The high school solar project has been a standout achievement for the committee. An update shared during the meeting detailed how Select Energy financed the solar system installation, consisting of rooftop and canopy setups. This initiative has transformed the high school into a small power plant, allowing it to generate its electricity on-site. The transition from traditional energy distribution through Eversource to solar power has led to a fixed rate of 9.8 cents per kilowatt-hour, providing a cost advantage over fluctuating traditional energy prices.

Historical data was presented to illustrate the financial impact. In 2017, the high school consumed over a million kilowatt-hours at approximately 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, costing around $160,000 annually in electricity. The solar system’s predictable rate aids in budgeting, avoiding the unpredictability of market-dependent energy costs. In the past year, the high school reduced its energy consumption from Eversource to about 64,000 kilowatt-hours, a substantial decrease from over one million kilowatt-hours in 2019. This reduction equates to an approximate saving of $24,000, with recent bills reflecting zero usage from Eversource.

There are plans to incorporate solar energy education into the curriculum, with teacher training scheduled for September. The committee expressed excitement about these developments, emphasizing the dual financial and educational benefits. Suggestions were made to present future updates in a structured manner to ensure clarity and understanding of the project’s impact.

Beyond solar achievements, the committee addressed concerns with student athletic handbooks, particularly regarding transportation procedures for off-site athletic events. Current handbook policies contradict School Committee policy, prompting legal counsel review to ensure alignment. The committee also debated using progress reports instead of report cards to determine student eligibility, with plans for future implementation.

The committee also grappled with revisions to the district’s immigration policy. Discussions focused on ensuring clarity and community awareness, with some members expressing concern that the proposed policy was too simplistic. They advocated for presenting the policy alongside its accompanying procedure for a comprehensive understanding. There was debate on whether to include a designated immigration issues coordinator within the policy, ultimately deciding such roles should be detailed in procedural documents.

Attention was given to the broader implications of potential summer changes in immigration law, with plans to present revised procedures by July. The committee aimed to ensure policies align with legal requirements while addressing community concerns.

Administrative matters included a unanimous approval of a salary increase for the superintendent, raising it to $193,722 for the upcoming school year, and a one-time merit-based payment of $4,000 for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for a successful school year, acknowledging the contributions of staff and committee members.