08:37The most engaging portion of the meeting centered on honoring the academic achievements of the top 10 students of the class of 2025. Acknowledged for their hard work and dedication, the students were celebrated in detail. Madison Koser, the valedictorian, stood out for her achievements in information technology services and her outstanding academic record, which includes numerous awards such as recognition as a Massachusetts presidential scholar candidate. Madison plans to further her education at Brown University. The committee applauded her accomplishments, expressing pride in her achievements and those of her peers.

21:40The recognition continued with Nicholas Moraurice, who achieved the rank of salutatorian due to his work in computer-aided drafting and design. He made notable contributions to blood pressure measurement technologies and plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering. The committee also recognized Joseph Tatrev, ranked third, for his work in information technology services and his involvement in Skills USA.

18:22Rounding out the top students, Thomas Marshall, ranked fourth, was praised for his achievements in health assisting and his leadership as Skills USA Massachusetts state president. He plans to study nursing at the University of Connecticut. Alex Griselle, ranked fifth, was noted for his work in electronics and participation in cooperative education, with plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell for electrical engineering.

The committee also celebrated the accomplishments of Michael Morgan, Alexa Paladino, Isabella Stack, David Barbosza, and Alana Hawk, each pursuing various fields ranging from engineering to marketing, with plans to continue their education at prestigious universities. This recognition segment underscored the diverse talents and future aspirations of the students, drawing applause from the committee members.

30:17In addition to student achievements, the committee addressed a $20,000 grant received from the Gan Hos Foundation. This grant is designated for scholarships for students enrolled in CNC technology training or machine-based engineering programs, also supporting student participation in competitions such as Skills USA. The committee approved the acceptance of this grant, highlighting its potential to enhance educational opportunities for students in technical fields.

The cooperative education report presented during the meeting revealed positive trends in student participation. It was noted that 262 senior students, or 47% of the class of 2025, are engaged in the cooperative education program, alongside 92 juniors, representing 16.5% of their class.

33:39The committee also discussed and approved several out-of-state travel requests for students. One notable approval was for the Edge of Leadership program in Vermont, which will allow 22 students and eight chaperones to attend at a cost of $18,000. Students shared testimonials about the transformative impact of the program on their leadership skills. Additional approvals included Jacob Espanola’s attendance at a media production workshop and seven students’ participation in the Skills USA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

31:57Further deliberations included a proposal for senior students to purchase their Chromebooks for $1, considering the devices would no longer receive updates. This motion was unanimously approved. The committee also accepted the proposed school calendar for the 2025-26 academic year without objections.

42:53The meeting continued with a review of revisions to the student handbook, presented by Christine Msina, the Practical Nursing Director. The changes, primarily administrative, included the addition of a parental leave policy for expecting students. After a brief discussion, the committee approved the revisions without debate.

45:22Finally, the committee acknowledged the success of the recent accepted students night, attributing its positive reception to a student-centered approach. This event featured a panel of current students and was noted for enhancing engagement with prospective students and their families. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss negotiations with non-union personnel, resulting in the approval of a three-year contract for the Director of Human Resources.