School Committee Update - September 23, 2024

Posted Date: 9/27/24 (12:16 PM)

Meeting Update | September 23, 2024

For Reference:

Upcoming School Committee Meetings

School Committee Policies

District Strategic Plan

School Committee Contact Information

Meeting Highlights:

Bala Ramkumar, Student Representative, reported that the start of the new school year is going smoothly. He also said that seniors will be able to paint their parking spots this year using environmentally friendly paint. Dr. Dwight added that students who do not drive to school will be able to paint the parking spot of a faculty member.
Dr. Dwight shared a draft of the District Improvement Plan and reviewed the five year goals for each core value and the measures/actions to work towards these goals in year three of the plan.
Ms. Besse, School Committee Chair, gave a brief summary of what was covered at the School Committee’s strategy planning meeting on September 9th. They discussed budget priorities for the year and capital planning projects. They also identified joint School Committee and Superintendent goals which include: developing a plan with the leadership team guided by the Title IX report, devising and approving a budget to meet the district’s needs, and presenting warrant articles which will include the special education reserve fund. Draft versions of these goals will be reviewed at the next meeting.

Other noteworthy agenda items:

Dana Labb gave his first Assistant Superintendent update to School Committee members.
Ms. Besse updated members on the status of the land swap discussion and said the Open Space Committee will need a decision to be made by February 1st. She shared that an acre has been carved out of the Small Land plot to accommodate the HES parking lot and the sewer plant. Members are waiting on answers to some of their questions before deciding how to proceed with the proposed land swap.
Two new clubs were approved: the Card Game Club and the Theater Club.

Future meeting dates and agenda items:

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for October 15th - please note that this is a Tuesday. Agenda items will include the School Improvement Plans and the joint School Committee and Superintendent goals.