A major highlight of the meeting was the committee’s discussion on increasing student involvement in decision-making processes. The importance of face-to-face interaction between students and school committee members was emphasized, with a focus on creating opportunities for middle and high school students to participate in discussions that affect them. The committee expressed optimism about the potential for progress through increased collaboration and a desire to open channels for student voices. The Student Advisory Committee, led by student representatives Jackson Collins and Mason Tuxera, reported on their inaugural meeting and underscored the significance of student input on policies, particularly regarding a potential statewide cell phone ban. They emphasized the need for students to feel a sense of belonging within the school system.

In another key discussion, Principal Branigan presented a comprehensive schedule for the senior class of 2026, which received unanimous approval from the committee. The schedule includes important events such as Future Signing Day, early release days, a senior barbecue, and the graduation ceremony on June 6, 2026. The committee recognized the importance of community involvement in these activities, with Branigan noting that “it takes a village” to celebrate the achievements of the seniors.

Budgetary concerns were also a focus of the meeting. The committee addressed potential deficits in the current fiscal year, with indications that reducing expenditures might be necessary to balance the budget for the upcoming year. The leadership team was tasked with proposing budget cuts after finalizing their departmental budgets. Superintendent Carolyn Lyons expressed concern about the increasing difficulty of balancing the budget, noting that “each year gets a little harder.” The committee plans to meet towards the end of January to delve deeper into budget discussions.

The meeting also covered updates on policy reviews and negotiations. A report on staff attrition was introduced, with the committee encouraged to review and provide feedback on the data. The negotiation subcommittee reported on the status of contract negotiations for Educational Support Professionals, which will continue after the holiday break. Policy updates included discussions on graduation requirements, emphasizing the importance of mastery in core subjects and the potential impact of state assessments.

In addition to these major topics, the committee shared insights from the MASC MASS annual conference. Members highlighted communication strategies and the importance of maintaining relationships with other town board members.