John G. Merselis

Key discussions included correspondence regarding a School Committee member's recognition award. The Principal reported on positive integration and collaboration among students, steady enrollment figures, and data concerns related to FY25 attendance reporting, which will be corrected for FY26. Upcoming events included field trips, a Trunk or Treat event, and a change to the Holiday Concert date. The Superintendent provided updates on a pending Home Rule Bill, student enrollment figures including those paying for School Choice, staffing FTE, and plans for a committee presentation on MCAS/Benchmark data, noting positive growth in math curriculum scores but a need to improve writing capabilities. An ELA Audit was completed successfully, contingent on three specified updates to ensure 'No Findings.' Other items covered were a review of MTSS data, the status of Federal Grants despite a government shutdown, and the requirement for salary ranges on job offerings per the Wage Transparency Act. The financial report was reviewed, and an executive session was held.

Key discussions during the meeting included correspondence requesting to discuss MCAS scores at a future Selectboard meeting. The Principal's Report covered field trips, a thorough review and discussion of MCAS data to align curriculum with identified needs, and upcoming events such as Grandparents/Special Friends Day, a talk on anxiety, a food drive, and a bottle drive. The Superintendent's Report provided updates on the Home Rule Bill and the submission of paperwork for the Civil Rights Audit, as well as the completion of the ELL Audit. The SPED Director reported on an outplaced student requiring significant transportation costs, changes in School Choice/Home Run Bill students, current IEP demographics (zero IEPs in Pre-K to Grade 3), and the submission of the Special Education Audit paperwork in March. Additionally, a long-term substitute was hired for 90 days.

The meeting addressed public concerns, including school bus safety and academic challenges for a 4th-grade student. There was a discussion regarding faster communication about staff absences. The Community Thanksgiving event was successful. Project updates included addressing a roof leak in the PreK-K area, with plans for resealing and a potential mold evaluation. The "Hancock School District Cell Phone Use Policy" was presented. The impact of ballot question #2 (MCAS) was discussed, with changes to graduation requirements. Rural Aid funds will be used for the production of Beauty and the Beast and the all day summer program. The committee discussed the FY 26 Budget and Circuit Breaker for 2025.

The committee discussed various topics, including school year calendar options, accolades and happenings such as the Storyteller John Porcino's work with a STAR grant and the success of the ski program. Enrollment updates were provided, noting the constant number of students and the decision to discontinue school choice for the remainder of the year. Project updates included plans for a new storage shed. Upcoming events such as the Spaghetti Supper and HOPE's Easter Egg Hunt were mentioned. Collaboration between Pre-K and K classes was discussed, and a new front office employee was hired. The FY 25 Budget Draft was reviewed, along with discussions on school choice and tuition. The discontinuation of school choice for non-resident pre-K students was addressed, and updates on grants and special funds were provided. Summer school planning and the use of Rural Aid money were also discussed. Additionally, a part-time SLP was hired for the next year, and the financial report was reviewed.

The meeting included a meet and greet with new staff members. The Principal's report included updates on the start of the school year, enrollment numbers, and upcoming events. The Superintendent's report covered the Home Rule Bill, the start of the school year with team-building videos, professional development for teachers, and a discussion on religious opt-out from specific curriculum content. The SPED Director reported on the number of students on IEPs, and the financial report was reviewed.