A significant portion of the meeting focused on the financial impact of school choice and charter schools on the Taunton Public Schools district. The committee discussed how school choice revenue interacts with the Chapter 70 foundational budget. It was noted that students leaving the district for other schools are still counted towards the Chapter 70 budget, whereas incoming students from neighboring districts do not contribute to this budget directly but do provide school choice income. The committee was informed that sending districts retain approximately two-thirds of the per-pupil Chapter 70 funds. For instance, if 100 students left a hypothetical district, it would collect $590,000 in sending tuition based on an average tuition rate of $5,900. Conversely, if 50 students enrolled in that district from elsewhere, this would generate $295,000.

Specific figures for Taunton Public Schools were also discussed. Approximately 268 students were reported to be leaving for other districts, generating around $1.9 million in sending tuition, while the income from incoming students was noted to be about $619,000. The retained Chapter 70 funding for those leaving was calculated at $2.5 million. Combining the retained Chapter 70 funding with school choice income, the total revenue for Taunton was nearly $3.1 million. However, challenges persist, such as the newly approved virtual school in Taunton, which has reportedly reduced the number of students leaving for virtual options.

The financial assessment also included charter schools, with sending tuition totaling $1.9 million and charter school tuition adding up to $2.4 million, leading to a subtotal of approximately $4.3 million. The retained Chapter 70 funding and other revenue sources were calculated to total about $3.4 million, leaving a gap of $890,000 that needs addressing.

Efforts to enhance engagement with families who have not yet enrolled in Taunton Public Schools were also discussed. Emphasis was placed on the importance of marketing and outreach, particularly at the pre-kindergarten level, to attract families who may not be aware of the resources available in the district. The need to gather data on why families opt for schools outside of Taunton was underscored as a key component of improving retention rates.

In staffing news, the superintendent introduced Shannon Turner as the new Director of Human Resources. Turner, formerly the assistant principal of Plymouth North High School, expressed her excitement about joining the Taunton community and her commitment to addressing staffing vacancies. She outlined her plans to meet with building leaders and increase job postings on social media to attract qualified candidates, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing the HR department’s overall effectiveness.

Additionally, Amanda Imar was announced as the new principal of Bennett Elementary School. With 15 years of experience in education, Imar expressed enthusiasm for her new role and dedication to working with staff, families, and students to make Bennett a thriving educational environment.

The committee also recognized Carolyn Blenau, the assistant principal for teaching and learning at Taunton High School, for receiving the Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts Fellowship. This fellowship aims to promote equity and transformation in school leadership. Blenau’s participation in the program is expected to foster her development as a leader, emphasizing a student-centered approach to education.

Other matters included the disposal of surplus equipment, specifically a school shed valued at approximately $150. Bills payable for FY 25 totaling $559,950.66 were also approved. There was a brief discussion about the review of the use of school facilities, prompted by recent events that raised concerns about the process and communication related to facility use. A motion was made to refer this matter to the rules subcommittee for further evaluation and policy development, which passed unanimously.

The committee also highlighted National Health Center Week and recognized the contributions of Manet Community Health and other health centers in providing medical and behavioral health care to students, emphasizing the importance of the school-based health center in removing barriers to access for students.