Dracut Public Schools

This document presents the Joseph A. Campbell Elementary School Building Project, outlining the critical need for facility improvements at both Joseph A. Campbell and Greenmont Elementary Schools due to aging infrastructure, accessibility issues, and inadequate educational spaces. It details a feasibility study, exploring various options for renovation, addition, or new construction, and provides schematic designs along with a project timeline targeting a move-in date of Fall 2029. The project aims to align with the Dracut Public Schools' vision of providing a world-class school system that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, ensuring equitable access to modern educational opportunities.

The Dracut Public Schools' FY24 Student Opportunity Act (SOA) Plan focuses on supporting English Language Learners, Early Literacy Learners, and Students with Disabilities, including those with behavioral needs. The plan includes implementing a research-based literacy program connected to the Science of Reading to support all learners, with a specific focus on targeted groups. It also involves continuing to work with the SEL program, RULER, to provide training for staff and adding an additional BCBA to support students with Autism, cognitive impairments, and behavioral issues. The plan also supports early literacy screening and support to identify students in need of additional supports as early as possible.

The Dracut Public Schools School Committee goals for 2024 focus on increasing school funding, enhancing communication and collaboration with town boards and the community, improving social and emotional learning programs, advocating for the Campbell Elementary School building project, and strengthening community relationships. Specific actions include scheduling meetings with relevant boards, reviewing the Joint Education Subcommittee charter, establishing goals for the subcommittee, developing a cost-benefit rationale for attracting families and businesses, annually reviewing social-emotional learning programs and data, speaking publicly about the Campbell Elementary School project, and creating opportunities for community interaction with the school committee.

The Dracut Public Schools Strategic Plan for Technology (2009-2014) focuses on integrating technology effectively into teaching and learning to prepare students for the 21st century. Key areas include providing technology access for students and staff, ensuring CIPA compliance, securing adequate funding, and conducting regular evaluations. Specific goals include achieving high rates of teacher technology use for both administrative and instructional purposes, ensuring student proficiency in technology standards, and providing sufficient professional development opportunities for staff. The plan also emphasizes maintaining a 5:1 student-to-computer ratio, providing accessible technology for students with disabilities, and facilitating e-learning and community communication through an updated website and email access.

The agenda includes a Finance Sub-Committee meeting update, approval of minutes from a previous meeting, approval of bills and payrolls, a high school student representative update, community calendar of events, community input, committee reports (including financial reports), superintendent's informational items (FY26 supplemental budget presentation and building project update), old business (report requests), and new business (CREST amended articles of agreement and a trip request for Campbell School).