Denise M. Dembkoski

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a motion to enter executive session to conduct strategy sessions concerning negotiations with non-union personnel or collective bargaining. Following the executive session, the committee approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting minutes from June 1, 2022, and warrants for June 17, 2022. Key discussions included the announcement of Laura Friend as the recommended Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, who introduced herself to the committee. The Superintendent provided an update detailing the successful graduation ceremony at Nashoba Regional High School and reported that the plan submitted under the Student Opportunity Act was approved by the department. Additionally, the Superintendent reminded attendees about upcoming Summer Academy offerings, including new project-based learning sessions. New business involved the introduction of consultants who guided the development of the five-year strategic plan, titled 'Learning Along the Great Road,' which was presented, outlining the mission, core values (including academic achievement, lifelong learning, and a sense of belonging for all), and vision ('Be Your Best Self, Pave Your Path, and Impact the World').

The primary focus of this event was the swearing-in ceremony for Lt. Kellie Barhight to her new position as second in command. The Chief expressed confidence in her ability to balance the law enforcement, social work, and community caring aspects central to the department's mission, noting that she represents an elite group of female lieutenants. The newly promoted Lieutenant also expressed enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement, which she values highly from her early career experiences in small communities.

The meeting featured a presentation by students and staff regarding a project on bee importance, colony collapse disorder, and hand-pollination techniques observed globally. The project integrated science, programming using the Tinker app for virtual and physical drone operation, and the engineering design process to design and test artificial pollinators. Discussions during the public comment section included concerns about budget implications related to tuition changes for the integrated preschool program, specifically its impact on special needs students preparing for kindergarten.

The meeting commenced with the deliberation and decision on the special permit application for 56 Harvard Road dance studio, including discussions and amendments to the draft decision document regarding parking limitations and dance studio operational specifics. The Board also briefly reviewed and voted on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 departmental budget, which maintained existing line items without increases, and discussed associated funding for continuing planning education. Later agenda items included scheduling the review of the appendix/diagram component for the comprehensive permit for a future meeting and general discussion regarding town zoning regulations, including potential issues with non-conforming uses in various zones.

The session focused on providing a budget overview and presenting preliminary enrollment analysis. The superintendent outlined that this initial budget presentation reflects a level service approach based on current delivery. Key discussion points included presenting historical enrollment data, enrollment by grade level, cohort analysis showing growth and shrinkage trends, and year-over-year changes in grade levels, noting the vocational/technical school effect between 8th and 9th grade. Furthermore, the discussion covered the school attending report by town census data, detailing where students aged 5 to 18 attend (NRSD, vocational, charter, private, homeschool), and comparing FY20 and FY21 data, particularly noting an increase in homeschooling during the remote learning year.