The most significant event discussed was the proposal for an out-of-state field trip to Hartford, Connecticut, for the Aerospace Manufacturing convention. High school guidance counselor Sarah Bearden presented the proposal, emphasizing the educational and career opportunities the convention offers. Located in the region known as “Aerospace Alley,” home to major aerospace companies like Pratt and Whitney and Boeing, the convention aims to provide students with insights into aerospace manufacturing and serve as a job fair. The Hampshire Workforce Board will cover transportation and registration costs for the trip, which is scheduled for October 31. Approximately 18 students from grades 8 through 12, particularly those interested in engineering and robotics, have signed up for the trip. Bearden assured the committee that she would report back with updates and pictures from the event. The committee approved the field trip unanimously.

Another topic was the introduction of the BRIGHT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) initiative. This program is designed to support students returning to school after hospitalization. Concerns were raised about the challenges faced when students return without adequate support, often leading to a chaotic reintegration process involving multiple stakeholders, including social workers and teachers. The BRIGHT program aims to streamline this process by providing transitional support before students re-enter the classroom. The committee was informed that a $30,000 position to support the BRIGHT initiative had been approved, with the role operating under a separate memorandum of agreement. The tentative start date for the program is early October, subject to logistical arrangements. The committee expressed excitement about the initiative but acknowledged the need for sustained funding beyond the initial year to establish a self-sustaining program over three years.

The committee also reviewed updates to the District Improvement Plan, developed last year in collaboration with the Building Leadership Team and Superintendent Stephen Sullivan. The plan focuses on four main tenets: high-quality instruction, supportive learning environments, collaboration, and community engagement. The meeting reviewed updates and implementations from the previous year, with key changes and goals highlighted in red in the presented documents. Among the action steps, the committee emphasized the importance of continuing classroom observations and feedback sessions to enhance instructional practices. A new observation tool was developed over the summer to facilitate these processes, and there was a commitment to monitor data cycles to support staff development effectively.

The plan also included objectives for enhancing access to high-quality professional development. The partnership with the New Teacher Project (TNTP) was mentioned, with a representative scheduled to visit the district for walkthroughs to assist in implementing a new math curriculum. Changes were made to outcome measures, with targets raised from 15-20% to 25%, reflecting increased expectations for performance improvements.

Efforts to foster a safe and supportive learning environment were also discussed, with ongoing initiatives to engage staff in inclusive practices and address bullying. New training sessions, including sexual bias training, were implemented, and revisions to bullying policies were outlined. The committee discussed promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, citing successful strategies developed at the high school level and the need to expand these initiatives to the elementary schools. The plan included a goal to gather student feedback through surveys to assess the effectiveness of the current environment and ensure inclusivity for all students.

In another segment, the committee discussed enhancing College and Career Readiness for students, with a plan noted as a priority. Efforts to collaborate with MassHire were emphasized to develop appropriate educational pathways tailored to students’ interests, including partnerships with local community colleges to create certificate programs. The goal is to offer students certificates in fields such as information technology, thereby strengthening their resumes and skills. The committee also highlighted the need to increase student involvement in the currently under-enrolled information technology pathway.

Additionally, the committee addressed the provision of free breakfast and lunch for all students, with a reminder that additional meals or snacks would require payment. Dental services were announced for students from preschool through grade two, emphasizing accessibility regardless of insurance status. The importance of consistent student attendance was reiterated to mitigate chronic absenteeism.

The meeting also included updates on school facilities, noting an ongoing kitchen project with timelines for the bidding process and construction. An unexpected expense related to the septic system was mentioned, which had to be repaired and replaced without disrupting school operations. The committee acknowledged the necessity of maintaining infrastructure while managing budgetary constraints.