Courtney Jo Balacco

The committee held an open meeting covering a wide range of topics, including a presentation by the high school marching band, a joint proclamation vote, and an update from the Mayor on budget development timelines and charter changes. The committee reviewed curriculum rollout strategies, discussed the FY26 and FY27 operating budgets, and examined capital budget projections. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to transportation logistics, including an update on bus performance and the approval of a five-year lease-to-own contract for new buses. Additionally, the committee discussed driver retention incentives and voted on several policies, including graduation requirements, competency determinations, and secondary employment guidelines. Reports were also provided by the Policy Subcommittee and the Youth Council liaison, along with the acceptance of various gifts and field trips.

This document outlines an educational vision for the City of Framingham, specifically in the context of Hemenway Elementary, focusing on reconfiguring elementary schools, expanding Pre-K, supporting all learners, and fostering district-wide equity. The vision emphasizes creating user-centered, inclusive, diverse, safe, creative, and wellness-oriented learning environments. Key strategies include community engagement, sustainable practices for healthy learning environments, maximizing the value of existing facilities, and leveraging data-based experience for efficient project delivery and budget maintenance.

The key discussions centered on several project phases. The committee addressed the approval of invoices totaling $24,810.00 for the month ending January 2026. Significant time was dedicated to the designer selection process, resulting in the shortlisting of three firms (Tappe Architects, Miller Dyer Spears, SAAM) and the subsequent selection of Tappe Architects, Inc., with VERTEX finalizing the contract. Four major project topics were reviewed: Universal Pre-K strategy aiming for 100% enrollment over 7-10 years; Rezoning goals to align zones with addresses while balancing demographics and addressing transportation; School Choice goals to evaluate the continuation and sustainability of the controlled choice model; and Site Selection methodology, which will influence zoning, school choice, and Pre-K delivery. Upcoming milestones included the designer developing a workplan and scheduling visioning sessions.

This document outlines the Framingham Public Schools' instructional priority for 2025-2026, focusing on language development. The plan aims to deliver targeted lessons that leverage high-quality instructional materials, specifically tailored for emergent bilinguals and dually identified students, by aligning language objectives with WIDA 2020 standards. The strategic goal is to ensure all students access grade-level expectations and demonstrate their understanding effectively. The implementation includes leadership alignment, a tiered rollout, continuous professional development for staff, and collaborative efforts across various educational departments to foster an equitable and inclusive learning environment.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key operational and planning discussions. The Superintendent of Schools will present the second reading of the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. The Executive Director of Finance & Operations is scheduled to provide updates on Capital Budgets, the FY26 Operating Budget, the FY27 Operating Budget, and transportation matters, including DESE Foster Care Transportation Reimbursement. The committee will also hold an initial conversation regarding its goals for the 2026-27 term, receive updates from the School Building Committee, and review subcommittee reports. A segment is dedicated to votes on accepting gifts for various programs and a vote to approve advertising for donor recognition. Approval of minutes from meetings held in December 2025 is also scheduled.