Cynthia Crowley

The meeting featured a detailed update from Dillinger Research and Applied Data regarding the K to 3 redistricting process for elementary school attendance zones. The primary objectives of the project are to better utilize space at Fails Elementary School, promote long-term enrollment stability, and create similar student experiences across all K to 3 elementary schools. Significant community engagement activities were reviewed, including multiple school committee meetings, community forums, strategic working group meetings, and various surveys (general, multi-family housing specific, and interactive web app). Key concerns raised by the community included separating children from current friends, introducing children to new school settings, bus route logistics, and the desire for alternative scenarios beyond the initial five presented. Communication methods were also discussed, noting lower awareness among multi-family housing residents and the potential need for multilingual outreach methods such as direct presentations at multi-family environments.

This document outlines the Westborough Elementary Schools Redistricting Plan, developed to optimize space utilization at Fales Elementary School and ensure long-term enrollment stability and equitable class sizes across the elementary school system. Key objectives include balancing school populations, planning for future town growth, achieving parity in educational experiences for K-3 students, and fostering inclusive school communities that reflect Westborough's diverse population. The plan details various scenarios for boundary adjustments, aiming to create sustainable and fair solutions.

The Westborough Public Schools' District Strategy for Improvement outlines a comprehensive plan focused on four key strategic objectives: Academic Excellence, Caring and Supportive Schools, Connected Community, and Financial and Operational Stability. The plan aims to support students in reaching their full potential as creative thinkers, collaborative problem solvers, and compassionate, engaged citizens, fostering a community where students are healthy, curious, kind, and productive, and committed to continuous improvement and positive global impact.

The Westborough Public Schools budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a 5.18% operating budget increase over FY25. Key drivers include maintaining staffing, addressing student needs, rising special education out-of-district tuition, and increased transportation costs. Staffing changes reflect adjustments to manage class sizes and address enrollment declines, with some positions reduced and others adjusted to meet program needs. Capital requests include funding for gymnasium floor replacement, HVAC/plumbing repairs, and chiller design/replacement.

The 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan for Elsie A. Hastings Elementary School focuses on five key areas: Teaching and Learning, Wellness and Relationships, Communication, Community, and Connections, Management and Operations, and Facilities. The plan outlines goals and action steps to enhance teaching practices, promote student well-being, improve communication with families and the community, optimize school operations, and improve facilities. Specific initiatives include professional development for staff on social-emotional learning, inquiry-based learning, literacy instruction, digital literacy, and co-teaching; implementation of the ARISE protocol for addressing hate speech; fostering a diverse and inclusive school environment; enhancing communication through ParentSquare; strengthening community partnerships; optimizing school schedules and support systems; and improving facilities through sustainability initiatives and ADA compliance.