The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation of the preliminary budget, which was highlighted as being presented earlier than usual. The proposed budget aimed to balance the needs of students and maintain class sizes within acceptable limits, all while responding to the town’s financial conditions. The budget presentation distinguished between level-funded and level-service budgets, with the latter deemed necessary for meeting the district’s improvement strategy and addressing student needs. The level-service budget for Halifax Elementary School was estimated at $8,147,229, while the Halifax appropriation was $7,772,613.

One notable concerns discussed was the potential reduction in faculty, should adjustments be made to meet a level-funded budget, which would require cutting $16,800 from the level service budget. This could result in unacceptable class sizes, such as a projected class size of 30 in grade three. The committee members expressed a shared concern over budget constraints, with one noting, “I unfortunately don’t think we’re going to be able to do more even with an override.” The need for further discussion and representation on an override study committee was acknowledged, with Jessica designated as the primary representative.

In addition to budget discussions, the meeting celebrated Halifax School’s recognition as one of nine schools achieving at or above pre-pandemic levels in ELA. This accomplishment was attributed to the dedication of teachers, paraprofessionals, and families, and a recognition from the Commissioner of Education, Martinez, was proposed. The school committee highlighted ongoing efforts within the math curriculum review process, particularly with the implementation of assessment benchmarks using a data-wise approach. The committee emphasized the importance of consistent educational experiences across grade levels, with a focus on ensuring vertical alignment in learning.

The committee also discussed the potential use of unspent funds from the previous year’s budget as a possible offset for the current budget, although the town had not yet communicated its financial requests. Concerns were raised about the likelihood of budget constraints impacting future educational services. The committee concluded that additional discussions were necessary before finalizing the budget.

Further topics included updates on various school initiatives and programs. The committee noted the success of a recent emergency drill and the completion of a turkey trot event, which involved student participation and yielded donations for local food pantries. The meeting also highlighted upcoming community events, such as a winter-themed spirit week and a concert featuring fifth and sixth graders.

Professional development for teachers was another focus, particularly in enhancing instructional methods through ongoing training. The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) was mentioned as a framework to identify and assist students needing academic support. The committee emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making to inform instructional practices and interventions for struggling students.

Enrollment data was shared, indicating slight increases in homeschooling but a general decrease in total school enrollment, which stood at 530 students as of October 1. The committee approved an amended budget. A cumulative surplus was discussed, highlighting the need for financial stability in future years.