Elizabeth Coogan

The meeting commenced with the Superintendent's report, which acknowledged the recent unprecedented storm and the resulting six canceled school days, currently setting the last day of school as June 26th, with further updates pending a meeting with the commissioner regarding potential schedule flexibility. The Superintendent also celebrated the high school drama club's 26 nominations for the Ocean State Star Awards and discussed staffing changes, including an administrative assistant appointment. The committee recognized several students as February Visionaries for demonstrating qualities such as digital citizenship, empathy, respect, resilience, independence, and academic achievement. Under new business, the budget subcommittee presented a preliminary total operating budget of $22,555,875, representing a 2.61% increase before revenue and 1.82% after revenue, which included reductions in personnel across union and non-union positions, and cuts to supplies, necessitating an upcoming full committee vote. The committee scheduled a subsequent meeting for March 10th to vote on accepting the preliminary budget, which is necessary to maintain the March 16th public hearing date. Finally, the committee voted to adopt the alternate assessment formula for member towns, as opposed to the statutory formula, for the coming year.

The joint meeting involved recognition and commendations for departing and long-serving staff members. A major focus was honoring William Aguiar upon his retirement after 57 years of dedicated service as a teacher, guidance counselor, director of the community school, summer school, and recreation director. Several speakers emphasized his profound, positive, and individualized impact on students and the community. Additionally, the committee recognized Jason Morenzi for 10 years of service as Food Services Manager, noting significant improvements in the quality and student focus of the cafeteria program under his leadership. Citations honoring both individuals were adopted for permanent records.

Key discussions included the approval of the DECA overnight field trip to Boston, scheduled from March 12th through 14th, 2026, involving 14 students and two advisors. The committee recognized several students as Learning Visionaries for traits such as independence, respectfulness, and empathy. New business involved the establishment and appointment of members to a Capital Planning Subcommittee, with Mr. Pastnac and Miss Ferrer appointed. The Superintendent provided an overview of the January 24th strategic planning kickoff event, noting emerging themes focused on increasing learning relevance, career pathways, and addressing achievement gaps, especially in special education. An update on the projected FY27 state budget indicated a potential net increase of approximately $350,000 in state aid over FY26, despite rising expenses like charter tuition reimbursement. The Budget Subcommittee reviewed special education staffing needs and discussed potential funding sources. Finally, the committee adopted a new Artificial Intelligence policy and approved the second reading for an amendment to the policy regarding admission of international exchange students. There was also a significant discussion regarding concerns about the regional school district operating unilaterally concerning the Somerset preK through 8 component, including a discussion about policy concerning Somerset appointed members participating in regional subcommittees.

The meeting commenced with the required open meeting law advisories and a roll call. The key discussion centered on a presentation regarding the student internship program, detailing how it supports the vision of the graduate and strategic plan objectives, such as expanding community opportunities and building partnerships. The presentation covered career readiness skills taught, including time management, critical thinking, and ethical awareness. Student interns presented on their experiences in diverse placements, including fire departments, public schools, media, construction, and hospice care. The discussion also touched upon the gradual release of responsibility model used with interns and the support provided by community mentors and school staff, noting the high caliber and perseverance of the students.

The meeting commenced with procedural matters, including a roll call and recognition of Dr. Bill Aguiar with a moment of silence. Key discussion points centered on the enforcement and potential future changes to the student cell phone policy, noting recent legislative activity at the state level and hearing student feedback on the current successful policy implementation. The committee also discussed proposed new courses and AP classes, including financial literacy, ASL, and AP Physics. Financial matters included a review of the November financial statement, noting that 87% of the budget is expended or covered, and updates on capital and stabilization funds, which are largely exhausted, pending certification of free cash and title grants. Finally, the committee approved the establishment of a new student activity account for the Class of 2029, and received a presentation on student achievement data, including MCCAST scores, dual enrollment statistics, and SAT information.