The meeting began with an update on social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health initiatives within the district, presented by Dr. Linda Watt, Director of School Counseling and Therapeutic Supports. Dr. Watt differentiated between SEL, which involves skills for effective interpersonal interactions, and mental health, related to emotional functioning. She emphasized the importance of managing emotions and stressors and reported on the implementation of tiered supports for students via a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model. These supports aim to enhance student engagement, emotional management, attendance, and relationships.

Key initiatives from spring 2023 to the present included universal screenings for social-emotional skills and academic behavior, alongside professional development efforts. Reset rooms were established across all school buildings to provide students with spaces to refocus and re-engage. The “Mind Up” curriculum, fostering social-emotional skills, was implemented from kindergarten to seventh grade. Additionally, three schools—Chamberlin, Eole, and Fredman—participated in restorative practice training to build community connections among students.

However, a portion of students were identified as developing or emerging in their social-emotional skills, necessitating targeted interventions. The “SABERS” assessment revealed that while many students were classified as low risk, there remained a need for tier two and tier three interventions for those at moderate and high risk.

The introduction of the BRIGHT program, a tier three intervention providing intensive support for students transitioning back from hospitalization due to significant mental health issues, marked another development. This grant-funded program employed a social worker, teacher, and academic tutor, supporting 11 students in its inaugural run. Monthly reviews of data and consistent documentation for counseling sessions were emphasized to ensure effective interventions.

Family engagement was another focal point, with an expressed need for more consistent surveying of parents to understand their needs and concerns. The lack of responses from families in previous surveys was highlighted, and efforts were outlined to improve participation rates.

A discussion ensued regarding the reset rooms, which serve students needing behavioral support during recess and academic settings. Data collection aimed to identify effective strategies for different students, improving intervention methods. Plans to standardize the use of reset rooms and ensure consistent data collection processes were discussed, with monthly reviews proposed to adapt strategies for individual students.

The superintendent provided an update on a $400,000 grant awarded to Taunton High School by the Bar Foundation. This grant aims to enhance inclusivity and support within the educational environment, focusing on strengthening instructional practices and ensuring equitable disciplinary measures.

Additionally, the meeting covered staffing updates, revealing that the district is currently 90% staffed, with ongoing efforts to fill remaining vacancies. An enrollment increase was reported, with the number of students rising from 8,070 to 8,190, including a notable rise in kindergarten enrollment.

The finance and law subcommittee discussed a request for proposals for legal services, recommending awarding the contract to Americ and O’Connell. A review of the procurement card memo and approval of bills payable for FY24 totaling $484,350 were also conducted. There was a recommendation to explore using Uber and Lyft business applications for school-related travel to enhance safety and centralize payment methods.

In addressing the culinary kitchen expansion, it was noted that completion is expected by late October. A discussion on the traffic and parking situation at the high school led to a suggestion to reconvene a committee to address the issue, particularly with new leadership at the high school.