A parent highlighted the absence of discussions with the Board of Health about the safety of school activities after sunset, describing it as a “violation of our trust.” This sentiment underscored the need for the School Committee to hold the superintendent accountable for communication practices, particularly in future performance appraisals. There was a strong caution against a “whitewashed performance appraisal,” suggesting that issues should not be glossed over.

Concerns were also raised about the ongoing use of school facilities by youth teams during hours deemed unsafe. This prompted a broader discussion about the school’s priorities and the implications for student safety during after-hours activities.

Another parent, Sarah Zigoris, voiced issues with the bus transportation system. She noted that while the routes might be acceptable, the timing of bus arrivals has been problematic, causing students to miss important morning routines, including breakfast. Zigoris criticized the late release of the bus schedule, which left parents without timely information about transportation changes. She conveyed that some buses arrived as much as thirty minutes earlier than scheduled, causing stress and anxiety among children. Zigoris stated, “this is not acceptable behavior,” and emphasized the need for properly vetted and aligned bus routes and timings.

In response to these transportation issues, a school committee member suggested the formation of a transportation subcommittee to address these long-standing problems. The committee acknowledged the significance of these concerns and agreed to establish the subcommittee, with a member expressing willingness to lead it.

Further emphasizing communication issues, another parent raised concerns about the incomplete and difficult-to-navigate staff directory on the school’s website. The parent insisted that the directory should be updated to facilitate better communication between parents and school staff.

The School Committee’s budget subcommittee also engaged in discussions to strategize community engagement in the budget-setting process. A proposal was made to host a budget forum in conjunction with school improvement councils. The committee expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of community involvement in shaping the budget and ensuring that discussions reflect public priorities.

In another discussion, a parent raised concerns about the allocation of funds generated by parent volunteers at varsity football games. The parent sought clarification on where the concession stand money was now being directed, emphasizing the importance of this funding for sports programs.

A committee member expressed surprise at this omission.

The meeting transitioned to updates from various schools, with reports on the welcoming of kindergarten and preschool students, upcoming events, and the integration of HBB and MKG schools. Nicholls Middle School and MHS provided updates on the smooth start of the school year and forthcoming events hosted by the student council.

The budget calendar was introduced, with discussions on the draft prepared by the director of business and finance. The budget process involves collecting information in October, followed by meetings to review and discuss the budget through November and December. Specific dates for budget discussions and public hearings were tentatively set, although many remained subject to change.

Concerns were raised about the capital proposals during the budget calendar discussion. The process for submitting and reviewing capital requests was discussed, emphasizing the distinction between the capital planning process and the operating budget. The chair encouraged interested parties to attend Capital Planning Committee meetings to gain insights into the process.

A significant initiative for Childhood Cancer Awareness was announced, with the district participating in an event on September 27th to recognize those who have battled cancer. The initiative aims to provide support to students and families impacted by cancer, with participation being voluntary and cost-free.

The meeting also included a review of summer programs, highlighting the Extended School Year (ESY) program, which serves students who exhibit significant regression over long breaks. The program ran for five weeks, providing a comprehensive range of services, including tutoring, social skills training, and counseling. Improvements in the program were noted, particularly in staffing and communication efforts.

The discussion also covered the summer athletics program, led by Athletic Director Ryan Sylvia, which reported record participation levels. The athletics program included a variety of sports and faced challenges in scheduling gym floor renovations due to heavy usage.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the reintroduction of field trips, particularly in the arts and music, and plans to enhance the academic focus of summer programs. The committee discussed potential scholarships for students who may face financial difficulties affording trips, and the importance of early planning for summer programs.