01:11:20A central topic of the meeting was the recent graduation ceremony. The event, moved indoors due to weather conditions, was described as emotional and pride-filled, with community involvement playing a key role. A particularly moving moment was the senior walk through school buildings, which even brought the town manager to tears. Community contributions were highlighted, including the Oak Point scholarship fund, which provided $57,500 to graduating seniors.

01:15:21The committee also delved into the complexities of the district’s budget, particularly concerning the transition to a new financial system. This move, though smooth, presents potential challenges in reconciling data for the end-of-year financial report due in September. The district received $370,352 in extraordinary relief through the circuit breaker program, designed to support districts facing unexpected special education expenses. While this amount was significant, it was prorated due to widespread financial strains across districts. The committee discussed the importance of understanding the sources of turnbacks, or unspent funds, to better inform future budgeting decisions. These turnbacks could stem from various factors, including backordered products or changes in payroll expenses.

01:27:49A discussion on communication strategies highlighted the need for better engagement with families and the community. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current communication methods, particularly newsletters, and the potential for enhancing family engagement. The committee explored ideas for improving the presentation and timing of communications to ensure better visibility and engagement, such as transitioning bulletins from Friday to Sunday. Additionally, the inclusion of brief surveys in communications was proposed to gather feedback on content resonance with parents.

02:05:57Personnel changes within the district were also addressed, with the notable appointment of Tim McLoughlin as the new principal for Middleborough’s middle school. McLoughlin, who previously worked in the district, brings valuable experience and a focus on building relationships. The search for a new principal at another school, Berkeland, was underway, with a diverse committee, including teachers and parents, conducting interviews to fill the position.

02:11:20The meeting further covered updates on policy reviews, with a systematic approach to categorizing policies based on the level of updates needed. A policy subcommittee meeting was scheduled to address various items, including travel and crowdfunding policies, with the goal of completing a review by the end of summer.

02:15:34Administrative updates included a report on retirements within the district, with several individuals recognized for their contributions. The committee expressed gratitude for their dedication, highlighting the collaborative and supportive culture within the school system.