Tantasqua Regional School District

The committee reviewed several operational and financial matters, including the declaration of obsolete cafeteria equipment, the acceptance of a grant from the HAAS Foundation to support the manufacturing program, and the advancement of the FY2026-27 budget to a public hearing. Staff reports highlighted updates on high school equipment, technical program progress, and junior high student recognition initiatives. Additionally, the committee accepted revisions to student handbooks regarding bus rules and approved first readings for policies concerning school food and nutrition, student discipline, and technical admissions.

This Program of Studies for Tantasqua Regional High School serves as a comprehensive academic roadmap for the 2026-2027 academic year. It articulates a 'Vision of a Graduate' emphasizing lifelong learning, critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, and responsibility. The plan details graduation requirements, extensive course offerings across English, Mathematics, Science, and History/Social Studies, categorized by academic levels including Advanced Placement, Honors, and College Preparatory. It also outlines key academic policies such as Grade Point Average calculation, class rank, honor roll eligibility, and schedule change procedures, all designed to guide student development and achievement.

The agenda for the meeting includes a discussion regarding AP enrollment and participation, followed by a review of the 2025 College Board scores.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of the Financial Report for January 12, 2026, noting specific line items under monitoring such as substitutes and software supplies. Student reports covered a Can & Bottle collection for charity, guest speakers addressing autism and kidney disabilities, and various Student Council initiatives like the Winter Warrior Day of Service and Toy Drive. Staff reports highlighted progress in MCAS preparation by adding writing skills across the curriculum, student achievements like securing the state seal of bi-literacy, and preparations for SkillsUSA Districts. Committee reports indicated upcoming meetings for Technical, Curriculum, and By-Law & Policy committees. The Superintendent reported on Governor's graduation counsel draft recommendations and announced scheduling changes for the February and March meetings due to town meeting conflicts, setting the March Public Hearing and Committee meeting for March 11th.

Key discussions included a presentation recognizing the Superintendent's Scholars. The financial report indicated that expenditures and revenues are aligned with previous years. Student representatives provided updates on various technical programs such as Culinary, Health, Business Tech, and IT, as well as Student Council activities, including a Thanksgiving Food Drive and participation in community events like the Polar Plunge. Staff reports covered recognition programs, holiday performances, technical program videos, and AP class performance analysis from the High School Math Department. Committee reports included updates on the Project "Lead the Way" grant review and a meeting with the Student Advisory Council. The Superintendent addressed the Governor's graduation counsel draft recommendations. New business involved a request concerning the reinstatement of funding for the girl's freshman volleyball program, which was directed to the budget subcommittee.