Kurt Bonetti

The meeting included discussion on committee business, beginning with an agenda amendment. Community members voiced concerns regarding the frequency of Wednesday early releases at elementary schools. The Superintendent provided updates on contract negotiations and a recent safety meeting, specifically addressing the Professional Growth Study and proposing an extension of the Grade 9 Technology Pilot program, which received committee consensus for approval. Financial reports, including the Warrant Report, were reviewed. Discussion items covered the first read of a proposed change to Policy ECAF regarding the installation of security cameras on school buses, soliciting input on Policy IKF concerning Graduation Requirements following the removal of the MCAS exam requirement, and providing consensus approval for a student proposal concerning a High School Therapy Dog, contingent upon further research into costs and feasibility. Action items included the approval of the FY27 Operating Budget version 1.0 and the approval of the ACED Recommendations totaling $9,600 for various extra-compensatory duties. The Consent Agenda included the approval of an overnight field trip for Boys Ice Hockey, the addition of Volleyball as a Fall Sport starting in 2026 with a phased funding approach, and approval of a donation for football coaches.

The Dover-Sherborn School District's planning update addresses declining enrollment and significant fiscal pressures through a data-informed approach to sustain academic excellence. It details findings and proposals from the K-12 Instructional Leadership Study and the Elementary Instructional Time Study, focusing on aligning staffing and programming with enrollment trends and instructional priorities. The plan aims to maintain high-quality education while ensuring fiscal responsibility and preserving capacity for long-term objectives.

The meeting commenced with community comments from the Sherborn Sustainability Manager regarding energy efficiency and grants. The Superintendent provided updates on the Professional Growth Study, Elementary Instructional Study Time Study, and Literacy Update. Financial reports indicated that out-of-district tuition and transportation costs exceeded the budget by a combined $300,000, offset partially by incoming Circuit Breaker reimbursement. A key discussion involved the first read of a proposed change to Policy ECAF to allow for the installation of security cameras on school buses. Action items included the approval of the FY27 Operating Budget, which reflected a significant decrease in Out-of-District costs due to changes in state accounting procedures, and the approval of the FY27-32 Capital Budget requesting $300,000 for the Pine Hill water tank replacement. Informational items included various committee minutes and collaborative reports.

The agenda for the meeting included student council representative updates and superintendent comments covering instructional studies, enrollment trends, and fiscal responsibility. Key discussion centered on the FY27 Operating Budget version 2.0. Financial reports included the Warrant Report and FY26 Monthly Report. Action items were scheduled, and consent items covered the approval of a donation for Robotics and approval for an HS Overnight Field Trip. Informational items and community comments were also scheduled.

The agenda for the meeting includes Superintendent's Comments covering proposed shifts to the elementary instructional schedule, updates on District Instructional Leadership Studies, Enrollment Trends, and Fiscal Responsibility. Key discussion items involve the Proposed FY27 Budget. Financial reports include the Warrant Report and the FY26 Monthly Report. Action items are anticipated, and consent items involve approval of FY27 Pre-School Tuition Rates. The meeting also features a section for Community Comments.