In a recent meeting of the North Andover School Committee, community engagement and the future of the Kittredge School building project took center stage. As committee members gathered under the bright lights of the town hall, discussions flowed about how to keep the public informed and involved in the school’s development.

The committee emphasized transparency, assuring attendees that all meetings are public and accessible. Plans were laid out for sharing the final schematic design of the new school, with documents to be published on the Kittredge School Building Committee's webpage. Additionally, updates will be communicated through the school messenger system and a dedicated Facebook page, which has seen growing interest from the community.

As the project progresses, the committee is keen to engage the public through forums, both in-person and virtual, to gather feedback and share visuals of the proposed building. A timeline was established, with a decision on the project expected by mid-December, followed by a request for funding at the town meeting in May. This funding will be crucial for moving forward with construction plans.

The committee also reported positive community feedback from a recent survey regarding design options, with one particular facade emerging as the favorite among respondents. This input is being taken seriously, as committee members noted the importance of aligning the project with community preferences.

In addition to the building project, the committee approved overnight field trips to Germany and Spain, highlighting the importance of experiential learning for students. The excitement for these trips was palpable, with members reminiscing about their own travel experiences.

As the meeting wrapped up, the focus shifted to the district's improvement plan, with goals centered on high-quality instructional materials and equity in education. The overarching theme for the year, "rooted in purpose, growing in practice," reflects the committee's commitment to fostering a collaborative and impactful educational environment.

With the groundwork laid for both the Kittredge School project and the district's educational goals, the North Andover School Committee is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the community's educational landscape. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14, where further developments are expected to unfold.