A significant topic of the meeting was the committee’s obligation to accept students from member towns for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, as mandated by state law. This assurance came amid concerns raised by a resident about parents from Phillipston reportedly being informed they could not attend the elementary school, a claim the resident could not fully verify.

The superintendent reiterated that the district remained a valid entity, and the committee expressed the importance of engaging all relevant parties to address the matter comprehensively. The historical context of the regional agreement was revisited, highlighting that Templeton had approved the agreement two years ago, while Phillipston had not yet put it to a vote. Clarification was sought from the Department of Education, and confirmation was received that the draft agreement had been delivered to both towns.

Infrastructure improvements were another key focus of the meeting. The committee acknowledged the significant work undertaken over the summer to prepare school facilities for the new academic year. Custodial staff, led by Keith Parker, received recognition for their efforts in completing extensive interior and exterior maintenance across the district. Projects included the repaving of problematic driveways and drop-off areas, funded by $100,000 secured through the Fair Share Act. These improvements were deemed necessary to prevent future complications.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority confirmed eligibility for a green repair project to address the roof condition, although the delayed report impacted the timeline for discussions and potential funding. The committee acknowledged the need to proceed with caution, considering the potential implications for school operations.

The potential statewide cell phone ban in schools was also discussed. With the Senate having voted in favor of the initiative, the committee recognized the need to prepare a local policy in anticipation of the bill’s potential enactment. However, no immediate action could be taken, as the bill still required approval from the House and the governor.

Staffing updates revealed a stable situation across the district, with only one paraprofessional position open at the elementary school and a need for a foreign language teacher at the high school. The superintendent emphasized the urgency of filling these roles as the “witching hour” for staffing approached.

The business manager also noted the beginning stages of grant writing, with a focus on the general fund.

In other matters, the committee discussed a complaint against Dr. Casavant, received shortly before the meeting. Due to the timing, it was not included on the current agenda. Legal counsel was consulted, and a separate meeting was planned to address the complaint before the next scheduled committee meeting on September 18th.

The committee also responded to a parent’s concern about the kindergarten eligibility cutoff date. The chair explained that while the concerns were valid, decisions must consider the needs of all students. The issue was referred to the operations subcommittee for further review.

In closing, the school committee members expressed gratitude for the orientation event at the high school, which was praised for its engaging and enjoyable approach. Members noted the positive feedback from students, contrasting it with past orientations that were less well-received.