At the forefront of the meeting was the discussion around student leadership programs. Several students shared their transformative experiences from participating in the Edge Leadership trip, a program designed to cultivate leadership skills. The program, which had been paused due to COVID-19, resumed this year with 24 students attending a three-day experience in Vermont. Among the participants, four returning students took on facilitator roles, highlighting the program’s focus on fostering continuous leadership development.

One student, Gabrielle Divo, a sophomore in the electrical program, articulated how the program helped her become more outgoing and develop patience and public speaking skills. Another participant, Xadrien Fonte Diaz, noted his initial skepticism but ultimately recognized the program’s positive impact on his leadership perspective, emphasizing the importance of embracing new experiences.

The students’ testimonials underscored personal growth, with many expressing increased confidence and a deeper understanding of leadership as empowering others rather than merely directing them. The committee members responded positively to these presentations, acknowledging the program’s significant role in student development. The importance of extending similar leadership opportunities to students unable to attend the Vermont program was emphasized, with discussions around creating local versions of these experiences.

The meeting also addressed a new admissions policy for the 2026-2027 school year. Director of Enrollment, Technology, and Information, Lisa Morinez, presented the proposed changes, which include a resident community seat allocation plan. This plan aims to ensure fair distribution of available seats through a lottery system, complying with state regulations and promoting equitable access for district communities.

The admissions policy incorporates weighted criteria mandated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), such as attendance records, discipline history, and student interest metrics. Committee members discussed the implications of these changes, seeking clarity on the lottery system’s function amid varying enrollment numbers from different communities. The plan includes making acceptance offers through a random number-generated lottery, with potential fluctuations in the number of accepted students each year based on eighth-grade enrollment and capacity decisions.

Despite some reluctance or dissent from committee members regarding the potential impact of a weighted lottery on vocational education, the admissions policy was moved forward with a roll call vote. The decision followed extensive prior conversations and subcommittee meetings.

In addition to leadership and admissions, the committee received updates on the cooperative education program, with 163 out of 532 senior students participating, representing approximately 30% of the class of 2026. This marked an increase from the previous year, with a goal of reaching a 50% participation rate. The efforts of staff members in facilitating student connections with cooperative employers were acknowledged.

The committee also approved a donation from Curriculum Associates in North Berwick, Massachusetts—a portable sound booth valued at $6,000. Designed for mobility, the sound booth will be set up in the library media center to support curriculum activities, particularly podcasting.

Student representative Anna Dabona provided updates on various student activities, including the kickoff of Skills USA with a new digital platform for career exploration and workforce readiness, and the upcoming induction ceremony for 80 new members into the National Technical Honor Society and National Honor Society. Community engagement activities and athletic achievements were also highlighted, with several sports teams performing well and the boys’ soccer team contending for the CAC league title.