Safety concerns were also a significant topic, particularly in ensuring emergency access at school events. A committee member raised issues regarding parking enforcement during events at the turf field, stressing the importance of clear emergency protocols.

The meeting included a detailed presentation on student performance metrics from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). The report evaluated student growth percentiles, indicating stability in performance over four years, despite a noted drop in scores compared to 2019. Concerns were raised about the underperformance of students with disabilities and the impact of budgetary decisions on educational outcomes. Initiatives were discussed to enhance collaboration among educators and improve special education services.

Professional development and collaboration with the North Middlesex Regional School District were also highlighted, with an upcoming development day scheduled for November 5. The event will include breakout sessions and a keynote address centered on bystander training. The committee welcomed Dr. Bethanne Cormier as the new assistant principal at Turkey Hill Elementary School and discussed proposals for an ADA study at the school.

The committee also addressed community engagement and family involvement in school activities. Efforts to improve communication and attendance at school events were discussed, with plans to survey parents to identify barriers. The importance of family engagement in enhancing student attendance and learning outcomes was emphasized, with the School Resource Officer’s proactive measures highlighted.

Financial planning was another key topic, with discussions on the fiscal year 2025 School Improvement Plans. The plans, developed with input from school advisory councils, aim to improve student learning, reduce absenteeism, and increase family engagement. A particular focus was placed on improving performance among students with disabilities and addressing chronic absenteeism.

The transition to a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) system using PowerSchool was reported to have improved efficiency, with digital signatures facilitating quicker processing. The committee noted ongoing efforts to enhance translation services and streamline IEP meetings. The transition from Frontline to PowerSchool was described as successful, despite some challenges in data transfer.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various other topics, including the Middle School’s Washington DC trip and its associated costs. Fundraising efforts were suggested to make the trip more equitable for students. The committee also reviewed reports from various committees, including the Capital Planning Committee and the town manager’s screening committee.