The Committee delved into special education, addressing the importance of incorporating the family and student voice in the IEP process and highlighting parent engagement initiatives led by the Special Education Advisory Leadership (SEAL) group. With a growing number of students with autism and significant mental health needs requiring out-of-district services, the Committee underscored the necessity to expand district programming at all school levels. Plans include developing a Pathways program and enlarging the high school life skills program. The importance of continued training to foster inclusive practices was also stressed.

Part of the discussion touched upon resources for families, offering an interactive guide through the referral, evaluation, and eligibility determination process, and a parent guide to special education. Concerns were raised about the pandemic’s impact on special education referrals and the need for ongoing advocacy with legislators for adequate funding to support the escalating needs of students with disabilities. The Committee acknowledged the necessity of investment in tier one regular education and the tightening of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to ensure the correct interventions for students.

In addition, the Committee examined the challenges of budgeting and staffing within the special education department. The Director of Student Services outlined the difficulties in projecting and allocating funds due to cuts in federal and state funding. The scarcity of special educators was a point of concern, highlighting the urgency of attracting and retaining quality staff. The Committee recognized the need for professional development to achieve consistency and understanding across the district, noting the challenges of balancing training with other demands.

The meeting also featured updates on school events and activities from the student representative, approval of building use requests by various organizations, and acknowledgment of donations from the LHS Parent Advisory Council and the Community Foundation, the latter earmarked specifically for teacher training.

Furthermore, the Committee’s agenda included preparations for a visioning session involving approximately 45 community members, focused on the Middle School building project. The ongoing literacy curriculum field testing and the emerging leaders program for aspiring administrators were mentioned as current initiatives. The Yale ruler lessons in classrooms and future community engagement events were noted as well.

Students from Blueberry Hill presented their vision of The Graduate, receiving accolades from the Committee members for their abilities and skills. Upcoming events such as a talk on online safety, a panel discussion on anti-Semitism, and the initiation of the “No Place for Hate” program in middle schools were announced.

The Committee expressed overall appreciation for the progress in various initiatives.