The main highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the four finalists for the superintendent position. The candidates, Andrew Bot, Wendy Crocker Rober, Heather Galante, and Dr. Henry Turner, were selected through a rigorous process conducted by a screening committee comprising 18 individuals. Members of the board expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the committee, particularly praising Michelle and Olivia for their logistical contributions. The finalists bring a diverse range of experiences, from district leadership and school improvement to a focus on diversity and student support systems.

The board approved the finalists and discussed a tight schedule for candidate visits and interviews. Community engagement was emphasized, with structured schedules for each candidate to interact with various groups within the district. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of voting on the new superintendent by April 2, given the compressed timeline for feedback. The possibility of delaying the vote to April 6 was considered but faced challenges due to potential conflicts with candidates’ other commitments. Additionally, members debated whether to broadcast the interviews live or post them online after recording, weighing the need for transparency against ensuring a fair process.

In a separate segment, the board celebrated the Reading High School (RHS) Drama Club’s accomplishment of reaching the state finals in the MEG theater competition. Dr. Milesca, along with students Ben Goldust, Jason Walsh, and Caitlyn Honer, shared their success in performing “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves” and the honors received, including all-star awards in acting and technical skills. This achievement marks the first time in 23 years that Reading will be represented at the state finals, a milestone for the club since rejoining the drama guild three years ago. An open dress rehearsal and benefit performance were announced, allowing the community to support the club financially as they prepare for the finals.

The meeting also addressed community-focused initiatives, including the work of the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE) dedicated to honoring Bill Russell’s legacy. The committee has extended its timeline to January 2027 and engaged in community events to foster discussions around Russell’s impact. They are developing a “Game Changer Award” to recognize individuals exemplifying Russell’s values in social justice, activism, and leadership, with an aim to include a monetary component as either a scholarship or grant.

Budgetary discussions were a part of the meeting, with the finance committee voting to allocate $25,000 to the school department for unified sports and endorsing the Parker Middle School turf field project. However, the vote on the adaptive programming unified sports stabilization fund resulted in a 4-4 tie. The committee also supported the Community Preservation Act ballot question and the FY26 budget, with both receiving strong backing.

The meeting further explored the town’s engagement with a tax consultant to investigate potential tax credits for solar and geothermal projects under the Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative, described as a unique step for the town, aims to secure financial recovery from state and federal sources, representing an innovative approach to funding environmental projects.

The school choice program was another focus, with representatives noting the benefits of enrolling students from other districts, including financial contributions and enhanced community ties. Concerns about maintaining the district’s identity and capacity were discussed, with a consensus to continue the program while monitoring its impact.

As the meeting concluded, the board discussed the process for formulating interview questions for the superintendent candidates, considering various methods to ensure fairness and consistency. The urgency of the timeline for both finalist interviews and site visits was stressed, with members tasked to submit proposed questions promptly.