[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6364408,"mediaKeyId","2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30","parentId",2164776,"title","Votes at a glance: surplus declaration, robotics trips, program of studies and minutes approved","audioSeconds",3793,"startMs",4229000,"endMs",8022000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30&start=4229&end=8022","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30/thumbnail_4229000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6364408/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-surplus-declaration-robotics-trips-program-of-studies-and-minutes-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364408-d11fac59a3b3287812a0c071b2fdddd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159585&Signature=echX5nWoG0cZQ3tE1dIPtQ3lU4ejPh2Vj3jPkjHgy6D5mtk91H9MSqqsIZjfRX8SooH9wPtOmkkbzGXzIbrrbgDrOjTwBGnf3HM2UNetMKX3KDdrgwhA9tYRDLZ83AijhiJJJ02hGYHB-Zn9PrRqqWgg4nW-0QbkmfmtqpuCOXzoeas4sMVv~W1yyWQz8SHGP3q21H-RS4R0Di11DxFv-Bk-dGTkfHNd2NY9YO2Pxzl5dvaHcLPDHm2n-ayEwbmi5gkKyvOy7WE2-Hlcyzr19bsxsqCnhYEsuUo80l-E3JO-I3e3LRzPWlIQmOrmTbzOdQ0jteHTdUDpwVgroCugrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scituate Public Schools, MA","date","2025-01-28T01:45:19Z","article","Scituate — The School Committee recorded a series of short procedural votes near the end of its Jan. 27 meeting.

Votes at a glance (as read during the meeting)
- Summer 2024 surplus: The committee voted to approve the summer 2024 surplus as presented. The motion was moved and seconded on the floor and recorded as “Aye.”
- Robotics field trips: The committee approved an in‑state competition trip to Worcester (Worcester Polytechnic Institute regional), and a Springfield trip (April 2–6) contingent on team qualification. Both motions were moved, seconded and recorded as “Aye.”
- Program of Studies: The committee approved the 2025–26 Scituate High School Program of Studies as presented by school staff.
- Minutes: The committee approved the minutes of the Jan. 13, 2025 meeting.

Notes on procedure and record: Meeting audio records indicate each motion was moved, seconded and carried with vocal “Aye” responses from members present. The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally or individual vote names for these motions, so the record notes the outcome as approved by voice vote.

Ending: These were procedural approvals carried on voice votes; no financial appropriations or out‑of‑state travel were recorded in these motions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scituate School Committee Meeting - 01-27-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The School Committee recorded votes on a surplus declaration for summer 2024 materials, approved two in‑state robotics competition trips (Worcester; Springfield contingent on qualifying), approved the 2025–26 Program of Studies for the high school and accepted minutes from the Jan. 13 meeting.","taxTitle","Scituate Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71627,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364414,"District leaders report progress on early literacy, share new benchmarks and plans for writing and curriculum review",1995,5515000,7510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30&start=5515&end=7510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30/thumbnail_5515000.jpg","/articles/6364414/Massachusetts/District-leaders-report-progress-on-early-literacy-share-new-benchmarks-and-plans-for-writing-and-curriculum-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364414-c00abd23d8c1d5b54fd8d4705104919f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159585&Signature=DSPvDbQGEMjNNe0jElNP2AoV1lu1zgHHnYVLRpVHWlb8-6NIcwcnG~zPznD-v~rEl2aSO4aIXR0dxueO1Iz00c0vKfnBlKDYtUdkGuo9nJhFOTfgKX4GWJXwmV8HWHaXrkdR~Lhq3RIFEyGf8ox3cmPsHdrtKAgyznN-hPZn69ZjktroE34av~wbBPkFbtXI7qIZLAM911pM45FyDlg7jj6a3vazxdkmmOlWI3qrcX0YsrSlf91J4YYAZNfmoZJ4IVUSDCWghTyHwhvkoHOCFi~En7mDSZ2nmZvD~7VISpWu7MyUVNvssb9Qu3rwTkEvt9dXuHm7uX-pfXr~Jwgr6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scituate — Elementary and secondary literacy leaders briefed the committee on efforts to align instruction with the science of reading, provide family benchmark reporting, and expand targeted literacy supports.

Megan (preK–5 humanities coordinator) told the committee the district has been implementing evidence‑based early literacy practices, invested in approved instructional materials and trained staff and parents on dyslexia‑informed strategies. She said kindergarten and first‑grade teachers received targeted science‑of‑reading professional development during a November PD day and the district plans to extend training to second and third grades.

Department chair Laura Messner described secondary efforts to promote a “culture of reading,” including sending teachers to the National Council of Teachers of English conference and revitalizing a summer reading program with multi‑level title lists. Secondary librarians reported strong circulation and active outreach to put books in students’ hands.

