The superintendent’s report brought to light that current enrollment numbers have surpassed projected figures for future years. This revelation prompted inquiries from the committee members, who expressed surprise and sought clarification on the implications for school facilities and resource allocation. The superintendent also touched on the enrollment increase of students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students, highlighting a shift in demographics that may require the district to adapt its support structures.

The need for a more diverse faculty was a concern addressed by the committee. The conversation centered on strategies to attract a broader range of job candidates, which includes attending various job fairs and utilizing different advertising avenues. The committee acknowledged the challenge of sourcing non-white candidates from teacher preparation programs and recognized the district’s growing Asian population.

Another focal point of the meeting was the unanimous approval of policy BDFB, which concerns collaboration with the CPAC. The policy underwent four readings and now includes a new sentence emphasizing cooperative efforts between the CPAC, the school committee, and the administration. CPAC representatives were present and contributed to a discussion about the specifics of the meeting calendar and agenda responsibilities, striving for clear communication and mutual understanding.

The Hopkins lower middle school project was also a central topic, with project executives providing updates and seeking approval for proprietary building components to maintain consistency across district facilities. The committee debated the necessity of standardized items such as IT systems hardware and lock cores, which are essential for operational cohesiveness. Additionally, the total project budget, including a previously approved $3 million, was reported at $52,500, excluding the costs for relocation of the modulars.

The committee also tackled the potential confusion surrounding two separate warrant articles concerning HVAC funding and the Hopkins school project. Members debated the order in which these items should be voted on to minimize public misunderstanding.

In response to an increase in the number of students with individualized education programs (IEPs), the committee approved the addition of a paraprofessional position at Elmwood Elementary School. The superintendent emphasized the growth in students with IEPs and the necessity of this role in supporting these students’ educational needs. Funding for the position will come from the IDEA 240 Grant for the upcoming school year.

The superintendent also presented her end-of-cycle report, focusing on goals for the 2022-2023 school year, such as math student growth and achievement. The superintendent detailed the work done to analyze data, observe instruction, and review assessment results aimed at improving math instruction for all students. The committee was presented with two documents containing clickable links to review evidence supporting the superintendent’s goals and indicators.

The meeting additionally covered a range of curriculum-related topics, including K-8 science instruction, special education students’ growth scores, the MCAS Civics test, and efforts to increase disciplinary literacy’s impact on ELA scores. The committee discussed the Cry op pillar as a focus for ensuring cultural proficiency and accessibility to the curriculum.

Discussions on co-teaching models at the middle school level, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the district’s climate team’s assessment of school morale were also prominent. The committee emphasized professional learning on culturally proficient teaching practices and the use of grant funding to support restorative justice practices.

Lastly, the committee pondered the trajectories of students after high school, focusing on those who opt for two-year colleges or trade careers. They expressed interest in tracking outcomes of students who do not attend college or do not complete their degrees and approved several scholarship payments and travel requests for a student conference.