Lisa Comeau

Key discussions during this meeting included the approval of Consent Agenda items, such as Accounts Payable Warrants and the acceptance of a $500 donation designated for the SECC kindergarten field trip. Reports were provided by the Chairperson, Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendent, including an update on the Strategic Plan. New Business items scheduled for discussion involved Pre-K Tuition, a Van Pool Contract Extension, a Letter to Legislators, and the proposed acceptance of the FY26 Nashoba Valley Community Health grant for $20,000. Old Business focused on the approval of the revised 2026-2027 School District Calendar. Subcommittee reports covered the FY26 and FY27 Budgets and the first reading of Policy JJH-R: Student Travel Regulations.

The Policy Subcommittee meeting addressed several policies under review. For 'School Choice' policies (JFBB and JFBB-1), the committee agreed to table them until April pending a district decision on School Choice. Regarding 'Use of Cell Phone and Portable Communication Devices' (JICJ & GBEF), the committee recommended an amendment for a first reading requiring administrative rather than teacher approval for in-class use. Policy JIE ('Pregnant Students') was recommended to remain unchanged after review. Policies JIH ('Searches and Interrogations') was also recommended to remain unchanged, as current language suffices regarding K9 officer searches. Policy JII ('Student Complaints and Grievances') was recommended for a first reading with amendments for editorial consistency. Policy JJ ('Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities') was recommended for a first reading with amendments to clarify scope and roles for non-faculty volunteers. The committee voted not to recommend policy JJA ('Student Organizations') for adoption. Policy JJE ('Student Fund Raising Activities') was tabled until the next meeting to allow the Superintendent to gather feedback on alternatives, following confirmation that raffles violate state law. Policy JJH ('Student Travel') was tabled pending administrative review, as the district's policy was deemed more comprehensive than the MASC standard.

The meeting agenda included a Roll Call, Call to Order, and Public Communications where written statements could be submitted for reading during public comment. Old Business carried over from the previous meeting concerned JJE - Student Fund Raising Activities and JJH - Student Travel. New Business items scheduled for discussion and potential action included JG Middle School Pathways, FCB Retirement of Facilities, BEDH Public Participation at School Committee Meetings, and BDE Subcommittees of the School Committee. The agenda concluded with Other Business and Adjournment.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, noting ongoing concerns regarding utility costs and clarifying that a reported state utility reduction only applies to residential customers. Discussions for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget included the anticipated impact of the Governor's school funding proposal, including allocations per student and special education transportation circuit breaker changes. Multiple budget scenarios were reviewed, such as the Superintendent's request (3.06% increase), a town-supported alternative (2.47% increase), an optimal budget, and a scenario involving the reopening of Ashby Elementary School. The committee agreed to present the Superintendent's 3.06% increase budget at the public hearing, while other scenarios will be presented for informational purposes.

The Finance Committee meeting included discussions on the FY26 Budget, noting no major changes but anticipating potential future transfers pending further financial updates. For the FY27 Budget, an overview indicated a 3.06% increase, including $2 million in E&D funds, and addressed concerns regarding class size, staffing challenges, and potential budget impacts from renegotiating five collective bargaining agreements (estimated $1 million increase). The committee also reviewed anticipated changes in health insurance enrollment costs, discussed the special education transportation contract renewal with a minimum 4% increase, and analyzed long-range planning scenarios related to class size and facilities, including reopening Ashby Elementary School. New business involved reviewing the NESDEC enrollment projections which show a gradual decline over the next decade.