During a recent school committee meeting, significant updates were made regarding the Stacy Middle School and Milford High School improvement plans, alongside discussions on handbook changes and budget considerations.

The committee unanimously approved the 2024-2025 handbook changes for Stacy Middle School, which included minor policy updates and clarifications. The meeting then shifted focus to the school improvement plan, which has been refined to better address the needs of the school community. Notably, the plan aims to reduce discipline referrals and enhance school culture, with a reported 19.4% decrease in referrals over the past year. The implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives and support programs for students has contributed to this positive trend.

Milford High School's principal outlined four primary goals for the upcoming year: improving chronic absenteeism, enhancing academic advising, promoting college readiness, and addressing mental health. The school aims to tackle chronic absenteeism through educational initiatives and support systems, recognizing the strong correlation between attendance and academic success. Additionally, the school plans to introduce more flexible graduation requirements to personalize students' academic experiences.

The college readiness initiative will leverage existing programs to provide students with essential planning tools, emphasizing the importance of financial fit in post-secondary education decisions. Mental health support remains a priority, with ongoing efforts to refine intervention systems for students facing challenges.

The meeting also highlighted the need for improved parent involvement in school councils, which has seen a decline in attendance. Strategies to engage families, particularly those of incoming sixth graders, are being developed to foster a stronger community connection.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through targeted initiatives, collaborative efforts, and a focus on student well-being. The committee expressed appreciation for the progress made and the roadmap laid out for future improvements.