District schedules building‑level budget forums, expands communications ahead of town meetings

Michelle Hu, chair of the Groton‑Dunstable Regional School Committee, told the meeting the district will hold building‑specific online information nights and town forums to answer parent questions about budget cuts and the consequences if budget overrides do not pass.

Hu said the district will aim to distribute the bulk of parent information by April 18 so families receive it before April school break. She gave the committee dates for the towns’ meetings: Groton’s town meeting is April 26 and Dunstable’s is May 12; the districtwide vote is scheduled for May 20. Committee staff said the schedule gives a longer lead time than the prior year but stressed the need to respond to family availability during April vacation.

The chair asked the committee for suggestions and encouraged members to email ideas for outreach. A member in the audience (identified as Judy) was present but did not raise comments. The chair said she and Superintendent Jeff Bruno discussed additional outreach strategies and will set building‑specific Zoom nights in late March or early April.

Committee members also reported ongoing community engagement projects: students making birthday cards for members of the Council on Aging, and the Communications Subcommittee presenting a monthly staff spotlight to recognize district employees. Committee member Faye praised parent volunteer Charlotte Weigel, who has worked with staff and the sustainability committee to pursue state grants and facilities assessments to support energy efficiency projects.

"Charlotte is working so hard to help bring those opportunities to us," Faye said, thanking her for pro bono technical work on grant applications and assessments.

The chair said more information about forum dates and how to join would be circulated to families and posted.