The conversation on the need for an additional SRO revealed a broad consensus on the value of fostering positive interactions between the police force and the student body. Chief Gard proposed assigning the existing SRO to Littleton High School while designating a new officer to oversee the Russell Street campus. This reallocation aims to address operational needs such as securing school entrances and maintaining accurate emergency contact information. Superintendent Dr. Clenchy highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by students and families. Both Gard and Clenchy expressed appreciation for the current SRO’s efforts and stressed the urgency of hiring another officer to meet the district’s increasing demands.

Funding for the new SRO position was a topic of interest, with historical context provided regarding the funding of the existing SRO entirely from the police department’s budget. Discussions about the necessity of a second officer have been ongoing for several years among town officials, and Superintendent Dr. Clenchy reassured the committee that town administration is well-informed about these discussions.

Another aspect of the meeting was the discussion on emergency response protocols and the collaboration with local police forces to enhance community safety. Members expressed the hope that these protocols would never need to be enacted, yet acknowledged the critical importance of establishing and maintaining strong relationships with law enforcement. Programs like Community Heroes were mentioned as effective means to promote early literacy education and foster positive connections with the police.

The meeting also delved into updates on the district’s athletic programs, with the athletic director reporting on participation rates and the performance of various sports teams. There was a focus on the challenges faced by certain sports, such as girls’ cross country and football, which have seen declining participation numbers. The athletic director highlighted efforts to increase interest in football through the creation of a flag football program, though parental concerns about concussions remain a barrier to increased participation.

Despite these challenges, the athletic department reported a successful fall season with 262 athletes participating across nine sports, playing over 200 contests. The unified sports program in particular saw record participation, with 17 students involved in unified basketball, a positive development gaining traction within the community.

Concerns about the condition of athletic facilities were raised, specifically regarding Alumni Field, which has been in use for 15 seasons and requires resurfacing. The athletic director mentioned that the track’s warranty ended in September 2023, and while some repairs have been manageable, issues with turf seams persist. Plans for resurfacing the track and addressing wear and tear, particularly around the inside lane, were discussed, with funding sources such as Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds and donations from the Littleton Track Organization (LTO) being considered.

The meeting continued with a presentation by the special education leadership team on the latest MCAST results, focusing on students with disabilities. The importance of individual performance was emphasized over aggregate data comparisons, as the district’s small size poses challenges in interpreting results. The presentation underscored the commitment to continuous assessment and tailored interventions to support all students’ academic success.

Financial updates were also provided, revealing that expenditures were at 28% of the budget with around 40% of the fiscal year elapsed. This discrepancy was attributed to delayed invoicing from the transportation company and the timing of teacher salary payments. The financial outlook was described as positive, with sufficient funds projected to cover expenses, including the addition of a new SRO in the upcoming budget.

Capital requests totaling $1.4 million were discussed, covering various urgent projects such as roofing issues at multiple schools and the need for boiler replacements. The committee is exploring Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funding to address these needs. Solar panel installation at the high school was briefly mentioned, with the potential for revisiting this topic as technology and market conditions evolve.