Jennifer Dufault

The meeting began with public participation procedures detailed, followed by chairperson and members reports. The Superintendent provided an update, congratulating teams and coaches on their winter sports season success, including the undefeated middle school boys basketball team, and recognizing the retirement of long-serving high school basketball coaches. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the superintendent search process, detailing the candidate site visits, the timeline for feedback collection, and the upcoming deliberation date. Finally, there was a presentation on student literacy, focusing on the implementation of a new literacy program aligned with the science of reading research. This presentation included data showing a reduction in the percentage of students requiring reading intervention, particularly in grades K-4, and a discussion on student writing proficiency improvements utilizing the Rule of Three instructional sequence.

The agenda for the meeting included public participation, reports from the Chairperson and Superintendent, and several scheduled appointments. Key discussions involved an update on the Superintendent Search, a student presentation and report on the Literacy Initiative, and a report on the Fiscal Year 2027 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Budget. The meeting also included a public hearing regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. The agenda concluded with Old Business, New Business, approval of previous minutes, and an Executive Session covering matters related to compliance with the Open Meeting Law, strategy sessions for collective bargaining or litigation involving various associations and non-union personnel, and discussion of an Open Meeting Law complaint.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Superintendent's report summarizing post-blizzard conditions and state laws regarding learning time. The Committee received an update on the Superintendent Search process, identifying the four finalists and encouraging public feedback ahead of the selection meeting scheduled for March 18. The Committee voted unanimously to accept a $5,000 donation from the Massachusetts Beijing Chinese Language School to support a scholarship for graduating seniors. The Finance & Operations section involved a report on the Fiscal Year 2027 Special Education Budget, including details on intervention strategies, 504 Plan trends, and findings related to significant disproportionality, as well as a vote to keep Fiscal Year 2027 fees for bus, athletic, and music lessons unchanged. New Business included an update on the Assabet Valley Collaborative, noting its positive functioning and benefits to the district. The session concluded with the Committee moving into an Executive Session to address matters concerning collective bargaining strategy, litigation, personnel issues, and compliance with state/federal laws.

The committee convened in Open Session before moving into Executive Session. Upon returning to Open Session, the committee reviewed and accepted the Open Meeting minutes from January 20, 2026, January 26, 2026, and February 7, 2026, with no corrections made. The Open Session was adjourned later that afternoon.

Key discussions during the meeting included the announcement of the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jane Lizotte, effective June 30, 2026, following 30 years of service. The Superintendent provided an update on the status of the district, including a focus on PBIS. The Superintendent Search Screening Committee narrowed the pool of applicants to four candidates for further consideration. Regarding finance, the Superintendent recommended a Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriated Budget of $94,631,135, representing a 4.75% increase over FY26, with detailed discussions on funding sources and budget themes. Furthermore, the Committee voted unanimously to authorize the signing of the Massachusetts School Building Association Commissioning Certificate of Completion for the Oak Middle School Project. An update was also provided on the Assabet Valley Collaborative Audit Report, confirming stable finances.