Michael Blanchard

The strategic plan for the Dover-Sherborn Regional School District aims to inspire, challenge, and support all students in achieving their full potential. It is structured around five key areas: Excellence & Innovation in Learning, Challenge & Support All Students, Professional Learning & Growth, Family & Community Engagement, and Safe & Sustainable Spaces. The plan prioritizes academic rigor, innovative practices, and comprehensive student support, fostering a growth mindset, promoting educator development, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring safe and sustainable learning environments to prepare students for a changing world and achieve academic and extracurricular excellence.

The meeting includes a presentation and discussion regarding the FY27 Cost of Living/Market Adjustment for Non-Union Personnel, as well as a discussion and vote regarding the potential installation of a Keno Monitor at Dover Wine Company. The agenda also involves board/committee/commission appointments, an update on the Board of Selectmen FY26 Goals and Priorities, Selectmen Updates, and Town Administrator Updates. Additionally, the consent agenda includes votes on early closings for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eves, closings on the Fridays after Thanksgiving and Christmas, approval of a special one-day liquor license, and approval of past BOS Open Session Meeting Minutes.

The council voted on officers and reviewed and approved council priorities for 2026. Members will work the booth in shifts at Dover Days Fair on 9/13, give out art and music stickers, and ask visitors to fill out the community survey to help guide grant decisions.

The committee discussed the Dover Days Booth, updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan, and the adoption of easements for a town trail system. They also discussed and supported the MBTA Communities Act Zoning Bylaw and Overlay District, future OSC walks, and the Hale Reservation Conservation Restriction. Additional topics included the Dover Land Conservation Trust, the Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust, the Drought Management Task Force, the Land Management Working Group, and updates to Dover's Zoning Bylaws regarding Site Plan Reviews. The committee is also recruiting new members.

The meeting included a public hearing on the Town's application to improve the Wilsondale Street culvert, focusing on the redesign and replacement of the culvert on Wilsondale Street over Powissett Brook. The Board discussed findings and authorized the Chairman to draft a final decision. Additionally, the Board acknowledged the withdrawal of a 40B application for 81-85 Tisdale Drive and authorized the refund of escrowed funds to the developer.