One part of the meeting was the presentation on the district’s DEIB efforts, highlighting the commitment to align these initiatives with the school’s values. It was stressed that the school serves a diverse student body and that the work must reflect that diversity. One speaker underscored, “communication, communication, communication is… a very consistent message,” reflecting the collective agreement on the need for transparency in policies related to bias-based bullying and sexual harassment incidents.

An update from the DEIB Advisory Group revealed that individual meetings with group members had been conducted to gather unfiltered insights. These insights are intended to complement ongoing long-term planning and efforts, such as curriculum reviews for bias. The coherence between the group’s interests and previously identified priorities suggested a unified direction for DEIB initiatives.

The committee discussed the necessity of increased communication about policies and procedures. A point raised was the need for improved communication regarding policies on bias-based bullying and sexual harassment incidents. Enhancing communication about these policies could build trust within the school community, with one participant noting the importance of “bringing in all the voices that we can from as many angles and perspectives as we can.”

Further, the committee explored the deployment of the Panorama survey tool to evaluate community members’ sense of belonging and inclusivity, considering it a valuable resource for gathering diverse perspectives. There was also a call for increased awareness of different cultures and customs within the school community, emphasizing that understanding diverse cultures benefits individual navigation of the world and enhances community conflict resolution.

In addition to DEIB initiatives, the meeting addressed the training and development of teachers in relation to federal mandates on bias awareness and curriculum selection. Teachers are required to individually examine potential biases in educational materials, a task noted for its time-consuming nature. The necessity of resources to assist teachers in this process was emphasized, with discussions about forming a committee to examine practices related to DEIB.

Shifting focus, the committee reviewed the success of special education summer programs, coordinated by Chris Hawking. These programs catered to 46 students from pre-kindergarten through high school, supported by eight teachers and 13 paraprofessionals. Activities included field trips to local attractions, promoting social and academic skills. For the first time, the program combined students from Lanesboro Elementary and Williamstown Elementary, fostering interaction among rising seventh graders before their transition to Mount Greylock.

The committee also covered the policy updates concerning digital resources and technology in instruction. The Policy and Governance Subcommittee proposed several policies, including access to digital resources, use of technology in instruction, and acceptable use of digital resources. Each policy was adopted unanimously after roll call votes.

Superintendent Jason P. McCandless provided an update on the start of the school year, reflecting on the transition from partial weeks to a full week of classes. He noted a positive atmosphere among staff and students, attributed to the gradual easing into the school routine. The implementation of a new policy regarding devices in schools was well-received, allowing students to engage in various activities during lunch.

The review of the field and track project at Mount Greylock was also noted, highlighting the completion of asphalt work and improvements to the parking lot at Lanesboro Elementary School. These enhancements were aimed at enhancing safety during drop-off and pick-up times, with the superintendent expressing gratitude towards the community for their patience during the transition.

In legislative matters, a member announced an upcoming legislative forum scheduled for October 16, encouraging attendance. Julia Bowen was nominated and accepted as a delegate to represent the school committee at the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) conference. Christina Conry was announced for an all-state school committee position, with awards to be presented during a Friday night event.

The meeting concluded with discussions about scheduling conflicts, particularly concerning a concert scheduled for October 10. The committee ultimately decided to retain the original meeting date despite individual members’ personal conflicts.