Superintendent Brian Haas kicked off the meeting with an update on the smooth opening of schools. The high school celebrated the new academic year with an assembly themed “Your Presence Matters,” which included a dance contest led by the student council, generating excitement among students and teachers alike. New phone procedures were reported to be successfully implemented, leading to phone-free classrooms. Haas, alongside another administrator, visited all three school buildings during the first days of school, receiving positive feedback from staff, parents, and students. A principal shared insights on the school’s successful start, noting the happiness observed among students during arrivals, dismissals, and lunch periods. The first day included a whole-school assembly and a symbolic “wave” event, fostering community and teamwork. The principal also highlighted the emphasis on building relationships and establishing grade-level expectations during the initial days of school.

The meeting also provided updates on the ongoing construction at Green Meadow. Concerns were raised about bathroom accessibility for visitors, which limited foot traffic in specific areas. A police officer was assigned to oversee student arrivals, particularly during breakfast transitions from the cafeteria to the lobby. The coordination during these early school days was noted as smooth. The committee praised Green Meadow staff for their efforts in welcoming new students and managing transitions amidst building projects. The principal reported that the school welcomed 462 students, with significant enrollment in kindergarten and Grade 1. The installation of fencing and barriers to secure the construction site was highlighted, along with the involvement of occupational and physical therapists in playground design to meet all students’ needs.

Maynard High School’s new solar power initiative was another significant topic. The school is now officially receiving solar power from both a canopy and rooftop system. A transition meeting was planned to discuss the monitoring systems and educational components related to this new energy source, with an upcoming dedication ceremony anticipated. The committee reflected on the relief that the initial proposal to rent out land behind Green Meadow for solar projects was not pursued, recognizing the favorable circumstances of the current solar initiative.

The committee also approved several grants aimed at supporting instructional purposes. The Title One grant, amounting to $178,600, primarily covers salaries for Title One teachers at Green Meadow and Fowler schools, focusing on literacy and mathematics. The Title 2A grant, totaling $28,298, is intended for professional development aimed at narrowing the achievement gap for students from historically marginalized groups. The Title Three grant, dedicated to English Learners, was noted to be $14,181, supporting the salary of a paraprofessional and professional development. The Title Four grant amounted to $11,989, directed towards assisting teachers in using assessment data to tailor instruction, particularly for at-risk students.

Budgetary discussions included the allocation of an additional $76,000 to the school’s operational budget. Concerns were raised about transparency, emphasizing the need to ensure the additional funds would be used for maintenance rather than staff salaries. The discussion also touched on the anxiety surrounding school violence and the importance of safety protocols, with expressions of appreciation for the efforts of educators, police, and fire departments.

The meeting also addressed policy updates, particularly concerning the mask policy amid ongoing COVID-19 considerations. Members debated whether to rescind the existing mask policy, with varying opinions on maintaining or modifying it. Ultimately, there was a consensus leaning towards rescinding the policy but retaining a portion that would allow the administration to act based on health considerations in the future. Additionally, the committee discussed the gift-giving policy to students and the importance of exit interviews and surveys, updating policies to reflect current practices.

In preparation for the upcoming special town meeting, the committee discussed a capital project concerning bleacher replacements at the school. Concerns were raised about the financial implications if the project did not advance, with a consensus on the importance of securing funding to avoid code violations and the potential need for attendees to bring their own chairs to events.