The Emmy Small Building Subcommittee heard district staff explain next steps with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, including the feasibility-study agreement, the role of an owner's project manager (OPM), and MSBA enrollment projections that show capacity for 355 (stand-alone) or 670 (consolidated) students; timing for final reimbursement remains unresolved.
The Emmy Small Building Subcommittee voted to approve the posted minutes and discussed scheduling a Feb. 12 meeting to review a draft MSBA feasibility-study agreement before an MSBA board meeting on Feb. 25. The committee will review legal counsel comments before deciding whether to meet.
After a facilities presentation, the school committee approved proposed rental rates (new turf-field, auditorium and indoor-space fees), agreed to develop a revolving account to reserve turf-field revenues for future replacement, and authorized the administration to implement a new rental-application process.
Superintendent Doctor Smith and Doctor Gilson presented a high-level FY2027 budget that would raise the operating baseline roughly 6.35% to about $86 million, while cautioning the committee that key state revenue figures (chapter 78, transportation, charter/school choice aid) and health-insurance rates remain unknown and could materially change town assessments.
After a second reading, the school committee voted to approve policy JICA (student dress code) by voice vote; the committee thanked students and faculty who contributed to the policy update.
Middle and high school principals told the school committee on Dec. 15 that MCAS results show notable gains—districtwide cumulative progress rose markedly—while math achievement and chronic absenteeism remain priorities. Principals outlined curriculum, coaching and attendance actions.
The committee accepted a revised JICA student dress‑code policy for first reading, with members noting the update pares down specific prohibitions and delegates specifics to school handbooks; a second reading and vote will follow after more review.
The district closed FY25 with approximately $809,666 remaining and reported roughly $1.8 million in excess & deficiency expected after certification. Officials described an unclosed $2,273 encumbrance and an unexpected $169,000 McKinney‑Vento reimbursement.
The committee voted Dec. 1 to waive the usual two‑reading policy (BGB) and adopt amended IKF (graduation requirements) and IKFE (competency determination) language, including an appeals process and a clause preserving competency benefits earned prior to Jan. 3, 2025; staff will file the documents with DESE.
District elementary leaders told the school committee on Dec. 1 that K–3 MCAS results showed major year‑over‑year gains at several schools but persistent disparities for English‑language learners and some students with disabilities; chronic absenteeism (students missing 18+ days) remains a district priority and action steps are under way.
