One of the primary focuses of the meeting was the ongoing challenge of communication within the athletic department. Concerns were raised about students feeling unheard, particularly those on the field hockey team. The committee considered methods to better gather feedback from students, including the suggestion of enhancing existing end-of-season sports surveys to cover broader communication issues, not just coaching performance. There was consensus on the potential benefits of an anonymous survey to encourage honest feedback without fear of repercussions.

The committee acknowledged the reluctance of students to voice their concerns directly in meetings. The importance of creating a safe environment for students to express their experiences and opinions was emphasized, with a focus on bridging communication gaps between students and staff.

Safety concerns dominated another segment of the meeting, particularly regarding drone activity over school property. An incident involving a drone piloted above the school premises prompted discussions about the potential risks and the need for clear policies. While there was no violation of airspace rules during the incident, the discomfort it caused highlighted the importance of establishing guidelines for drone activity around school grounds. The committee considered this a valuable opportunity to test future safety protocols.

The Green Meadow project also received attention, with committee members expressing satisfaction that it was on schedule and within budget. The superintendent promised a summary of the project’s financials, recognizing the importance of transparency given the fluctuating construction costs during planning. Updates on various facility-related efforts, such as HVAC maintenance and integrated pest management, were provided.

Accreditation and curriculum development were additional topics of interest. The school received commendations from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) for its initiatives, such as reviewing class schedules and integrating life and career skills into the curriculum. Future plans include attending a NEASC conference to discuss adjustments to the vision of the graduate, now termed the vision of the learner, to broaden its applicability beyond the high school level.

The committee also discussed efforts to make Chapter 74 pathways accessible to students requiring special education services and the challenges involved in ensuring inclusivity. The integration of dual enrollment with the pathways curriculum was highlighted as a development, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school. The state incentivizes dual enrollment, which benefits students by waiving associated tuition fees.

Concerns about the acceptance of AP credits by colleges were raised, noting the importance of communicating to families that AP classes do not guarantee college credit. The committee stressed the need for clear distinctions between AP and dual enrollment courses to better inform parents and students.

The meeting further touched on district improvement plans, including curriculum development and MAP testing data to inform targeted instruction. Efforts to improve school climate through a state grant were noted, along with communication improvements to engage parents in their preferred language and format.

Lastly, the committee addressed the need for updates to various policies, including the immigration enforcement policy. Discussions included the separation of procedural elements into a new document and the importance of consistent terminology.