School Committee Update - November 10, 2025

Meeting Highlights:

• The School Committee meeting opened with student representatives sharing updates on a range of school activities. They highlighted recent and upcoming events such as bake sales, Google Classroom initiatives, Prom planning, and a winter talent show. Students also noted the success of the fall play Clue, the upcoming parent–teacher conferences, the middle school winter dance, and some ongoing technical challenges with internet access and elevator function. The update concluded with a brief discussion on the varied approaches teachers are taking to integrate AI responsibly into classroom routines. Following the student reports, the Committee unanimously approved the 9th-grade Washington, D.C. trip.

• The Committee then moved to policy review. After a second reading, the updated career and technical education policy was approved. Members also discussed the long-standing agreement with Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. Dr. Dwight shared that most students enjoy the 8th-grade campus visit, and those interested in applying to the school work closely with counselors and admissions officers to navigate the transfer process.

• Next, the Committee reviewed six additional policies, most of which required only minor updates to align with Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) guidelines. One new policy—addressing gangs and secret societies—generated additional discussion. Although not a current concern in the community, members agreed to recommend it as a prudent precaution.

• The meeting continued with updates on recent community events, including an author talk at the public library and a community visit to a mosque and synagogue led by Arm and Arm. Committee members also heard about a new initiative in which the leadership team will serve lunch at the Council on Aging. Veterans Day events were also held at HES.

• Budget planning was another key topic. The budget timeline has been adjusted to allow additional review time for the Finance Committee and other stakeholders. The budget presentation to the School Committee is scheduled for December 8, with a vote on the initial budget planned for December 15.

• Members then considered two requests for Shaw Trust funding for improvements at Bromfield —one for academic center furniture and another for a water heater replacement. Both were approved. The Committee also accepted a $972.33 grant from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to expand the Pre-K science curriculum.