Lindsay Burns

The Facilities and Finance Committee Meeting included a building project update from QPD LLC, focusing on schematic design progress, financing efforts, and timelines for securing a loan, including a February 13 deadline for lender shortlisting and a March vote. Discussions covered project scope impact on appraisal and the goal of being shovel-ready by September. Design exploration included incorporating a second gym space. The financial report review addressed accounting and accrual processes, legal expense tracking, and expense categories. The committee agreed to modify the monthly budget report format to include month-over-month and year-to-date change columns instead of the Original Budget column. A review of the single Transportation bid noted it was below budget expectations. The FY2027 budget update covered salary variance analysis, and the committee requested a quarterly breakdown of legal expenses. Other reviewed items included the safety report, IT updates (such as backup verifications and E-rate preparation), and facility highlights like HVAC contractor reviews, ongoing pest control issues, and the opening of the Family Engagement Center space in early March. Future meeting dates were established for February, March, and April 2026.

The Finance and Facilities Committee held an Executive Session primarily to review information and proposals submitted in connection with an evaluation process for reviewing contract proposals prior to entering into negotiations or awarding contracts. Specific submittals reviewed were received from Beacon One, Citizens Bank, Eastern Bank, Middlesex Bank, M&T Bank, Salem 5, and Webster 5, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, section 21, Purpose No. 7, and M.G.L. c. 4, section 7, Clause Twenty-sixth, subpart (h). The session concluded with a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and return to the general Finance and Facilities Committee.

The meeting addressed the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC) Update, focusing on the 51-acre project status, including paused demolition, planned roadwork for C Street and New Bond Street, and bus traffic accommodation. Updates also covered environmental safety regarding air quality monitoring and ongoing soil remediation. The Governance Committee reviewed board governance best practices following a session with MCPSA, and the board unanimously approved the updated Title IX policy/procedures to reflect new federal guidelines. The Executive Committee minutes from June 6, 2025, were also approved for release. The Education Committee presented Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) survey data, noting high performance in self-management but concern regarding the sense of belonging. The board approved a revised FY26 academic calendar to implement half-days for Middle School professional development at the end of the year. Enrollment application decreases and strong FAFSA completion rates were noted. The Facilities and Finance Committee reported progress on schematic design for a $32 million building project, with lender interviews scheduled, and a financial update showing a $3 million net surplus through December. A motion to table the Field Trip Policy for further study by the Education Committee was approved. The Executive Director reported on an application for a Community Development Block Grant for playground improvement.

The meeting included a review of the AKF Mission and confirmed no public comments. Key discussions centered on the Education Committee's report, which detailed updates on the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, Professional Development highlights, and progress toward establishing a Family Engagement Center. Goal 2 addressed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploration and Readiness, including initial survey results and policy development, with a target implementation of AY2026-2027. Targeted academic initiatives focused on MCAS Writing across all grade levels, with specific strategies outlined for high school, middle school, and elementary school. Other updates included the redesign of the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) survey and enrollment figures. The Facilities and Finance Committee reported a strong financial position with an approximate $1.4 million excess revenue over expenses, and recommended examining permanent solutions for surplus reallocation. The Board approved an exemption allowing the transportation contract to be a five-year term, rather than the typical three-year maximum. The Executive Director's report noted positive legislative changes impacting charter schools, a cafeteria flood, and the receipt of a United Way grant to seed a food pantry. Discussions also covered the ongoing search for an Elementary School Principal.

The Education Committee meeting covered several key areas. A review and approval of the December 12, 2025, meeting minutes was conducted. Discussions on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) data emphasized that while self-management, social awareness, and emotional regulation showed high performance, the 'Sense of Belonging' remains an area for targeted growth. Next steps include administering the SEL survey again in the late spring. An update on the Elementary School Principal Search indicated that a strong candidate has been identified for a mid-year hire, pending a final assessment. The committee reviewed a proposal to change the Middle School calendar to incorporate three additional early release days for professional development and instructional improvements, which will be presented to the full board in January. Updates on college acceptances, FAFSA completion, and an upcoming EF Tour were provided. Additionally, plans for Abby Kelley Foster Writing Prompts featuring AI integration were discussed. The enrollment update noted five open seats and a decrease in total applications compared to the previous year, while also highlighting AKF's recognized expertise in recruiting multilingual learners. Finally, Principal Updates covered initiatives like the Senior Spotlight, expanding student participation in events, and staffing/morale reports for the Middle and Elementary Schools.