A focal point of the meeting was the presentation by the Student Advisory Committee, which included a issue regarding the deteriorating conditions of restrooms at Marlborough High School. The freshman representative, Sophia, highlighted the need for renovations, particularly emphasizing the first-floor restroom used during public events. She reported that only 25% of the sinks are functioning properly, while the remaining are leaking. The second-floor restrooms also face similar challenges, with delayed flushing affecting 25% of the toilets and poor water pressure impacting 33% of the sinks. This has negatively influenced both student comfort and the community’s perception of the school. Sophia urged the committee to prioritize these renovations, noting that while costly, they represent a necessary investment in the school’s infrastructure.

The issue of standardized testing was also thoroughly examined. The sophomore representative, Jay Yango, discussed the unique approach at Marlborough High of offering the PSAT and SAT during the school day, which has benefited students who struggle to find seats at nearby testing centers. While this has been advantageous, it sparked a conversation among committee members regarding the discontinuation of weekend testing, which could pose accessibility challenges for some students. The committee explored the balance between the convenience of weekday testing and the potential limitations posed by removing weekend options.

A proposal for a peer tutoring program, presented by the junior representative Maggie Morrisy, received considerable attention. This initiative aims to address academic challenges faced by students, particularly in subjects like algebra 2, by providing flexible, peer-led tutoring sessions. The program would use a Google form to match students needing help with proficient peers, potentially earning tutors service hours for the National Honor Society. The flexibility of meeting locations, such as the Learning Media Center or public libraries, was highlighted as a key benefit.

In addition to these student-led initiatives, the meeting included discussions on enhancing college application support. A representative named Alter Gracia Tusant emphasized the need for earlier guidance during junior year. Tusant acknowledged the role of guidance counselors and teachers but suggested improvements in disseminating essential resources and information, such as scholarship applications and financial aid processes, earlier in the high school experience. This feedback prompted committee members to reflect on their experiences and discuss potential improvements in the guidance provided to students.

Student achievements were celebrated, with Betsy Powell being recognized for receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Her involvement in various school activities and community service was noted. Similarly, Jessica Cardardosa and Nicholas Andrad were commended for their significant academic and extracurricular accomplishments, with Jessica’s leadership roles and Nicholas’ contributions to the volleyball team and Best Buddies Club being highlighted.

The meeting also covered administrative updates, including an attendance report from the superintendent. The current student enrollment stands at approximately 4,341, with attendance rates varying slightly across different school levels. The superintendent acknowledged challenges posed by weather conditions and discussed improvements in transportation, such as the family tracking app for bus services.

Efforts to expand career pathways and internships at the high school were discussed, with a recent student survey revealing interests in various career paths. The superintendent expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation to align these interests with community workforce needs.

The budget development process for FY27 was outlined, emphasizing the importance of aligning fiscal plans with instructional goals. The committee recognized that personnel expenses constitute a portion of the budget and underscored the need for a strategic approach to financial planning.

Additional topics included the introduction of pilot afterschool music programs at two elementary schools, aimed at enriching the arts through activities like glee club and rock band. These programs are funded through existing budget allocations and are set to run for ten weeks before evaluation.

Professional development opportunities for staff were also highlighted, focusing on core math and reading programs, anti-bias training, and enhancing paraeducator skills.