School Committee Update - October 2026

Meeting Highlights:

• The School Committee reviewed the district’s MCAS results. The district, middle, and high schools met or exceeded progress towards their improvement targets.  Hildreth Elementary School made substantial progress towards its improvement targets.  Across all grade levels tested, Harvard student groups surpassed state averages across all tested subjects (math, English language arts, science, and civics).  The same high achievement was seen across all student groups when compared to the state. The committee asked thoughtful questions about additional support for students with disabilities and other high-needs groups. Ms. Superchi noted continued focus areas for high-need student groups, including English learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities, who remain the lowest-performing groups despite outperforming state averages. Ms. Superchi outlined plans to address student performance gaps through data triangulation, multi-tiered systems of support, professional development, and co-teaching practices between special education and core classroom teachers.  The Bromfield High School was identified and celebrated as a school of recognition. 

• ​The Committee unanimously approved a new 3D Design Club, a Washington, D.C., field trip, and $4,500 in PTO grants to support student learning. Members also confirmed that students would not be excluded from class-based field trips because of an inability to pay.

• ​The Committee reviewed the first-quarter budget and sought greater clarity about the proposed HVAC project. After gathering additional information and exploring alternative contractor options to help the community understand the investment before moving forward, members carefully considered the heating and cooling options. Specifically, the committee discussed costs, potential reimbursement, and long-term building needs. Support for moving forward with geothermal test wells, funded by the Climate Leaders Grant, will help gather information to guide future facilities decisions.

• ​Members approved $109,000 in Community Preservation Committee funding applications for playground shade and irrigation projects at HES. These proposed improvements will provide shade for students and support safer recreation and better-maintained playing fields through collaboration with Park and Recreation.

• A review of the student activities account audit included discussion of procedures to improve financial tracking and reconciliation with Town Hall. Members also identified opportunities to strengthen policies for student travel and the management of student activity funds.
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• ​The School Committee approved a three year contract with Dee Bus service, FY28-FY30, with two optional one year extensions in FY31 and FY32.  The contract covers both regular school bus transportation and athletic and field trip transportation.  The FY28 contract for regular transportation increased 4.49% over FY27 or $30,240.  The athletic/field trip bus increased 2.3% per mile or $.15/mile, and waiting costs also increased 3.13% or $5.00/hour for FY28. Trip expenditures for this part of the contract will depend on actual mileage and waiting times.