The meeting’s most significant topic was the proposed expansion of Freeman Kennedy School, driven by a notable increase in student enrollment. The district has been working on a plan to address space constraints, as evidenced by the addition of a ninth second-grade class. After repeated attempts to secure grant funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the district sought and completed a feasibility study funded by the town. However, a previous ballot measure for project funding was unsuccessful due to concerns about tax impacts during a challenging economic period. Despite this setback, the building committee recommended another application to the MSBA.

Encouragingly, the district has advanced to the finalist phase for MSBA funding consideration. One site visit by senior engineers and project design reviewers is scheduled for September 11. The visit will include a tour of the facilities and discussions with town officials and school committee members. If successful, the MSBA could recommend the project for funding approval, which historically covers approximately 52% of project costs. This financial support would ease the burden of the estimated $40 million project. The school committee awaits further developments and is optimistic about the outcome.

The committee also addressed the issue of declining kindergarten enrollment, with a rise in homeschooling requests among kindergarten-eligible students. This trend has sparked concern as it contrasts with the increase in first and second-grade registrations. The district is committed to monitoring these enrollment trends closely.

In staffing updates, the committee introduced new administrative hires, including Katie Young as the director of curriculum, Kristen Gaffoon as the principal at HOD, and Rebecca Austin as the assistant principal. These appointments follow the resignation of the former assistant superintendent and aim to bolster the district’s leadership team. The staffing discussion highlighted that all teaching positions were filled; however, openings remain for a part-time food service assistant and a shared site coordinator for the extended day program. Efforts are ongoing to attract candidates by restructuring positions to offer competitive salaries. Additionally, the committee noted unfilled positions for a permanent building substitute and part-time technology support, with continuous advertising efforts underway.

The technology team has been upgrading and maintaining the district’s technological infrastructure. A significant project involved replacing the emergency messaging system with XR Messenger. Over a thousand pieces of technology, including laptops and iPads, underwent upgrades and repairs. The district also introduced new software programs such as Amplify and a password management system to streamline access for students.

A critical maintenance update revealed ongoing projects, including gym resurfacing and landscape cleanup. The resurfacing of the Smarty Surface playground was completed, with patching work still required at the Freeman Kennedy playground. The district also passed safety inspections conducted by building and fire departments. Preparations for a boiler project at HOD are underway, with the expectation that new boilers will be installed before the heating season.

The committee explored a new partnership application from Scouting America. Discussion centered on whether the organization met the criteria for school partnership status, which requires a direct educational benefit to the entire school system. Concerns arose regarding the organization’s alignment with policy guidelines, particularly as past applications from similar organizations, like the Girl Scouts, were denied. The committee considered alternatives, such as hosting a community resource fair to provide program outreach without direct marketing, aligning with policy intentions to limit non-school-related communications.

Additionally, the committee approved a flu vaccination clinic proposed for October 22 in partnership with Walgreens. Substitute teacher rates were also reviewed, with a proposal to adjust rates upward to remain competitive in the market. The committee acknowledged the importance of competitive rates in attracting qualified substitutes, essential for maintaining educational continuity.