Sharon Bittner‑Willis

The meeting focused heavily on the Superintendent Search Update, including the announcement of finalist candidates, the approval of a written ballot process for the appointment vote (requiring at least six votes for confirmation), and authorization for the Chair to organize candidate interviews and site visits scheduled for February 10th, 11th, and 12th. Key discussion points during public comment included teacher and paraprofessional contract negotiations, specifically concerning daily preparation time, contract length, compensation (steps and lanes), and safety measures. The Committee also received the proposed School Year 2026-2027 Calendar as a first read, which Interim Superintendent Soto agreed to rework regarding a Professional Development day in September. New Business included receiving the City of Holyoke Procurement- Cash Reconciliation report and approving the appointment of Stoneman, Chandler and Miller as legal counsel pending contract negotiations. The Committee also approved several orders to refer items to subcommittees, covering topics such as Student Opportunity Act money status, adopting bus violation detection monitoring systems, designating the School Committee authority to accept donations, and requiring transparency for presentation materials. Finally, the Committee approved the FY27 School Committee Budget Priorities, including an amendment for literacy goals, and approved the Principal Compensation model, also with amendments. A budget transfer was approved to fund two vacant Board Certified Behavior Analyst positions, and the ratification of the interim Superintendent contract was tabled.

This document outlines capital expenditure requests for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 across the district. It details numerous projects for central supply, technology infrastructure, and specific school locations, covering facilities upgrades, equipment replacement, safety improvements, and enhancements to learning environments. Key focus areas include security system upgrades, network infrastructure, HVAC improvements, and general facility maintenance and modernization.

Key topics for discussion include a public hearing concerning Stormwater Improvements at Jones Point Park and consideration of abatements for several properties. The agenda also covers the City Engineer and Assistant Engineer Report, the DPW Interim Director Report (addressing winter snow preparation and personnel updates, including an item regarding 410 Maple Street), and construction coordination. Furthermore, the body will review Holyoke Roofs Renovations for City Hall Annex, DPW, and the Children's Museum, including consideration of the Owners Project Manager and Change Orders. Other items include consideration of Permit Fee Exemptions and potential Annual Licensing for HG&E, HWW, and Private Contractors, as well as website ideas and Commissioner's Liaison Reports. The body may also enter Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation.

The meeting primarily focused on Old Business regarding the development of the DESE Competency Determination Guidance, including a DRAFT POLICY. Discussion centered on determining the required grades for courses to meet competency, methods of demonstrating mastery through standardized or co-created assessments, and considerations for individualized learning, students with disabilities, and English Learners. The subcommittee ultimately tabled the motion to approve the draft policy to allow for further clarification on assessment methods for summer school and credit recovery. New Business involved the establishment of the Interim Superintendent's Goals and Metrics for the 2025-2026 School Year, which was approved.

The subcommittee meeting addressed several critical financial matters. Key actions included the unanimous approval, as amended, of a Budget Transfer Request to move funds to cover the implementation of PowerSchool software and to shift expenses from the general fund to contingency funds following changes in grant funding. Discussions centered on the preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget outlook, highlighting heavy reliance on state aid (Chapter 70) and challenges such as a $4 million loss due to enrollment decreases. Other topics included anticipating increased lease costs for 57 Suffolk St., which may necessitate a Request for Proposal, and significant concern regarding rising unemployment benefit expenditures, leading to requests for detailed data breakdowns on out-of-district tuition costs and unemployment payouts.