Homework policy review to go through school councils and public comment; committee debates timing of wider outreach

The school committee discussed the working group's draft homework policy and the plan for community review. Policy‑working members said they circulated a draft to school councils (made up of educators, parents and administrators) and will collect feedback; once consolidated, the working group will bring a recommendation and draft to the full committee. For major policy changes the committee described a three‑meeting process: an informational session, a discussion meeting and a final vote to allow time for public comment and revision.

Public participation and recording: Committee members discussed transparency and how to notify the broader public beyond school councils. Jillian DeStefano urged broad notice so families and teachers who are not on councils can participate; she suggested using the superintendent's newsletter and district social media once the draft is ready. A proposal to ask the superintendent to publish the draft in the newsletter at this stage failed for lack of a second.

Student involvement: The high‑school school council includes student representatives and will be asked for feedback; the working group said student voices are being sought where applicable.

Process and timeline: After the working group completes its internal review of returned school‑council comments, the group will schedule an informational meeting and then the committee will discuss and later vote (typically a three‑meeting series). The committee emphasized opportunity for public comment at the informational and discussion stages before a final vote.