Lisa Toumayan

The meeting includes a presentation of Youth Risk Behavior Survey results, discussion on the district's Prevention and Response to Bullying Plan, and the review of overarching goals and the District Improvement Plan. Key agenda items feature the approval of various gifts and grants, multiple policy updates and revisions concerning instructional materials, library resources, technology use, and curriculum development. Furthermore, the committee plans to discuss the Superintendent's evaluation rubric and process, receive reports from the Superintendent and the School Building Committee, and hold an executive session to address collective bargaining strategy with various bargaining units.

The meeting includes updates from student representatives and student participation regarding a service project and library donation. Key items include a trip update for the middle school, the acceptance of the James Carino Memorial Scholarship, a review of the annual report, and a discussion of the approved budget for SEEM. The superintendent will present a mid-year evaluation along with reports on the budget, professional development, and curriculum. Additionally, updates will be provided by the school building committee and subcommittee liaisons. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

The agenda focuses on an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies with the SEA Bargaining Unit, as permitted under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3). The chair noted that an open meeting would be detrimental to the public body's legal and bargaining position.

The meetings covered several critical operational and academic issues. Key discussion topics included the approval of 8th grade waivers, adoption of the High School Handbook for 2023-2024, and extensive reports on staffing shortages, enrollment growth, and projected space challenges involving modular classrooms and district office facilities. The Committee discussed the impact of new developments on school resources, appointed interim Special Education Directors, and reviewed progress on school building projects, including facility updates, traffic flow plans, and summer projects. Additionally, the Committee addressed subcommittee reports on superintendent evaluations and school building oversight, and approved various field trips.

The meeting focused on the FY24 budget update, including a review of strategic objectives, equity-centered resource allocation, and primary budget drivers such as contractual obligations, enrollment shifts, student needs, and facility maintenance. The discussion covered the budget request for $34,481,811.29, detailing fixed cost increases including personnel, special education, and utilities, alongside comparisons with historical budget data and support for the request by the School Committee and Select Board.