Lori Reubenstein

The meeting included a performance by Marshall Middle School theater students and a presentation on the 2024 MCAS results, which sparked discussion regarding literacy support, math scores, and high school chronic absenteeism. The Superintendent provided an update on a local traffic study and addressed the removal of MCAS as a graduation requirement. Additionally, the committee voted to approve several proposed policies, while others were referred to legal counsel for further review. Subcommittee updates were provided, including progress on the Town Manager search and upcoming budget committee meetings.

This document outlines the Billerica School Committee's goals for 2024-25, focusing on four key areas. These include supporting academic achievement and equitable improvement of student social-emotional wellbeing, developing a long-term plan and financial budget aligned with district strategic initiatives, fostering open communication and active partnerships with stakeholders, and ensuring that all School Committee District policies are current and compliant with MASC and Massachusetts General Law.

The committee held an executive session to discuss personnel negotiations. Other key topics included a presentation on the partnership with the Safe Routes to School program, an update on the K-4 ELA pilot, and a student government report regarding local fundraising and upcoming robotics competitions. The committee officially recommended the hiring of a new Director of Finance and Operations and reviewed the proposed FY26 budget, which includes requests for two additional Special Education Team Chair positions. Additionally, the committee approved several school policies and recapped a recent school visit to Locke Middle School.

This strategic plan serves as a roadmap to support students for their futures by defining clear goals and pathways to achieve them. It identifies four key strategic priorities: Curriculum and Instruction, School Climate, Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Facilities and Budget. The plan is structured around outcomes to ensure interconnectedness and alignment of all district improvement efforts, fostering safe, engaging, and accessible learning environments with positive student-teacher relationships.

The meeting included an update from the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent regarding school activities and programs, and an update from the Student Government on recent elections and future community service initiatives. The Committee accepted a donation for a Veterans' P.O.W. Chair to be installed at the high school stadium and reviewed a FY25 budget presentation. An athletics update was provided, resulting in the approval of a proposal to reinstate middle school sports for the spring season. Additionally, the Committee reviewed several proposed policies, removed an obsolete policy, and voted on various MASC resolutions concerning education and school safety legislation.