A student-led environmental group, Resource Force, urged the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee to publish the annual sustainability progress report called for in the district's revised sustainability policy. "We truly believe how important it is for our district to inform people like us about what is being done to reduce carbon emissions," a Resource Force speaker said during public comment on Oct. 9.

Why it matters: The sustainability policy calls for transparency on district efforts toward decarbonization and progress toward long-term goals; the students asked when and where the annual progress report would be published and requested clear access.

Union comments and staff impacts: Mike Balulescu, an Acton resident, RJ Grey parent and president of the district teachersunion, spoke during public comment about the AB Forward reorganization. "As a teacher, parent, and taxpayer, I'm as invested as anyone in what the future holds," Balulescu said. He urged the community to acknowledge potential job losses if reorganization options are adopted and asked the community to be sensitive to the impact on educators.

Superintendent update on hate incidents: During the superintendent's update, Peter reported that the high school has documented several incidents of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti in two boys' bathrooms over several days. Peter said school administrators have been investigating and have reported the incidents to the Acton Police and activated school crisis supports, including coordination with local clergy. "That is not the values that we have as a school district, and yet it occurred in our schools," Peter said.

Next steps: Resource Force requested the district publish the annual sustainability progress report and provide access details. The superintendent said investigations into the bias incidents are ongoing, counseling supports have been deployed and families were notified. The teachers union asked that the community consider the human cost of reorganizations and layoffs as AB Forward proceeds.