The meeting commenced with a presentation by Sophia Neves, a freshman representative from the Marlborough High School Student Advisory Committee, who raised concerns about the condition of the school’s restrooms. Neves detailed significant disrepair, particularly on the first floor, where 25% of sinks were reported as leaking or nonfunctional. The women’s restrooms, while slightly better, also faced issues. Neves emphasized that these conditions not only create discomfort but could also deter attendance at public events, potentially tarnishing the school’s image. The second-floor restrooms, though better maintained, still experienced nonfunctional sinks and delayed flushing toilets. Neves also brought attention to the malfunctioning vape detectors, which add to the discomfort. Despite the anticipated costs, Neves argued that the renovations would bolster student morale and the school’s reputation, urging the board to consider necessary upgrades.

Following Neves, Jay Yongo, a sophomore representative, addressed the accessibility of PSAT and SAT testing at Marlborough High. Yongo noted the school’s discontinuation as a general SAT test site, with testing now confined to school hours exclusively for Marlborough High students. He highlighted the benefits of this change, especially for juniors who previously struggled to find testing sites. However, the absence of weekend testing raised concerns among committee members, who feared it might limit access for students lacking transportation options. Some members recognized the new weekday testing as a valuable opportunity, while others called for a reevaluation of the policy to better accommodate all students.

Maggie Moresy, a junior representative, proposed a peer tutoring initiative aimed at addressing academic challenges faced by students in subjects like algebra. Moresy criticized the limitations of the existing extra help program and suggested a more flexible peer tutoring system. This program would allow students to coordinate meetings at convenient times and locations, such as after school or at local libraries. The initiative would also provide service hours for tutors, particularly those in the National Honor Society. Committee members agreed on the importance of making academic support accessible and effectively communicating available resources to students.

The committee also discussed the college application process, with a representative presenting feedback from senior students. The feedback highlighted a need for earlier guidance on college resources, such as financial aid options and application platforms. Suggestions were made to provide college planning presentations earlier in students’ high school years and to distribute recorded presentations to parents.

Student achievements were celebrated, with several students recognized for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Betsy Powell received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award for her leadership and community contributions. Jessica Cardardosa and Nicholas Andrad were also commended for their academic excellence and leadership roles.

In the superintendent’s report, improvements in student transportation were noted, with positive feedback from a new family tracking app. The administration plans to address high walker traffic areas by potentially adding more buses. An initiative to expand career pathways for high school students was also discussed, with a survey revealing student interests and desired skills. The results will inform future collaborations with the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation to align student opportunities with community workforce needs.

The committee’s fiscal planning focused on aligning the fiscal year 2027 budget with the district’s instructional priorities. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to salaries, emphasizing the need for strategic planning. Updates from the Asabet Valley Collaborative on special education were included, with hopes for more comprehensive information in future reports. Additionally, new after-school music programs for fifth graders were announced.

The importance of adhering to special education procedures was emphasized, with audits assessing compliance and the effectiveness of intervention plans.