School Committee Update - September 8, 2025

Meeting Highlights:

• The School Committee approved the 2025–2026 District Improvement Plan, highlighting progress in curriculum management, student support, diversity initiatives, and restorative practices. Upcoming School Committee presentations will focus on aspects of the District Improvement Plan including curriculum templates, support programs, and expanding staff diversity and partnerships.

• Ms. Ostaszewski, Director of Finance and Operations, discussed three requests which were approved by the School Committee to be paid for from the Shaw Trust: funding for bus curb cutouts for greater accessibility, cafeteria vending machines with DESE-approved snacks, and a specific chair for a student. Additionally, Ms. Ostaszewski reported a $618,000 projected FY26 deficit, mainly due to a declining Devens enrollment, which may be partially offset through revolving accounts. 

• The meeting included updates on budget planning, assessments, and operations. Ms. Besse, School Committee chair, presented a new timeline for the school budget process which allows for the budget to be completed by the end of January.  Mr. Labb, Assistant Superintendent, outlined new assessment tools as well as a consortium grant for language learners. Dr. Dwight updated the committee on professional development, curriculum, and facilities.

• The Policy Subcommittee presented two updated policies for the School Committee to review:  Policy IMG, Animals in Schools and JB, Equal Educational Opportunities.  Both were approved by the School Committee. 

• Ms. Besse delivered the Superintendent Evaluation report. Dr. Dwight received an exemplary evaluation rating, with praise for her leadership, UDL implementation, collaboration, and communication. The committee expressed appreciation as she enters her final year.

• The Superintendent Search Subcommittee presented and the School Committee approved a superintendent search survey to be released this week to gain understanding on qualities the community values in the new superintendent. They also reviewed the superintendent draft job description and agreed to post the job after the survey had been sent to the public. The superintendent hiring timeline aims to select a new superintendent by winter break, with public forums in December, though the process remains flexible.