The high school handbook revisions captured attention, particularly the proposed changes to the attendance policy aimed at improving attendance rates. The committee discussed aligning the policy with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance and implementing a 93.3% attendance rate floor. The introduction of an attendance buyback program was a key element, designed to incentivize students for good attendance. Moreover, the formation of an attendance team was mentioned to tackle challenges related to absenteeism.

Updates to the handbook also included a notable change in the GPA requirement for the National Honor Society, raising it from 3.9 to 4.2 to reflect the weighted GPA system. Additionally, the committee examined the need to adjust the language on artificial intelligence usage in academic work.

The athletic handbook was also under scrutiny. Proposed additions comprised the establishment of a student athlete academic probation form and athletic interventions for students routinely tardy or absent. Furthermore, the handbook addressed cell phone and electronic device usage during practice to ensure accountability and improved communication between players and coaches.

The committee engaged in a thorough debate regarding the dress code policy in the middle school handbook. Discussions centered on provisions related to excessively revealing clothing and the requirement for tank tops or basketball shirts to have a t-shirt underneath. Members were concerned about potential contradictions and the need for clarity in the language of the dress code, as well as its enforcement on school buses. The committee also considered the impact of the dress code on students with sensory needs.

In addition to handbook matters, the structure and function of the committee’s subcommittees were discussed. The possibility of disbanding the technology subcommittee and merging its responsibilities into the facilities subcommittee was proposed. Furthermore. The committee also clarified the posting of subcommittee meetings, distinguishing those open to the public.

The meeting schedule for the upcoming year was approved with the intention of providing sufficient time for the preparation and discussion of agenda items. There was a preference for starting executive sessions earlier, at 6:30 pm, on school committee days. The need for advance posting of meeting materials was stressed, with the suggestion that items not timely posted should be excluded from discussion.

The welcoming of a new student representative, Eddie Parkinson, was also a point of interest. Parkinson provided an introduction and expressed enthusiasm to begin contributing to the committee’s work.