One of the most significant actions taken at the meeting was the unanimous approval of a new contract agreement for food service workers. This agreement was the result of extensive negotiations following the workers’ request to unionize. The negotiations committee, with the aid of a representative group familiar with custodial staff contracts, crafted the new contract to formalize employment conditions and grievance procedures. The total estimated cost of the contract for the school year was projected to be around $27,000. The approval of this agreement not only addresses the workers’ needs but also sets a precedent for future negotiations within the district.

Another important topic discussed was the reorganization of the Cutler School Building Committee. With the departure of two previous members, the committee needed to appoint new members to comply with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) requirements. The new principal of the Cutler School, Jennifer Hunt, and the newly appointed director of facilities and operations, Curtis Whitman, were proposed as replacements. The committee confirmed their appointments, emphasizing the necessity of their roles in the building committee. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the importance of town residency for committee members.

Financial matters were also a focal point of the meeting, particularly the review of the year-end financials for the fiscal year 2024, which concluded on June 30. The district ended the year with approximately $1.1 million remaining, representing about 2.77% of the budget. This surplus was largely due to unspent payroll funds and non-payroll items, though the operations maintenance category faced a deficit of around $357,000. The financial report highlighted the challenges of budgeting for unexpected expenses while addressing the district’s aging infrastructure. Notable expenditures included costs for a new contract for educational support personnel and upgrades to custodial and maintenance equipment.

Maintenance and operational updates provided further insight into the district’s ongoing efforts to improve school facilities. Significant projects included the replacement of 100 out of 120 windows at the middle school to address safety and insulation issues, and the complete refinishing of the Cutler School’s gym floor due to its poor condition. Additionally, the Buer Elementary School faced a $55,000 deficit in its operations and maintenance budget, driven by unexpected projects such as tile abatement and repairs from a water leak. These updates underscored the importance of maintaining and upgrading school facilities to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.

The committee also discussed participation in the upcoming Hamilton-Wenham Volunteer Fair, organized by the League of Women Voters. The fair, scheduled for September 21, 2024, provides an opportunity for community engagement and public education regarding district matters, including plans for a new school. Members expressed interest in attending and agreed to coordinate offline to ensure proper scheduling and representation without reaching a quorum.

Lastly, the committee addressed a proposed policy review to clarify voting requirements. A recent meeting had raised questions about the necessity of a two-thirds vote for the food service worker agreement, highlighting the need for a clearer understanding of procedural rules. A motion was made to task the policy subcommittee with creating a “cheat sheet” summarizing voting requirements according to Robert’s Rules and the committee’s own policies. This initiative was seen as a valuable resource to avoid confusion in future meetings and was unanimously approved.

In committee reports, it was noted that the Capital Finance committee needed to schedule a meeting, and the negotiations committee mentioned an upcoming executive session to provide updates on collective bargaining. The smooth opening of the school year was positively remarked upon, with praise for the successful onboarding of new staff and effective organization during the initial weeks. A recent meeting with the MSBA was also discussed, where the district received approval to advance to the schematic design phase of a project, expected to provide clearer financial estimates by early winter.