Julie A. Hartshorn

The meeting included visitor comments regarding the upcoming override vote and discussion on a proposed 6th-grade field trip to Camp Bournedale, which was subsequently approved. Reports covered a staffing update from the Superintendent, progress from the Student Advisory Council concerning cafeteria choices, and an update from Whittier Tech, including enrollment and admissions changes. The Shay Memorial Building Project update indicated the committee is concluding the MSBA Audit process. Subcommittee reports covered finance and facilities (including diamond field project costs and out-of-district placements), curriculum and inclusion, policy and personnel (planning to review bullying, chemical health, and gifts policies), and long-range planning. Committee requests included a review of bullying policies, an enrollment update, input from the school nurse regarding the BMI policy, an update on the Superintendent Search, and a presentation on entitlement grants. New business addressed the disclosure of the Superintendent's husband's potential employment as a paraprofessional, which the committee determined would not affect integrity, and the approval of early-year financial transfers totaling $808,013.00. Warrants for several dates in July and August were approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included the recognition of retiring staff members. New business addressed the Superintendent's recommendation concerning the Heritage Academy's proposal to open a school in Amesbury, requiring member feedback by July 15th. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Re-vote of the FY26 Budget, including a re-vote on proposed increases for bus and athletic fees, which passed with one abstention each. The committee reviewed and voted on various cost centers for the budget, ultimately approving most as presented, with some adjustments made following initial objections, particularly concerning the Cashman budget and Shay budget approval. The committee also approved the AIHS renewal for one year and the AIHS Lease with All Saints Church. Reports included an update from the Long-Range Planning Subcommittee focusing on fund development, consolidation, and advocacy, and a detailed Math and Literacy Data Review analyzing MCAS and MAP assessment results across several grade levels.

The committee addressed new business, beginning with the approval of the non-public school, Heritage Academy, which passed with four affirmative votes. Following this, the Superintendent summarized significant changes made to the student handbooks for the upcoming school year, specifically noting modifications to religious opt-out language for families, and changes to graduation requirements and GPA tables at the high school level. The committee also briefly discussed the implications of the GPA changes and current practices, including potential policies regarding AI use in school.

Key discussions during the meeting covered committee reports. The Finance & Facilities committee had no update scheduled for this date but noted a future meeting. The Curriculum & Inclusion committee discussed Spotlight nominations and professional development opportunities. The Policy & Personnel committee reviewed ongoing discussions concerning the Chemical Health Policy, Gift Policy, and potential Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies. The Long Range Planning committee shared progress on grade configuration, regionalization recommendations, and initiating an endowment. A summary of the recent Joint Education meeting detailed topics such as capital funding, known retirements, contingencies for an override failure, and the implementation of the Whittier lottery for enrollment. Under New Business, appointments were made for co-chairs of the Superintendent Search committee.

Key discussions included the Superintendent's updates on staffing, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools, and the financial impacts of override costs. The Quarter 1 budget report highlighted concerns regarding special education costs and baseball field improvements. The Student Advisory Council reported on recent activities and ongoing efforts to change cafeteria meal options. Updates were provided on the Whittier Tech enrollment lottery, building project, and the SEPAC's recent leadership elections. The committee also addressed the ongoing superintendent search, upcoming community engagement opportunities, and the rationale for the hiring range. Subcommittee reports covered policy reviews, facilities updates including the AIHS lease situation, and discussions on regionalization with Georgetown. New business focused on the approval of two policies: KBBA regarding Non-Custodial Parents Rights and JRA concerning the Retention of Student Records. The committee also approved the district goals and the school committee goals.