Frank Braga

The School Committee meeting included discussions on an 8th-grade Washington D.C./Baltimore trip, with a focus on cost, fundraising, and potential date adjustments to avoid conflict with graduation. A bid for Hurley Middle School boiler repairs was awarded to Aalanco Service Corp., with a discussion on budget overruns and potential reimbursement. The committee approved language for Town Meeting motions, accepted a donation of gift cards, and considered reimbursement for a parent-paid teacher workshop. Reports covered the Coordinated Program Review, highlighting positive findings, and a Buildings and Grounds update focusing on LED lighting projects. Financial reports indicated that 11.6% of the FY13 budget had been expended.

The meeting agenda includes discussion and potential action on various topics such as a remote learning update, the 2021-2022 school calendar, a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, the FY22 budget overview, budget transfers, revisions to the Homeless Students, Enrollment Rights and Services Policy, year-end grants from the Feinstein Foundation, and the appointment of a Director of Student Services. The committee will also convene into executive session to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining.

The meeting included updates on the new Director of Student Services, tiered focused monitoring, and a commendable rating in the area of inclusion for special education. Discussion included high school pool repairs, remote learning updates, the 2021-2022 school calendar, a grant acceptance for Hurley Middle School, and a FY22 budget overview. Key budget items included class size reduction, special programming, technology integration, and capital improvements. The meeting also covered budget transfers, revisions to the homeless students policy, year-end grants, and the appointment of a new Director of Student Services.

The budget session included a discussion on school realignment and facilities expansion, focusing on addressing overcrowding. Options presented included converting Hurley and Martin schools to Pre-K-8, relocating grade 5 to Hurley, building an early childhood center, reactivating North School, and adding modular classrooms to Aitken and Martin. The session also involved the acceptance of the Superintendent's resignation and the appointment of a search committee head. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the FY2019 budget proposal, which included proposed new positions and addressed potential cost increases and offsets. Public comments included expressions of gratitude for outgoing administrators and concerns regarding the reconfiguration plan and funding.

The meeting addressed school finance administration hiring guidelines, school realignment/facilities expansion, the FY2019 budget proposal, an overnight travel policy, a $500 grant from Exxon Mobil, and a Donors Choose project. Discussions included budget gaps, potential fee increases, and the need for more information from school administrators. Concerns were raised regarding communication with vocational schools and the lack of updates from Tri-County and BCAHS. Public comments included questions about modular units, out-of-district tuition, budget line items, and the reconfiguration plan. The need for a more comprehensive presentation to the town regarding the reconfiguration plan was also discussed, along with concerns about salary increases in the proposed budget. Finally, the meeting included updates on the FY2018 budget, scheduling of the public budget hearing, and the 2018-2019 school calendar.