The proposal for installing data collectors was presented with a focus on collecting water data, transmitting it via cellular networks, and requiring only the school committee’s approval, as no foundations were involved in the setup. The installation at Kennedy Middle School included a device on the roof, screened by mechanical systems, while the Wilson location proposed an antenna on an existing 75-foot pole. Concerns over safety, particularly the risk of the antenna falling, were addressed. The presenter assured the committee that the antennas were lightweight, securely mounted, and designed to withstand typical wind conditions. A motion to approve the installations was passed unanimously.

In a notable announcement, the Natick Public Schools were recognized for their commitment to music education, receiving the “best communities for music education” award from the NAM Foundation for the third time in four years. This accolade was attributed to the collective efforts of the community, school committee members, music staff, and families. The award reflects a strong commitment to music education from pre-K to 12th grade.

The meeting also addressed curriculum developments, particularly in literacy programs for elementary and middle schools. The committee discussed piloting two or three curricula to ensure alignment with educational standards. Concerns were raised about the compatibility of the selected programs with the science of reading. The literacy coaches were noted to prioritize this alignment, acknowledging that supplementary programs might be needed to cover essential areas like phonics and fluency.

The ongoing curriculum review process aimed to pilot selected programs in the following year, with a commitment to professional development for teachers. Feedback from teachers piloting these curricula will provide insights into the effectiveness of the materials. The committee recognized the importance of a thoughtful approach to implementation, drawing on lessons learned from previous curriculum transitions to avoid overwhelming educators.

In a related discussion, the Natick Education Foundation shared updates on their recent grant cycle, noting a record number of applications with over $27,000 awarded across 16 grants. The grants supported various innovative projects, including chicken incubators and robotics. The conversation highlighted the collaborative effort of community volunteers and board members in reviewing applications, emphasizing the desire to fund more projects despite constraints.

Enrollment projections for the 2025-2026 kindergarten class were presented, revealing potential concerns due to fluctuating registration numbers. The committee discussed strategies for monitoring these trends, including weekly registration tracking and an independent enrollment projection study. The conversation touched on neighborhood-to-neighborhood migration and its impact on school population balance. The study aims to provide a solid enrollment projection to aid future planning.