The importance of early literacy was a major focus at the meeting, as the committee discussed the Hill for Literacy program’s impact on student performance. The program’s three priority strands were highlighted: access to high-quality curriculum, empowering teachers with deep early literacy knowledge, and providing coaching and support for instructional leaders. The use of data systems to monitor student progress in foundational reading skills was also emphasized, as was the initiative in dual language programming in Spanish and English. A motion to adopt new curricula was passed with some members abstaining from the vote.

The superintendent reported on early literacy initiatives. The focus was on the upcoming shift towards educator development and the early literacy’s significance as the foundation for students’ academic success. The discussion also touched on the construction of a new building and its relevance to early literacy.

In regard to policy and procedural updates, the committee debated whether to conduct a review of all operating rules and procedures or to focus specifically on the chair and vice chair policy. There was discussion on the historical context of the mayor’s role in the school committee and the need to clarify the duties of the chairperson. The motion to hold a retreat to establish operating rules and procedures for meetings was passed, with four yes votes, three no votes, and two abstentions.

The committee engaged in a robust conversation about the need to adopt new rules and protocols for organizational purposes. The discussion revolved around defining the roles and responsibilities of the chair and vice chair, meeting procedures, and the vice chair’s role in the absence of the chair. Concerns about the time required to review all policies were raised, and the suggestion to prioritize certain sections was noted. The possibility of engaging an outside vendor for an in-depth policy review was discussed.

The Policy Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss policy matters, while the Finance Operation Subcommittee reported on presentations relating to the 2024 and 2025 budget proposals and facilities updates. Concerns about budget constraints, particularly in transportation and special education costs, were raised. A budget hearing is set for June 10th. Additionally, the Joint City Council and School Committee addressed the potential renaming of a school with a motion to refer the draft plan to the Joint Committee for approval.

Other topics included the adoption of a mascot, with members debating whether to review mascot options on the Massachusetts Association of School Committees website. The Vice Chair suggested developing school committee goals and emphasized the focus on local control. Updates on the K-12 curriculum for the upcoming academic year were provided, and minutes from previous meetings were approved.

The committee also discussed various upcoming events and meetings, including graduations and a Memorial Day ceremony. The possibility of extending temporary provisions for remote meetings under the open meeting law until March 31, 2025, was mentioned. The Chair recognized the acting commissioner of the Board of Education in Massachusetts and other committee members present at the meeting.

In addition to policy development, the committee considered the district’s school choice participation plans, with members agreeing to review these plans annually. The need for collaboration and stakeholder engagement was highlighted, with plans to meet with various stakeholders, including the teachers’ union, PA professionals union, and community partners.