A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the Trails curriculum, a social-emotional learning program aimed at helping students develop key life skills. The Director of Student Support Services presented the curriculum, which is based on the Castle framework and features 25 lessons incorporating mindfulness practices. Despite its comprehensive design, concerns were raised about the fidelity of program delivery due to variations in available time for lessons. Committee members debated the need for consistent implementation and professional development to ensure staff buy-in.

The conversation expanded to include the broader multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and the necessity of integrating social-emotional learning with academic supports. A committee member emphasized the importance of community-based learning, arts, and sports programs in fostering social-emotional skills. Another member highlighted the need to focus on the adults in the building, pointing out that professional development is key to the successful implementation of social-emotional learning concepts.

The topic of mental health was further explored in relation to chronic absenteeism, with a member raising concerns that unexcused absences might be linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and bullying. The superintendent offered clarity on the protocols for reporting and addressing bullying, noting the response from parents when informed about incidents. Other discussions related to mental health included the need for a different approach to prioritize mental health in the curriculum and the acknowledgement by a member of the work done by school counselors in processing appeals for students who do not pass the MCAS.

Financial matters were also at the forefront of the meeting, with the budget update revealing a reduction in the initial projected deficit from $6 million to approximately $785,000. Strategies to close the remaining deficit included utilizing one-time revenue sources like the school choice fund. The importance of budget planning was underscored by the anticipated end of ESSER funding and the potential financial challenges it could create. The Committee discussed the allocation of resources and the impact of charter schools on public education funding. The financial situation of Holyoke’s district was compared to surrounding communities, acknowledging the shared challenges faced by other districts in the region. Plans for a public budget hearing in June were confirmed, and there was a suggestion to present budget details in a subcommittee meeting prior to the public hearing.

Staffing and operational roles within the schools were another topic of interest, particularly the significance of deans of students and deans of operations in handling disciplinary actions and contributing to the overall functioning of the schools. The discussion extended to the value of maintaining target class sizes and the allocation of positions, with a member stressing the importance of the Dean of Management Operations position and advocating for an increase in crossing guards’ salaries.

In addition to these major topics, the Committee took a moment to nominate Miss Betty Medina Lichtenstein for an honor by the Massachusetts Senate, recognizing her substantial impact on the community and her role as an educator.

Subcommittee updates included plans to review policy adjustments by the Policy and Governance subcommittee and upcoming discussions on the turnaround plan and collaboration with stakeholders by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee. The Local Control subcommittee also discussed priorities related to the turnaround plan.