The Communications Working Group met to resume work on the district''s "Story of Schools" quality-profile brochure and set a goal of finalizing an updated 2024''25 edition timed to the start of the school year, with a draft to be reviewed by the committee on Aug. 20. Carrie (Communications Working Group member) opened the meeting saying the purpose was "to do kind of a status update of the story of schools" and to decide what data and design items need updating.

The committee said the package should hit at the start of the school year so families and staff have updated materials. Tracy (Communications Working Group member) said the project had strong momentum when it paused in spring and argued for a fall release: "getting it out, having the committee see it, because that would be Aug. 20. I mean, this really can get out at the start of school," she said. Brian (Communications Working Group member) recommended driving toward "a draft to review with the committee when we meet," and the group agreed on a short timeline for feedback.

Why it matters: the brochure is the district''s public-facing summary of enrollment, programs and priorities and is used for parent outreach, town events and committee briefings. The members flagged several discrete updates needed for accuracy and readability: replacing 2023''24 data with 2024''25 figures where available, adding class-of-2025 statistics, refreshing photographs (including 2025 graduation), soliciting student quotes, simplifying dense text blocks, and reworking the budget/allocation visuals.

Key follow-ups and assignments

- Data updates: Committee members said the most important data refresh is the class-of-2025 figures; other figures (for example, October 2024 enrollment) may already reflect the latest official snapshot. Dr. Hunter (Staff member) noted that some data sources lag and said the group should confirm which datasets are available for 2024''25 before finalizing text: "A lot of times, the data lags behind the actual dates," he said.

- Design and photos: Designer Chris already has a large photo library for the brochure; the group agreed to request final images (including 2025 graduation photos) and to add a committee headshot after the Aug. 20 meeting. Kate (Photographer/contact) will be asked about in-person photo availability; Carrie will coordinate scheduling. The group also asked the designer to produce a short branding guide (colors, fonts and logo files) once the brochure is finalized so future materials are consistent.

- Student voice: The brochure team wants student quotes but noted a logistical challenge: several seniors have graduated and their district accounts are disabled. The committee agreed to ask Maddie (student contact) and Mark (incoming student rep) to help gather quotes where possible, and Carrie offered to draft sample questions for Laurie (Communications Working Group member) to send

- Budget visuals and content edits: The page that illustrates spending and regional allocation needs rework. Members asked for a simpler pie chart that maps spending to DESE categories and highlights the share that goes to salary and other student-facing expenses. The group also proposed removing or de-emphasizing capital-project details (amenities building) to free space for clearer funding graphics.

- Text editing and timeline: The group agreed to scan the full draft and return edits to Carrie. Brian and others volunteered to do line-by-line reviews. The committee set a target for internal feedback due Tuesday, Aug. 15, so the designer can finalize assets before the Aug. 20 committee review.

Concerns and constraints

- Data timing: Several participants emphasized that some datasets (for example, MCAS results or other state-submitted statistics) often lag and may not be available in time for a fall update; Dr. Hunter cautioned the group to check availability before promising specific 2024''25 metrics.

- Student outreach: Committee members noted students may not have regular access to district email over the summer and suggested contacting student leaders through multiple channels; Carrie will prepare short, separate email asks for each content area to make it easier for student contacts to respond.

- Readability and layout: Multiple members said some brochure pages are text-heavy and suggested replacing some text with photos or shortening program descriptions. The designer was asked to highlight examples and improve contrast on the budget pie chart (a darker gold) for readability.

Decisions and next steps

- Target: Draft for committee review on Aug. 20; public launch timed to the start of the school year.
- Assignments: Carrie will collect feedback and email a consolidated list; Brian and Lori will scan the draft and return edits by Tuesday, Aug. 15; Carrie will provide wording templates for student-quote requests; Chris will confirm capacity and later produce a two-page branding guide and logo files.

No formal policy changes or budget approvals were made at the meeting. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded; a roll-call vote was taken and the meeting was closed.

What remains open: confirmation of which 2024''25 datasets can be used, collection of student quotes, final photo selection, and the redesigned budget pie chart that maps spending to DESE categories and highlights salary share.