Harvard Public School District

The committee will address several items including a Student Advisory Council report, the review and voting on the 26-27 TBHS Program of Studies, and finalizing the FY27 budget. Additionally, the agenda covers the approval of 26-27 School Choice openings, a review of the Reading Specialist job description, and updates on MSBA HVAC and roofing projects. The committee will also review policies, approve grants, clubs, and field trips, receive administrative reports, and hold an executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining with the HEA.

The committee prepared and reviewed a presentation concerning the FY27 HPS Budget for the Select Board and Finance Committee. A primary discussion point was the finalization of the presentation script intended for the full School Committee meeting.

Key discussions included a presentation by the High School Principal and Assistant Principal on the complex process of high school scheduling, detailing the use of PowerSchool, course offerings, handling of singleton classes, and strategies to mitigate student scheduling pressures. The committee also reviewed progress on the District Improvement Plan, noting advancements in curriculum documentation and social-emotional learning programs. Progress on School Committee goals was reviewed, including the successful completion of the superintendent search and ongoing budget adjustments. An update on the MSBA HVAC and Roofing Project indicated that GreenerU is managing the process, with the project estimated to exceed $5 million. The committee also addressed the FY27 budget deficit, which was reduced due to state budget changes. Policy reviews resulted in the approval of Policy ADF (School District Wellness Program) and Policy JJH (Student Late Night or Overnight). The committee approved the formation of a new Cultural Geography Club and an overnight trip for the Business Professionals of America, and accepted PTO-funded grants.

The primary discussion involved the overall budget, specifically addressing a $285,000 override request to the town, representing a 1.72% year-over-year increase. The preliminary budget intended for presentation to the full committee was reviewed and discussed. Furthermore, the subcommittee refined the messaging and specific details for the draft budget presentation to the School Committee and commenced drafting the accompanying script for each slide.

The meeting, held remotely due to a snowstorm, addressed time-sensitive agenda items. Key discussions included a budget subcommittee proposal to cut the district budget by an additional $335,000, which would result in eight position cuts, including custodial staff and high school teaching positions, and the elimination of one bus route, intended to offset expected increases in employee benefits. The committee also discussed the complexity of the Superintendent's role and the benefit of creating a new support position. A warrant article for $45,410 was approved for transfer from free cash to the school building rental revolving account, representing the final recovery of previously misattributed rental fees. The committee also reviewed and approved the School Committee submission draft for the fiscal year 2025 annual town report and approved grants totaling $3,269 from the Harvard Schools Trust for mobile cubby units and a presentation.