Assessment and intervention changes
- Early literacy: The district uses DIBELS for foundational early literacy screening and STAR Reading for broader reading performance. Staff said the 3rd‑grade cohort is the first to experience the full K–2 foundations rollout and that early DIBELS results show strong foundational skill growth.
- Cut‑score change: The district shifted STAR’s benchmark cut score this year from a historical 50th percentile threshold to a state‑aligned performance benchmark. Staff said the change identifies an additional 10–15% of students as at‑risk (an early‑warning approach) so the district can target interventions before year‑end assessments.
- Secondary benchmarking: Achieve3000 (an online Lexile/comprehension tool) is in use as an early pilot in middle and high school. Leaders said they will review whether Achieve3000 or another common measure best supports a district‑wide longitudinal view of reading growth.

Supports and next steps: The district described expanded literacy lab and tiered intervention blocks at the middle school and an intent to offer more writing professional development in 2025–26. Staff said they will begin sending family benchmark letters with scores and explanations attached during the next benchmark round.

Ending: Committee members asked for cohort and longitudinal data where possible and urged continued focus on writing instruction and practical family communications about benchmarks.","Elementary and secondary literacy leaders described implementation of science‑of‑reading practices, DIBELS and STAR benchmarking, rollout of Achieve3000 at secondary levels, family reporting of benchmark scores and a planned ELA curriculum review for 2026.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364419,"School committee weighs moving start date before Labor Day and new Nov. PD pattern",1482,4232000,5714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30&start=4232&end=5714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30/thumbnail_4232000.jpg","/articles/6364419/Massachusetts/School-committee-weighs-moving-start-date-before-Labor-Day-and-new-Nov-PD-pattern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364419-21e225f034425f0446af83dd64d61db6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159585&Signature=BtMIkmhc0I~4y~Fwdj62KH0BrnTuXlhi9DW9uVpT~~GYdiHAuiAgvus0beRnFTaubUmLXV9d0KgLXMSZzT4qq8Laz83Qc7wXsZlaPWKAm8bf30D90hZvEX7hSGQWQuc53WaamZ1NVIRMX0mRYMSH4rmHlRJLk~aVmqJAMgTEnvoBMNKFeBaL7IkGHJr2xE2GEfdiMEd2XY-l6yY4ZLMau9G6kyLN2scygymQSmNSi6mPXfOFsr5Z5RZfeR67hkLeH1ibrHiiJTLvxMl4kyrw~16UMv0Y3zHnnItEv1QkCh0ZIlE-nfyEtBGTAuR-uk6ciKz3dIlgYHosf13WmdNpEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scituate — The committee reviewed a proposed 2025–26 school calendar on Jan. 27 and members debated changes to teacher professional development scheduling and whether the student year should begin before Labor Day.

Assistant Superintendent Dean Lynch walked the committee through a draft calendar the leadership team recommended to meet state-required instructional time (185 days/900 hours K–5; 990 hours secondary). The draft sets teacher return dates in late August, student opening days in the Tuesday–Wednesday after Labor Day pattern and a standing professional development day on the first Tuesday of November to align with recurring federal election dates.

Why it matters: Calendar timing affects families’ child care planning, athletic preseason scheduling and the district’s instructional calendar. Several committee members said earlier start dates can improve instructional time before September testing and AP/MCAS windows; others raised concerns about family vacation disruption and the burden of multiple single‑day closures in November.

Key points from the discussion
- November PD day: Leadership proposed the PD day on the first Tuesday of November, aligning with federal elections so the district can consistently plan that day as an in‑service. Members said consistency helps but also noted childcare strain when single midweek PD days come close together.
- Start‑before‑Labor Day: Multiple members suggested considering starting the student year before Labor Day to give a fuller first instructional week, shorten end‑of‑year pressures (including Juneteenth observance), and align better with neighboring districts’ start dates. Staff warned of pushback if the change were made for the upcoming year and proposed returning with options that model consequences for scheduling and family planning.
- Conference and PD logistics: Committee members asked staff to present calendar alternatives at the next meeting, including a version that moves the two late‑August teacher days earlier in the week (creating a long weekend before Labor Day) and other options to reduce single‑day midweek disruptions.

Next steps: The assistant superintendent agreed to return at the next meeting with a revised calendar that models the options discussed and displays the impact on holiday days, PD days and the last day of school. Committee members asked staff to collect additional feedback from teachers and families and to show two‑to‑three‑year calendar outlooks for predictability.

