One item on the agenda was the authorization of an easement to allow National Grid to install temporary power poles essential for the construction of the new school building. This easement will facilitate the powering of trailers during the construction process. A committee member raised concerns about the broad scope of the agreement, questioning if National Grid would have extensive leeway and if there were conditions for terminating the agreement. It was clarified that the committee, as the property owner, only needed to grant permission, and the temporary setup would be dismantled once the permanent power transfer occurred. The legal counsel reviewed the agreement, and following a motion, the committee voted unanimously to authorize the chair to sign the easement. This decision marked a step in advancing the construction process.

In addition to the easement authorization, the committee took time to recognize the achievements of two exceptional students. Emily Barrett and Alexis Prabilla were honored as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Emily was commended for her academic excellence, leadership, and active participation in STEM subjects and community service. Alexis received praise for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and character, particularly her involvement in athletics and volunteer work. The committee expressed a desire to make recognizing such student achievements a regular tradition, emphasizing the importance of celebrating academic and extracurricular excellence.

The meeting also addressed personnel changes, with the announcement that Principal Lenor Zadel of the center school would be stepping down at the end of the school year. The Superintendent expressed gratitude for Principal Zadel’s contributions, particularly her ability to forge meaningful relationships within the school community. This announcement initiated discussions about the upcoming search for a new principal, outlining a timeline that includes application collection, candidate screening, and community forums.

Another topic was the progress report on the Student Opportunity Act, presented by the Assistant Superintendent. The report highlighted initiatives focused on inclusive curriculum adoption and the development of innovation pathways at the high school level. Notable achievements included a 50% reduction in students categorized as needing urgent intervention since fall 2023 and the successful launch of two innovation pathways, with plans for a third in information technology. The committee discussed the capacity limits for enrollment in these pathways, with assurances given that no students had been turned away, and efforts to maximize inclusivity were ongoing.

The meeting also included updates on the curriculum review process for middle school math, led by the curriculum director. This review emphasized the importance of vertical alignment across grades, especially for Algebra 1 courses. Feedback from teachers and students who field-tested curricula was included in the report, with a consensus decision on selected curricula expected soon. The anticipation is to adopt and implement these curricula by September, supported by grant funds and district budget allocations.

The committee’s discussion on school choice statistics provided insights into enrollment patterns, noting a decline in the population of school-age children within the district. Participation in school choice varied among the towns, with specific declines noted in Stow and Bolton. The superintendent highlighted the budgetary implications of these trends, as assessments are calculated based on five-year averages. Members expressed appreciation for the presented data, raising inquiries about the factors influencing students’ decisions to opt out of the district.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the school choice process for the upcoming academic year. The recommendation to reopen school choice aimed to regain previous enrollment levels while allowing for fiscal flexibility. The committee discussed the importance of maintaining class sizes and ensuring adequate resources for new students. Additionally, concerns were raised about potential barriers in the application process, leading to suggestions for an online application system to simplify participation.