Another major topic was the implementation of the Crisis Go alert system by the Reeds Collaborative, which serves the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. This system is designed to accommodate individuals with varying sensory needs. The committee acknowledged the collaborative’s focus on enhancing curriculum and service quality, alongside its strategic purchase of a building on Old Colony Road in Norton, which consolidates their programs into a single location.

The meeting also covered the issue of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), with an update from the athletic director on collaborative efforts with the Middleborough Health Department. Discussions highlighted the importance of rescheduling outdoor activities based on EEE risk levels and the necessity of ongoing communication with neighboring towns. Measures like scheduled spraying of fields and inclusion of insect repellent in medical kits were emphasized to ensure student safety.

In a move to enhance school identity, the Memorial Early Childhood Center (MECC) proposed a new logo featuring the motto “be safe, be kind, be ready,” symbolizing community, teamwork, and growth. The logo change received unanimous support from the staff and was endorsed by the school committee.

The committee further addressed policy updates, focusing on the second reads of various policies, including GBA concerning staff ethics and conflict of interest, JJH on student travel, and KCD regarding public gifts to schools. A significant change was made to the solicitation policy, requiring school committee approval for any direct solicitation of students or employees. These updates aim to modernize language, reinforce protocols, and align with state laws.

A motion to proceed with minor updates to policy BA, concerning school committee operational goals, was discussed, with the suggestion to bring it back for a review later. The committee agreed on the need to clarify operational protocols and establish defined goals before revisiting specific policies.

The logistics of posting meeting minutes, particularly for subcommittee meetings, were also examined.

In personnel matters, the committee recognized the recent hires of Shama Daniels as principal of HBB and Tracy Lord at MECC. Plans for meet-and-greet events for the new principals were discussed, emphasizing the importance of welcoming them to the community.