Traci Costa

The meeting involved a presentation from the PreK-6 Content Coordinator regarding curriculum pilots, specifically focusing on the FOSS science curriculum and the Simplify Writing program. Discussion covered the rationale for selecting FOSS, emphasizing its hands-on components, age-appropriateness (especially for K-2), alignment with state standards, and integration of literacy skills via science journals that include sentence starters. The presentation highlighted successful pilot units like Sound and Light, Water and Landforms, and Energy, noting strong student engagement and the connection between this inquiry-based approach and existing programs like Open SED and Pathways. Cost implications for the FOSS kits, which are largely a one-time investment with periodic replenishment for consumables, were reviewed. The committee also addressed the approval of the December 2nd, 2025, school committee meeting minutes.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and confirmed no public comment was made. Key agenda items included an adjustment to the agenda to include discussion of an M S A A waiver for cheerleading to allow eighth graders to participate due to low squad numbers. Communications involved discussion of a draft graduation requirement document released by the state. The committee approved the minutes of the November 18th, 2025 meeting. The Superintendent's report covered the Fiscal Year 27 Maintenance of Effort budget presentation, which is based on numerous assumptions including ongoing negotiations for successor contracts with the teachers association and projections for special education tuition and transportation costs. The committee also approved the request for an M S A A waiver for winter cheerleading. Finally, building principals began presenting their School Improvement Plans, focusing on areas such as achievement (piloting new writing and science programs), social emotional learning (implementing a student of the week recognition program and unified sports), technology (evaluating digital subscriptions), facilities (completing the playground project and improving maintenance request tracking), and communication.

The meeting included procedural announcements regarding recording due to an internet situation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The majority of the recorded segment focused on public comment, where several residents voiced strong opinions regarding male athletes competing in female divisions of sports. Concerns raised included fairness, equity, physical safety of female athletes, and the impact on college opportunities. Speakers supporting restrictions cited biological differences and the importance of protecting female sports categories. Conversely, other speakers addressed the need for inclusion, citing scientific data regarding hormone therapy effects and emphasizing that excluding transgender students is not inclusive and may harm vulnerable youth. One speaker shared personal experience of detransitioning to support the argument against denying biological reality in sports.

The meeting commenced with a call to order. Key communications included a report on a meeting with the Student Advisory Board, where topics such as the board's purpose, scheduling, Town Meeting articles, and policies regarding student rooming arrangements and gender identity in facilities were discussed for clarity in the policy handbook. The committee noted that the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting would be reviewed and approved at the next session as they were not distributed in advance. Under the Superintendent's Report, the committee discussed strategy for addressing questions related to Town Meeting Article 6, with a member volunteering to lead responses. The committee remained in session following the conclusion of the formal meeting to monitor discussions related to Article 6.

Key discussions during the meeting included the FY27 Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Budget, noting an increase of $823,679 over FY26, influenced by new growth revenue and Chapter 70 funding, with assumptions made in the FY27 budget regarding ongoing contract negotiations with the Pembroke Teachers' Association. The committee unanimously approved a request for an MSAA waiver to allow 8th graders to participate in the winter cheerleading squad. A significant portion of the meeting involved acknowledging and scheduling discussions on the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans across elementary, middle, and high schools, covering achievements in curriculum pilots, student recognition, social-emotional learning, technology utilization, facility updates (including playground completion and maintenance systems), and communication strategies. The committee also approved Policy ACB: Equal Access and Annual Evaluation of K-12 Programming and its corresponding procedures (Policy ACB-R). The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining.