Carol Savage advocates for structured school budget process and literacy priorities

In a recent Winchester School Committee meeting, community members voiced their concerns and suggestions regarding the school budget and policies affecting student engagement. The meeting, held on March 20, 2025, provided a platform for residents to express their views on critical issues impacting the local education system.

Carol Savage, a town meeting member and former parent within the Winchester school system, opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of adhering to the established budget process. She noted that this year's budget timeline deviated from the norm, which could affect the quality of dialogue during town meetings. Savage emphasized the need for collaboration between the School Committee and the Finance Committee to ensure that budgetary decisions reflect the community's priorities, particularly in addressing literacy challenges. She urged the committees to focus on personnel costs and strategic planning to identify gaps in funding and resources.

Following Savage, Katie O'Connor, a parent of four children in the district, echoed the need for a more structured approach to student device usage in schools. She argued that the absence of a formal policy regarding personal devices, especially smartphones, detracts from students' ability to concentrate and succeed academically. O'Connor proposed a "phone-free bell to bell" policy for all grades, citing evidence from other districts that have implemented similar measures, resulting in improved academic performance and enhanced student interactions.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members acknowledged the importance of these discussions, which reflect broader concerns about educational quality and student well-being in Winchester. With public comments now closed, the committee moved on to the consent agenda, setting the stage for further deliberations on the budget and policies that will shape the future of the Winchester Public Schools. The community's engagement in these discussions underscores a collective commitment to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.