Diana Bonneville

The school committee convened to conduct interviews for the superintendent candidate position. The meeting included an introduction of candidates, a structured series of questions, and deliberation regarding the selection process for the incoming superintendent. Additionally, the committee discussed the weighted voting structure required for the hiring decision and reviewed procedures for managing future budget challenges and emergency response protocols within the school district.

The meeting included the election of school committee officers for the new term. Discussions covered the addition of two ninth-grade school choice seats, a report from the student representatives regarding sports and school events, and a Superintendent report on personnel changes and participation in statewide conferences regarding hate speech. Additionally, the committee discussed the hiring of a new IT director and potential collaborative maintenance agreements with the town for athletic fields.

The meeting included discussions on handbook updates, particularly concerning the use of AI, academic policies, restorative practice assignments for absences, and high school dance eligibility. The committee also reviewed a proposed rotating schedule for middle and high school students to improve curriculum offerings and allow for intervention and enrichment blocks. Additionally, plans were discussed to expand elective choices for seventh-grade students, including career exploration opportunities.

The committee held a discussion regarding the selection process for superintendent candidates, including the approval of interview questions. The meeting also included student updates on various school events, such as AP testing, the 'Stop the Soar' event, and upcoming sporting events. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and discussing a proposed new policy regarding the funding of AP exam fees, specifically exploring a model where students contribute to the costs of their first and second exams while the district covers costs for subsequent exams.

The committee discussed the necessity of repairing the track to avoid further deterioration and higher future costs, noting that the track is almost 12 years old and missing a significant percentage of rubber granules. The proposed repair involves replacing the wear layer, which would extend the track's life by 10 to 15 years, address surface cracks, and improve safety for students and the community. The projected cost is $192,000, with a discussion on how the repayment would be apportioned among the towns based on a five-year capital assessment formula. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of changing enrollment data on future cost sharing and the overall long-term financial planning for school infrastructure.