A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the ongoing advocacy for changes in the Chapter 70 funding formula. The committee, along with the chair, discussed upcoming listening sessions announced by the Healey administration. These sessions aim to gather public input on the funding formula, which the committee argues disproportionately affects towns like Norfolk. The chair underscored the critical impact of these funding shortfalls on educational programming and class sizes, urging community involvement in the hearings. A consensus emerged to draft a joint statement with Norfolk’s select board to bolster the testimony that the chair and the superintendent of Rentham plan to present at the virtual hearing. This collaboration reflects the committee’s strategy to amplify its voice on this issue.

In addition to funding concerns, the committee reviewed progress on various school improvement plans. Kristen Don, the new principal at Holiff Day School, presented updates on the school’s strategic goals, which include social emotional learning, environmental responsibility, curriculum implementation, and community engagement. Don highlighted initiatives like kindness celebrations and anti-bullying units, alongside environmental responsibility campaigns involving go-green lessons and assemblies during Earth Week. The school is also focusing on the rollout of a new English Language Arts curriculum, supported by professional development for staff and collaborative efforts among teachers.

The Freeman Kennedy School also reported on its improvement plan, emphasizing curriculum enhancement and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. The implementation of a new ELA program in grades three through six was a key achievement, with literacy coaches working closely with teachers. Adjustments to the literacy and math block schedules were made to align with the new curriculum.

The meeting further highlighted several community initiatives and partnerships. The committee approved various fundraisers, including the “Season of Giving” through the Santa Foundation and an art program called Art Sonia. A new fundraiser, “Fun Pasta,” was proposed by the PTO, with a unanimous motion for its approval. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved partnership applications from local organizations like the Lions and NCTV, recognizing their contributions to the community through scholarships, events, and training opportunities.

In the realm of student programs, the committee celebrated National Custodians Day, where students crafted superhero capes and poems for custodians. The introduction of a peer leadership program at Freeman was also noted, aligning with district goals of enhancing student leadership opportunities. The program involves training for fifth and sixth graders, supported by the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, which also conducted workshops on friendship, conflict, and bullying for students.

Technology integration was another focal point, with updates on the district’s technology committee’s efforts. Students shared their experiences with projects like engineering magnetic dog doors. The importance of digital health was addressed, with an upcoming screening of the film “Screen Aers” scheduled to guide parents through managing children’s screen time.

The committee also discussed the continued implementation and effectiveness of the Aadians tool, which monitors student progress as part of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework. This tool focuses on reading fluency, accuracy, and composite scores, with substantial progress reported from both students and teachers.

Efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and social emotional learning were highlighted through programs like the SEAL initiative and the Second Step curriculum. Community events such as Unity Day and Kindness Weeks aim to equip students with essential life skills, while restorative justice practices focus on conflict resolution.

Lastly, the committee addressed policy updates, including proposed changes to food and nutrition standards and public comment policies. The budget discussion revealed a projected surplus of $40,000, which the committee plans to restore to the special education stabilization fund to manage rising costs.