Stephen Clifford

Key discussions included the Superintendent's report on the MSBA Window Project Statement of Interest planning for 2027 and the determination to develop a formal policy regarding screening opt-out data, which will be referred to the Policy Subcommittee. Updates were provided on the Proctor School Principal search timeline, including upcoming candidate interviews and site visits, and the progress of the Assistant Superintendent of Operations search. The Assistant Superintendent of Operations reported on the Facilities Capital Plan, detailing proposed projects such as flooring replacement, master clock/public address system upgrades, Proctor School window replacement, and ADA compliance studies. Principal reports covered January personnel and enrollment data, along with school activities for the 100th Day of School. New business involved reviewing the Topsfield School Committee's 2023-2026 Strategic Goals and formally accepting the draft 2026-2027 School Calendar. The Committee reviewed the preliminary FY27 Budget, discussed adjustments to consumables, professional development, and transportation, and approved motions to address the budget gap using non-one-time sources and to recommend transferring $75,000 from FY25 surplus funds to the Special Education Reserve Fund and the Special Education Stabilization Fund.

Key discussions centered on the Central Office updates, including a review of site visits for new office space, with the Middleton location at 35 Village Road being favored pending further cost analysis. The Committee requested firm pricing for the Middleton site. Updates were provided regarding a retirement (Jean McNamara) and a new hire (Pam Der Bogosian) in Central Office payroll. New Business included the formal approval of the FY27 Central Office Apportionment. An update on the search for the Assistant Superintendent of Operations detailed the application review, interviews conducted, and the scheduling of finalist interviews for January 13, 2026. Student Services reported ongoing discussions with the Beverly School for the Deaf regarding regional programming, and updates were given on Joint Labor Management Committees (JLMC) initiatives and ongoing conversations with NRT concerning surveys and the Wayfinder program. The Superintendent reviewed the Tri-Town School Union's structure, efficiency study findings, and the TTU 2028 long-term vision, expressing interest in MASCO reviewing the study.

The meeting included reports from the PTO, SEPAC, Select Board & Finance Committee, and Town Budget Meeting. The Superintendent's report covered the NEC Annual Report, staff attendance data showing Middleton at 98% average, and a review of the Middleton Capital Plan outlining projects like HVAC software upgrades, roof replacement, and window replacement across multiple fiscal years. The Assistant Superintendent of Operations reported a continued hard freeze on spending. Principals provided January updates on school activities, professional development, and enrollment figures, noting an anticipated need for a Grade 2 teacher. New business involved the acceptance of the 2026-2027 School Calendar and the FY27 Tuition Proposal for the Middleton Preschool Program, recommending a 6% increase. The committee also discussed the preliminary FY27 budget, adding funds back to Professional Development and Supplies/Consumables accounts after reviewing the projected budget gap. The Consent Agenda approved bills and payrolls as presented.

The meeting included routine items, such as introductions and no public remarks. Reports covered the NEC Annual Report placement, future discussions on the Proctor School window project, and high staff attendance rates across the district. Updates were provided on the Integrated Pest Management verification, the Proctor School Principal search timeline, and the re-opening of the Assistant Superintendent of Operations search. Operational reports noted continuing transportation frustrations and discussions regarding potentially dropping a bus for the 2026-27 school year. Principals reported on various school activities, including art exhibits, concerts, and student engagement in math challenges. New business featured brainstorming for future goals, a presentation on NESDEC enrollment projections, and a detailed review of the FY27 budget draft, including proposed reductions in supplies, curriculum, and professional development, and subsequent committee requests to restore funding to certain areas while removing a budgeted bus. The committee also addressed policy updates, voting to waive Policy BGB and accept updates to Policies ECAB, EFBA, GBEBC, JJE, KBE, and KBG. The consent agenda approved current Bills and Payrolls.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from the Superintendent regarding the NEC 2024-25 Annual Report, confirmation of excellent staff attendance across the district towns, and an update on the Assistant Superintendent of Operations search, noting that the job posting was re-opened. The Assistant Superintendent of Operations reported that a spending freeze remains in effect as per the January Financial Report. Principal reports included updates on enrollment, ongoing data benchmarking in core subjects, screening processes, and planning for upcoming parent and community events. New business centered on reviewing NESDEC enrollment projections for 2025-26, which historically overestimate class sizes. Extensive deliberations took place concerning the Proposed FY27 Draft Budget, including discussing an existing $825,710 budget gap and a projected 20% increase in health insurance premiums. The Committee voted to implement several reductions to the budget draft, including cutting one shared bus, reducing line items for utilities, supplies, and stipends, and reducing one Special Education Teacher position. The Committee also reviewed proposed policy changes and approved pending bills and payroll.