The committee’s discussion on the bus camera enforcement systems was thorough, with members expressing unanimous support for the initiative. It was acknowledged that while the costs for installing these cameras would be borne by the towns, enforcement would rely on local police departments. The committee intends to discuss further with town managers and police chiefs to prepare for any questions that may arise at town meetings.

The committee’s decision was not taken lightly, as bus drivers had previously voiced their concerns and the need for such systems.

Another topic of discussion was the district’s literacy instruction initiatives. The committee is focusing on enhancing literacy education, with a move to adopt the I-Ready program to replace the less user-friendly FastBridge assessment tool. This new program promises a unified diagnostic approach across all grades and will be provided at no cost next year due to a partnership agreement. The committee emphasized the importance of addressing the literacy needs of students, particularly those who fall below the national average in literacy benchmarks.

To bolster literacy instruction, the committee also discussed restoring a reading specialist position at the school. This role aims to provide targeted support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and lead intervention groups based on assessment data. The committee believes this addition will positively impact students’ reading proficiency rates, which currently show that 35% of students are reading at or below grade level.

Further enhancing the literacy framework, the committee plans to partner with the Stern Center for Orton-Gillingham training, focusing on equipping teachers with skills to support students with dyslexia. The training is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing literacy programs.

Budgetary considerations were a prominent theme throughout the meeting. The committee addressed the financial challenges posed by a 16% increase in health insurance premiums, which impacts the district’s budget. Despite a modest increase in state funding, the committee faces a substantial funding gap that will require town contributions. The budget also aims to restore positions lost due to retirements and enhance the Wellness program by adding a full-time equivalent position.

The proposed budget seeks to address high class sizes in the Spanish department and invest in a new elementary math curriculum. However, the committee made the difficult decision to phase out Latin instruction gradually to reallocate resources to areas with greater student demand. Current Latin students will be allowed to continue, but no new enrollments in lower-level Latin courses will occur in the upcoming year.

The committee also explored the integration of restorative practices within the schools, emphasizing the importance of embedding these practices into the district’s mission statement. Communication with the community remains a priority, with efforts to ensure transparency and understanding of ongoing initiatives.

Lastly, the committee discussed the competency determination process for the class of 2025, following Massachusetts’ shift away from using MCAS as the sole competency tool. The new determination involves passing grades in key courses, aligning with other districts’ approaches. Additionally, the committee supports a bill to make remote meetings a permanent option, citing the inclusivity and accessibility benefits for rural districts.