Newburyport Public Schools

The meeting included several high school updates focusing on educational initiatives and policy discussions. Key discussion points involved the upcoming Inspired Learning Day logistics, budget planning which prioritizes pathway programs, and the formation of a steering committee for Career Technical Education (CTE) expansion, projecting significant enrollment growth in pathway programs. Discussions on Student Learning Dialogues covered gathering teacher and student feedback via exit slips to improve classroom engagement. Policy discussions centered on unanimously approving a revised student parking policy to prohibit student parking during school hours (7 am to 3 pm). Furthermore, the council reviewed and discussed potential modifications to graduation requirements, specifically increasing the mathematics requirement to four units, reducing History/Social Studies to three units, and establishing Civics/Government as a separate half-unit requirement, with a final vote scheduled for April. Finally, the council addressed the Unethical Use of AI Policy due to an increase in disputed cases, planning a more in-depth review for the subsequent meeting regarding consequence tiers and due process documentation.

The meeting included the approval of Warrant 8173 totaling $543,911.62. Key discussions involved an update on the district's World Language Strategies, highlighting program growth since 2020, course offerings (Spanish, German, ASL), and an approved overnight field trip for students to Seville, Spain, in 2027. The committee reviewed the Fiscal Year 2027 Level of Service Budget Overview, noting a projected 7.9% increase in the City Appropriation, driven largely by special education costs. A draft of the 2026-2027 School Calendar was reviewed, with a suggestion to relocate snow days for a future discussion. Draft 2026 School Committee Goals were discussed, focusing on academic performance improvement and forming an advisory committee for school arrival/dismissal safety. Subcommittee updates were provided, noting the cancellation of the Finance Subcommittee meeting. The Superintendent's Report covered staff recognition, a new crossing guard hire, discussions with Northern Essex Community College regarding expanded partnerships, planning for Career Tech Education pathways, and clarification on costs related to removing the solar array from the Nock/Molin roof. New business addressed the re-posting of the Newburyport representative position on the Whittier Tech School Committee.

The meeting included the approval of Warrant 8171 (FY26) totaling $785,585.07. Discussions covered the appointment of a Newburyport Representative for the Whittier Regional School Committee, with deliberation scheduled for a future meeting. The Facilities Director provided an update on the Nock-Molin and High School roof projects, noting combined estimated construction costs requiring City Council approval before MSBA moves forward, and outlining the project timeline through June 2026. A presentation was given on the Toward Zero Waste 2030/2050 Program, a Massachusetts mandate. School Improvement Plans goals for 2025-2027 were presented by principals from Bresnahan, Nock Middle School, and the High School. The committee adopted the Norms as stated for the Newburyport School Committee and designated the Finance Subcommittee Chair and Vice Chair to sign payroll and vouchers. Subcommittee assignments for 2026 were announced.

Key discussions and potential votes centered on approving the Warrant, reviewing the minutes from the February 25, 2026 meeting, and the appointment of a Newburyport Representative to the Whittier Regional School Committee, with two candidates applying for vacant positions. The agenda also included a review of the FY27 Updated Draft Budget, presenting current financial status, including reductions made since the previous draft, and an overview of the School Choice program. Subcommittee updates were provided for Finance, Policy, Teaching & Learning, SEPAC, and NEF. The Superintendent's Report covered congratulating the NHS Theatre team for advancing to the METG High School Drama Festival Semi-Finals, an upcoming case study on organizational development by Essential Partners, official MSBA approval for the Nock/Molin and High School roof projects with a 43% reimbursement rate, updates from the Superintendent's Advisory Council, immigration policy review, progress on the Collins Center Operational Efficiency Study, and an update from the Wellness Advisory Committee regarding SBIRT screening data.

The meeting included the approval of Warrant 8172 for the fiscal year 2026, totaling \$481,351.76. A key new business item involved announcing an upcoming event, "International Holocaust Remembrance Day: An Evening with Werner Salinger," scheduled for the following day.