The committee addressed the advancement of the math curriculum at both middle and high school levels. The presentation highlighted the successful incorporation of technology, professional development, and student engagement in middle school math classes. At the high school level, the focus was on the preparation for Advanced Placement (AP) exams and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing, with a notable 73% of tenth-grade students meeting or exceeding expectations in the latter. The school’s initiatives in addressing learning gaps through self-diagnostics and real-world applications were also noted, along with the emphasis on professional development for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the importance of data analysis and collaborative strategies for continuous improvement.

The Physical Education and Health Department’s role in fostering student well-being was another focal point. The introduction of a new full-time PE teacher was considered a significant addition, as well as the participation in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and universal mental health screening for grades 9-12. The curriculum update aimed to be more skills-based and to align across all levels, with a strong emphasis on understanding the whole student’s needs, including their social and emotional well-being. The department’s focus on culturally responsive teaching and professional development was highlighted, with staff attending online courses and conferences to enhance their teaching strategies.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the superintendent’s midcycle formal evaluation. The superintendent discussed the alignment of their goals with state standards and the district’s strategic plan. Feedback was sought on the effectiveness of the evaluation format.

During the discussion on professional development, the importance of inclusion for special education and English language learner populations was emphasized. The superintendent pointed to the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents’ annual Summer Conference, which focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and expressed the need for more student involvement in school committee meetings. The implementation of UDL was discussed, with the central office team collaborating with school-based administrators on integration efforts. In addition, the superintendent highlighted the community’s demographic changes and the necessity for culturally responsive leadership in schools.

The committee’s attention turned to the Shaker Lane building project, the selection of a design architect, and the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. The successful negotiation of contracts for educational support professionals and administrative staff was acknowledged, and the updated District strategic plan was presented to keep the committee and the public informed about district initiatives.

The superintendent’s involvement in the rollout of a new math program was commended for being hands-on and engaged. The meeting also revealed a focus on measurability and research-based decision-making, as evidenced by the two-year research goal focusing on the Character Strong program at the high school and the significant growth in student achievement due to the new math resource implementation.

A debate emerged around the allocation of school choice seats for the upcoming fiscal year, with committee members weighing the trade-offs between school choice revenue and the impact on class sizes. The superintendent provided context about the presence of educational assistants in classrooms and the district’s approach to maintaining optimal class sizes. The motion to accept the projected school choice enrollment figures was made, seconded, and unanimously voted on.

Concluding the meeting were discussions on a therapeutic program for students in transition and the challenge of balancing class sizes with enrollment numbers. The superintendent stressed the need for caution due to fluctuating student enrollments. Subcommittee reports on the PMBC, budget, policy, and building committees were also presented, and the meeting concluded with the announcement of an executive session for contract negotiation for non-union personnel.