The most pressing topic at the meeting was the discontent expressed by the GAA related to the school calendar vote. GAA representatives shared their concerns about the lack of discussion prior to the vote and the absence of consideration for their suggestions, which aimed to introduce more flexibility into the calendar. They also highlighted the insufficient time allocated for teachers to prepare their classrooms before the academic year commences. The GAA suggested a gradual return to full school days for students, which they believed would be more beneficial, particularly in addressing the emotional and social needs of students post-COVID.

The Committee responded to the GAA’s concerns by emphasizing their willingness to include GAA representation in their meetings and ensuring that agendas are posted in advance. Despite the Committee’s intention for collaborative communication, the GAA felt that their opinions were not fully valued and that discussions occasionally seemed derogatory. The Committee acknowledged the need for a new approach with the arrival of the new superintendent and expressed their appreciation for the dialogue, hoping to foster continued collaboration with the GAA.

In addition to the school calendar discourse, the Committee grappled with the proposed school choice availability for the 2024-2025 school year. The topic sparked a discussion about balancing the resident enrollment numbers with the potential impact on classroom sizes. The Committee aimed to be conservative with the number of school choice seats offered in each grade, carefully considering potential shifts in enrollment and the importance of effectively managing classroom space.

The upcoming solar eclipse also presented a unique challenge for the Committee as they contemplated the purchase of solar eclipse glasses for students and staff. While the purchase was not initially budgeted, funds were available, and the Committee approved the procurement to ensure safety during the event. The Committee expressed the importance of safety measures and discussed personal connections some members had with eclipses, which lightened the conversation.

Another major topic was the search for a new superintendent. The Committee debated the merits of hiring a third-party consultant to assist with the search process, weighing the potential costs and workload. As the search was considered a significant undertaking, quotes from various companies were suggested, in addition to the possibility of appointing an interim superintendent. The timing of the search was also a concern, given the upcoming Town election and the announcement of open positions for the school committee.

Budget concerns were a recurring theme throughout the meeting. The Committee discussed the challenges of the budget planning process, highlighting issues with the funding formula that could negatively impact their finances. Special education funding was a particular concern, with an increase in costs prompting the Committee to consider advocating for better funding for rural schools and improved formulas for special education. Furthermore, the Committee mentioned reaching out to the town manager for budget guidance, hoping to align their efforts with those of the finance committee.

The Committee also addressed an immediate operational issue: a bus (bus two) had not been running for a week. The need to explore recourse for the lack of service and the possibility of a refund was discussed. Additionally, the Committee expressed concern over the timing of a public forum due to the budget’s uncertainty, debating the potential worst-case scenario and the necessity for additional guidance.

In preparation for future meetings, the Committee discussed upcoming agenda items, such as the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) vote and the addition of a Co-Student Representative. The importance of subcommittees, including policy, finance, and community engagement, was noted, with an emphasis on the upcoming budget season and the need for public engagement. Lastly, the Committee addressed the local community’s interest in running for school committee positions and the last day for candidacy submissions. The session concluded with a vote to enter into executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining.