District updates: operational audit, culture survey, food service advisory and local aid hearing

District administrators briefed the Groton‑Dunstable School Committee on a series of operational and outreach matters at the March 26 meeting.

Operational audit: A consultant has begun work on a three‑part operational audit covering administrative review, building usage and student services. The district delivered the final required data to the consultants and the consultants are scheduling interviews; administrators said they are pushing for a draft report in April.

Culture and climate survey: The 2025 district culture and climate survey launched for families, staff and community on March 24 and will remain open through April 4. District staff said the student portion of the survey will be administered on March 31 for grades 3–12, with teachers setting aside time for students to take it. An information sheet and survey link were sent to the parent contact listed first in SchoolBrains; administrators said they will resend the link and share results with the committee before the end of April.

Food service advisory: Food Service Director Mark Shaw reported 430 responses to a cafeteria perception survey and solicited volunteers for a food‑service advisory committee that will include two school committee representatives and community members. The advisory group will receive proposed meeting dates and is expected to observe breakfast or lunch service as part of its work.

Local aid hearing and advocacy: District leaders described attending a Massachusetts House Ways and Means local aid hearing where testimony focused on the governor’s FY‑26 budget and funding for minimum aid districts under Chapter 70. Administrators said many districts are affected by flat state funding; they delivered a packet of community letters to the committee and noted a public hearing that allows testimony is scheduled for April 8 at the State House with remote testimony options.

Outreach and schedule: Administrators outlined upcoming community budget awareness events (coffee hours, library sessions and office hours), a combined budget forum at the high school on April 16, Groton Town Meeting scheduled for April 26 at the high school and Dunstable Town Meeting on May 12 at Swallow Union Elementary School. The administration said early voting runs in both towns ahead of the May 20 election and reminded residents that a school budget override must pass both town meeting and a ballot vote if presented.

The meeting also included a series of community‑oriented announcements—student performances, math night, a student‑hosted community dinner on April 2 supported by a local donor, a Best Buddies Polar Plunge fundraiser and a middle school “Real Life Fair.” District staff said more information and publicity materials are forthcoming for these events.