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Harvard superintendent reports slight enrollment decline to 1,007; district outlines UDL progress and remediation steps for media studio
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Linda Dwight reported district enrollment at 1,007 (down from 1,028), attributed to international and out-of-state moves and private/charter enrollments; she also updated the committee on UDL progress, an unused Harvard Media Collaborative studio left vacant due to persistent mold, and recent district initiatives in SEL and equity.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Dwight told the Harvard School Committee on Oct. 6 that district enrollment for the current year stands at 1,007 students, a small decline from last year’s 1,028. The decrease was attributed to international moves, out-of-state relocations, and some families choosing private or charter schools. Dr. Katharine Covino characterized the trend as a period for reflection rather than immediate alarm.
Dr. Dwight reported preliminary evidence that a three-year focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), analyzed alongside MCAS and STARR data, is producing yearly student growth; the district plans to present fuller findings at a future meeting.
On facilities, Dr. Dwight said the Harvard Media Collaborative studio remains unused because of persistent mold issues despite prior remediation and new drainage work by the Department of Public Works; the district is pursuing a CPIC application, gathering professional remediation quotes, and filing an insurance claim to return the studio to community use.
Assistant Superintendent Dana Labb summarized instructional work supporting assessment methods, grade-level meetings, and an EL Education coaching day to strengthen data-informed planning. He also highlighted ILT collaboration, initiatives to expand Title III English learner supports, professional learning in social–emotional learning and restorative practices, and inclusive calendar events (National Bullying Prevention Month, Diwali, Indigenous Peoples’ Day).
Why it matters: Enrollment trends inform budgeting and school-choice planning; facility issues affect community resources (the Harvard Media Collaborative studio); and continued UDL and SEL initiatives shape instructional practice across the district.
Next steps: The committee will use the enrollment data during upcoming budget planning and continue follow-up on the studio remediation process.
