Holliston Unveils Strategic Plan with Emphasis on Community and Growth

Overview: The Holliston School Committee meeting highlighted the town’s strategic plan, which has been developed through extensive community input over two years. This plan outlines seven strategic priorities for the next five years, with a focus on maintaining the town’s defining characteristic of being a “small town with a big heart” while fostering growth and inclusivity.

Holliston School Committee Contends with Budget Cuts and Inclusion

Overview: In the latest Holliston School Committee meeting, budget constraints and the prioritization of educational needs took center stage, as members grappled with a $1.1 million deficit that led to proposed staff reductions. The committee discussed the necessity of cutting administrative roles, classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and technology integration staff while striving to minimize the impact on programs and class sizes. The recommended budget of $41,847,157, which represents a 3.25% increase, includes $750,000 of supplemental one-time funding to address heightened special education costs.

Holliston School Committee Weighs Field Naming and Budget Adjustments

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Holliston School Committee addressed several issues, with the proposal to name the high school baseball field after a long-serving community member and discussions on budget adjustments to address a shortfall taking center stage. The committee also deliberated on the establishment of a policy for flying flags at school buildings and the restructuring of the curriculum and instruction for the upcoming academic year.

Holliston School Committee Faces $1.1 Million Budget Shortfall

Overview: The Holliston School Committee recently addressed a critical $1.1 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. The gap has prompted a series of discussions on potential cost reductions, including staff cuts that may range from $400,000 to $500,000, and the exploration of alternative revenue sources. The committee is grappling with the financial challenges while prioritizing the educational needs of the district’s students, such as advocating for the addition of a full-time equivalent board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) to support student mental health and behavioral issues.

Holliston Advances Discussion on Algebra 1 Course for Eighth Grade

Overview: In a recent Holliston School Committee meeting, attention was focused on the advancement of the district’s mathematics curriculum, specifically the proposal to offer a full-year Algebra 1 course to eighth graders by the 2025-2026 school year. This move aims to provide accelerated learning pathways and address concerns over the need for equitable access to advanced math education. The committee also heard updates on professional development, curriculum reviews, and the importance of supporting students with external math resources. Additionally, initiatives on substance use education, the receipt of a grant for genocide education, the revision of the school calendar, and the review of a collaborative agreement with another district were discussed.