Ending: The committee did not vote on the calendar; staff will present alternatives and outreach results at the next meeting.","Committee members discussed a proposed 2025–26 academic calendar that keeps the district within DESE day/hour requirements but raises questions about moving the student start date before Labor Day and scheduling a November professional development day aligned with federal elections.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364424,"Scituate Public Schools presents lean FY26 budget; leaders stress staffing, special education and cybersecurity costs",2281,225000,2506000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30&start=225&end=2506","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2164776-927d29f983eba8fd4fd0faf38f135d30/thumbnail_225000.jpg","/articles/6364424/Massachusetts/Scituate-Public-Schools-presents-lean-FY26-budget-leaders-stress-staffing-special-education-and-cybersecurity-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364424-024a73c279a83e5c39863569f9b4d4a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159585&Signature=D~0h2UHVXopJfDObRppYul1tzF0BT-qivRXGyxG5gfIN9QuKFsntieIMF2~1HrdLTZfmsga7uZZgsNzIhFUFcp-q5i6bhrWdKiVcPdksn5gUl16Bm6JuSIJ4SDEItUCZuN63giqkzDQQozyyea3WTqoxD9ebY3RLEoy2Da9i3NVVT3cgrAQWD0PVcpF6JnV03M22rFeQWJkgErz1Ord2RqF0GvEErQL4ryYh6wWNasKcoDwwabvx34tk1-vK-fow96A15A29dTnnUXqaqdIc0jbUUd-EcoIsSogKnwXmFHm05lo8jS7UH401bisVF0WMzYJAdY1AGCtQ9~FhcAAzuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scituate — School leaders presented a proposed FY26 budget on Jan. 27 that they said holds staffing steady while shifting tighter spending on supplies and increasing funds for special education, technology and curriculum adoption.

Superintendent Dr. Grama opened the presentation by saying the proposed FY26 package “is approximately 80% people. It's a people business,” and emphasized that the budget is built to avoid layoffs and an override. Business staff said the district’s total proposed budget is roughly $52.3 million, combining a town contribution of about $48.1 million and roughly $4 million in grants and revolving funds.

Why it matters: Committee members and staff framed the FY26 proposal as an attempt to protect current staff amid “tight” municipal revenue growth while responding to volatile, high-cost areas such as out‑of‑district special education tuition and technology security upgrades. School leaders highlighted that special education tuition lines increased by about $400,000 in the proposal and that textbook/curriculum purchases are a major one‑time cost this year.

Budget highlights and tradeoffs
- Staffing: Presenters said total FTEs remain flat from FY25 to FY26; the committee heard that the budget spreads available salary resources across lines to preserve current positions while leaving negotiating flexibility for six union contracts.
- Special education: The budget sets special education spending near $3.9 million, a roughly $400,000 increase tied principally to higher private school/out‑of‑district tuition costs. Leaders described the volatility of that line as a “six‑figure swing” from year to year and said the district is lobbying state-level agencies for predictability.
- Technology and cybersecurity: The proposal increases technology funding after several years of reliance on one‑time town articles. Presenters said eRate reimbursements will cover a portion of planned network upgrades, and cybersecurity investments are funded with a combination of one‑time grants and operating dollars.
- Curriculum and instructional materials: The district plans a sizable investment in social studies materials for grades 6–12 (presenters showed $200,000 lines for both middle and high school textbook purchases) and professional development tied to those adoptions.
- Transportation and athletics: Officials noted transportation is run in‑house and described it as a cost‑saving measure relative to districts that contract out bus service. Athletics spending was described as “flat” and the district reiterated it will not reintroduce athletic fees.

What the committee asked and directed: Members pressed staff on the special education tuition increases, asking about lobbying channels and options to reduce out‑of‑district placements. Presenters recommended continuing to invest in in‑district programming to limit placements and noted an operational services division (OSD) process sets some tuition rates. Committee members also asked for future budget materials that demonstrate return on investment for recent curriculum and technology spending.

Next steps: Staff said they will present a deeper FY26 budget review at a dedicated meeting Feb. 3, and will return with amended slides and more detail on program-specific line items. Dr. Grama and the business office indicated they will propose any required transfers or “true‑ups” later in the fiscal year if actual revenue or expenditures differ from current estimates.

Ending: Committee members voiced general support for preserving staff and for incremental technology and curriculum investments while asking staff to continue seeking predictability for special education costs.","Superintendent's leadership report and budget staff presented a proposed FY26 operating budget totaling about $52.3 million, a roughly 2% increase over the town contribution for FY25 and continued emphasis on maintaining current staff levels while absorbing rising special education and technology costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: surplus declaration, robotics trips, program of studies and minutes approved

District leaders report progress on early literacy, share new benchmarks and plans for writing and curriculum review

School committee weighs moving start date before Labor Day and new Nov. PD pattern

Scituate Public Schools presents lean FY26 budget; leaders stress staffing, special education and cybersecurity costs