Littleton Public School District

The meeting agenda focused on alignment to the District Strategic Plan regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Key discussions included progress updates on the Portrait of a Learner initiative and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) implementation across the schools. Old business covered a Financial Update and a Superintendent Search Update. Subcommittee reports included updates on the PMBC, Budget Subcommittee, and Policy Subcommittee, with several policies slated for a second reading, such as those pertaining to Negotiations Goals, School Calendar, and English Language Learners. An update on the Shaker Lane Building Committee was also scheduled.

The meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from a prior meeting and Oaths to Bills and Payroll. During the Interested Citizens segment, concerns were raised by residents regarding potential ICE activity near schools, leading the Committee to task the newly formed Communications Subcommittee with improving transparency and communication regarding safety protocols. Student updates covered activities at Shaker Lane School (hunger drive, Pre-K applications), Russell Street School (planetarium visit, Revolutionary War projects, 'Respect' assembly), and Littleton High School (DECA competition advancement, 5K fundraiser, Model UN attendance, guest speakers). New Business included an update on the Shed Project for election materials storage, which will be constructed by Nashoba Valley Technical High School students to eliminate an existing storage lease. Presentations covered a Clinical Services Update focusing on mental health support systems, including Care Solace usage and findings from the 2024 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and a discussion differentiating between counselor and adjustment counselor roles. Old Business focused on the FY27 Budget, where the Committee reviewed a revised budget request of $26,519,402 (a 0.48% increase) after applying a $600,000 reduction sheltered by revolving funds and anticipated savings, noting this is a short-term solution. Financial updates confirmed no immediate obligations issues, and efforts to reduce natural gas costs are underway. The Committee also reflected on its mission, identifying a strategic shift towards better 'Communication' over mere 'Transparency.' Finally, the Committee appointed Raina Sturtz to the Superintendent's screening committee to replace Catherine Johnson, and an update on the Superintendent search process was provided, detailing progress since the public forum and committee orientation.

The meeting agenda covered organization matters, including the consent agenda items (Minutes from January 22, 2026, and Oath to Bills and Payroll). Key discussions included a presentation and discussion on Post-Graduate Outcomes focusing on high school transitions to college and career paths. Other presentations involved the proposed draft 2026-2027 school year calendar and a review of the NESDEC SPED Trends Report. Old Business featured a discussion on scheduled presentations for the next meeting and an update on the Superintendent Search progress. Subcommittee reports covered PMBC, Budget, and Policy subcommittees, with the Policy Subcommittee presenting several policies for a first reading, including Negotiations Goals, School Year/School Calendar, and Curriculum Development and Adoption. The session also included updates from the Shaker Lane Building Committee.

The key discussions included student representative reports covering activities at Shaker Lane School, Russell Street School, Littleton Middle School, and Littleton High School. The Superintendent's Report noted that the district will be honored at the State House, with Littleton Middle School named a National Blue Ribbon School and Littleton High School named a School of Recognition. An instructional technology presentation covered digital management and AI ethics. New business involved the approval of a 3% Pre-K tuition rate schedule for the next three years. The committee also discussed the rationale for adopting religious holidays, deciding to maintain the current schedule, and conducted the first reading of several policies. Finally, the committee voted to formally create and appoint the Superintendent Search Screening Committee and created a new Communication Subcommittee.

The meeting agenda focused on several key areas aligned with the District Strategic Plan, particularly Standard #1, addressing tiered systems of support for student behavior and social-emotional needs. New business included an update on a Town-funded shed project for storing election materials at the Middle School. Presentations covered a Clinical Services Update detailing behavior and social-emotional support mechanisms across all schools, including updates on CareSolace usage and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) findings. Old business involved an overview and discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, noting a necessary reduction target of $600,000 due to a Town shortfall, and a motion to appoint a member to the Superintendent Search Screening Committee. The committee also reviewed and accepted several policies for a second reading, including updates to policies regarding religious holydays, staff communication, transportation, and the introduction of a new policy on Memorials. Furthermore, the committee discussed and voted to form a new Communication Subcommittee.