School committee initiates working group for increased student voice in decisions

The Tewksbury Public Schools School Committee meeting held on April 16, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and addressing upcoming events in the school district.

The meeting began with a discussion led by a committee member who expressed gratitude to Superintendent Harry Regan for his commitment to forming a new working group. This group aims to amplify student voices within the school committee, a step that was acknowledged as overdue. The initial focus will be on high school students, with plans to gather feedback through surveys and other methods to ensure their perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

In addition to the working group, the committee member shared details about upcoming events, including participation in the "Day on the Hill" on May 6, organized by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. The member also highlighted their recent attendance at the National Association of School Boards conference in Atlanta, where a Massachusetts school committee member was inducted as president, marking a significant achievement for the state.

The meeting also addressed the need to vote on members for the School Facility Study Committee and to review the status of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. Future meeting dates were announced, including the next school committee meeting on April 30, and a listening session scheduled for May 13 at Center Elementary.

The committee concluded the meeting by inviting suggestions for future agenda items, but no additional topics were proposed. Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to fostering student involvement and preparing for significant upcoming events in the school district.