Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District

The Budget Subcommittee meeting was held to review and sign financial warrants. The committee examined various general fund expenditures, payroll-related taxes, deductions, and state and federal grant disbursements totaling $1,952,739.22.

The meeting agenda focused on a discussion regarding the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) standards and assessment results.

This document outlines the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District's goals for 2020-2021 and its FY 2021 Preliminary Operating Budget. The strategic direction focuses on closing achievement gaps in student subgroups, increasing learning opportunities for all students, and maintaining appropriate class sizes. Additionally, the plan prioritizes providing a safe, clean, energy-efficient learning environment and preserving budgets for extra-curricular, arts, music, and athletic programs. The budget details drivers and proposed staffing increases to support these objectives.

The committee discussed and recommended several policy revisions to the full committee, including bylaws regarding chair responsibilities, public comment procedures, home instruction, and acceptable use of technology and electronic resources. Additionally, the committee reviewed field trip policies and participation criteria for co-curricular activities while deciding to postpone discussions on goal-setting policy revisions pending further input.

The committee meeting covered a range of topics, including public comments regarding district culture, recognition of a student award recipient, and a superintendent's report highlighting personnel updates, educational data analysis, and communication protocols. The committee accepted a STEM-related gift, reviewed educational tour plans, and acknowledged receipt of collaborative annual reports. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing and proposing revisions to School Committee bylaws regarding officer definitions. Additionally, the committee discussed student advisory committee liaisons, subcommittee reports, and upcoming meeting schedules. An executive session was convened to discuss personnel matters before the meeting was adjourned.