmy Small feasibility study scheduled for November 17. To inform and engage the community, an open house at Emmy Small will provide an opportunity for public insight into the proposed study. The superintendent and principal will be available to present details and answer questions.

Lastly, the superintendent shared updates on a personal goal to improve tier-one instruction through revised observation and evaluation processes. A new feedback tool aims to streamline evaluations and encourage consistent feedback for teachers, fostering a unified approach to instructional improvement. Monthly leadership meetings are held to calibrate evaluations and align feedback, emphasizing the importance of strong teacher-student relationships for enhancing classroom dynamics and attendance.