The committee underscored the urgency of drafting a letter to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to request the waiver, with hopes to dispatch it by the end of the week or early next week. Members emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to advocate for their position. The waiver is seen as a step in avoiding further disruptions in leadership, which could destabilize ongoing district initiatives. Failen has been noted for his contributions in a short period, focusing on teaching and learning, but members acknowledged the limitations of an interim position and the need for a permanent solution for long-term planning and systemic improvements.

A timeline was proposed to revisit the waiver topic by October 22nd, allowing the committee to assess progress and responses to their request. This approach would help ensure that the committee remains prepared for alternative plans should the waiver be denied. Members expressed the necessity of avoiding another interim leadership situation, which could further disrupt the district’s progress.

In addition to the waiver discussion, the committee turned its attention to finance-related matters. The finance subcommittee reported on its review of the previous year’s draft budget and ongoing coordination with the town administrator and the warrant committee. An upcoming meeting with the town administrator on October 15th will focus on revenue and expense projections, which are expected to impact the school budget. The committee is also working on aligning budget calendars to ensure a smooth budgeting process.

The facilities advisory committee provided updates on recent renovations and improvements across school facilities. Renovations on the third floor of Cunningham and Collicot were completed on time, with no disruption to summer programs. The committee is planning visits to view the improvements. Various updates were made, including new water bubblers, parking lot stripes, and driveway repairs. Mini-splits were installed in high school classrooms, and a new wall was constructed to divide a large classroom. Plans are underway to upgrade the auditorium’s sound system in December, requiring a six-week period of unavailability. Discussions also touched on potential improvements along Blue Hills Parkway to improve traffic flow around the new school.

The school building committee reported awaiting feedback from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to proceed to the next module. Outreach efforts are ongoing to expedite this process, with hopes to be included in the MSBA board’s October meeting agenda.

Moreover, the budget coordination committee announced its leadership, with Megan Heerty as chair and Loy as vice chair. The committee aims to develop long-term budgeting strategies, align town and school budget timelines, and enhance collaboration with the finance committee. There was an acknowledgment of potential redundancies in reporting due to overlapping committee responsibilities.