18:31The most notable topic of the meeting was the ongoing budget challenges faced by the Nashoba Regional School District. The finance and operations director highlighted that while the operating budget remained stable since December, upcoming expenses related to winter maintenance, like plowing and heating, would soon impact the financial reports. The special education budget was flagged for its reliance on circuit breaker funding. This increase necessitated salary adjustments to keep the administrative team financially whole.

A concern during the meeting was the district’s effort to retain the deans of students, seen as vital for maintaining student engagement and attendance. He shared that the high school dean’s focus on fostering relationships with students had successfully reduced tardiness without resorting to punitive measures. The committee sought clarity on the flexibility of budget allocations, with Downing assuring them that any significant fund movements between cost centers would require committee approval, thereby maintaining transparency.

Superintendent Downing also emphasized the importance of community engagement in the budget process. He shared insights from his office hours held at schools, which have provided valuable feedback from faculty. The committee and administration highlighted the need for open dialogue and continuous communication with the community regarding budgetary priorities and challenges.

0:00Another issue discussed was the substantial increase in special education transportation costs. The director of student services informed the committee about a reimbursement option for families choosing to provide their own transportation for special education students. This initiative aimed to alleviate some financial burdens on families, with the district ensuring that all families are informed about the availability of these reimbursements.

In addition to financial issues, the meeting addressed a recent data breach affecting Power School, a platform used by the district. Superintendent Downing informed the committee that an email regarding credit monitoring services had been sent to those affected as a legal requirement and as a precautionary measure following the breach.

35:07The committee also approved the school district calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year. The updated calendar included changes from previous discussions, such as listing early release days instead of late starts and consolidating holiday observances into one calendar for accessibility. There was a discussion about the calendar’s role in education, particularly concerning holiday observance and school event scheduling. The committee agreed to explore further how holidays are communicated and observed within the district to ensure that educational purposes are served while respecting religious observances.

0:00The meeting concluded with the appointment of a new member to the DEAR J advisory committee. A parent from Bolton was approved to join, highlighting the district’s emphasis on community involvement in advisory roles. The committee expressed gratitude for the new member’s willingness to contribute to the district’s initiatives.