School Committee — June 9, 2026

The Chair called for motions to approve the warrants and the previous meeting's minutes.

Both the warrants and the May 26, 2026, minutes were approved unanimously.

The report covered senior graduation, the need for a freshman student council boot camp, class car washes, and successful school fundraisers. A board member also recognized the student's participation in a local photography exhibit.

The report was received by the committee with no formal action required.

Jamie Weber praised the Wellness Committee's diversity of thought but emphasized the need for continued attention to parent concerns regarding curriculum content and the honoring of parent opt-outs. She also commended the district's efforts for senior week and scholarship fundraising.

The committee acknowledged the comments.

The report noted that erosion control barriers and fencing are in place for the active construction zone. The speaker advised the public to respect the fencing and noted that the field would remain accessible during construction.

Information was shared with the committee.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

The Parks and Recreation Director explained that while town fields use herbicides, school fields are currently organic. However, weeds are threatening a new $700,000 baseball field investment. Board members expressed concerns regarding chemical safety for young children and requested a full list of potential products. There was also a discussion on whether increased funding for organic methods (more aeration, seeding, and labor) could solve the issue without herbicides.

The committee did not reach a decision but agreed to review product lists and explore ways to improve organic maintenance before considering a policy change.

The Parks and Rec Department will provide a list of potential products; the committee will discuss improving organic maintenance at a future meeting.

The discussion centered on whether to renovate existing structures or build new facilities, including high-tech self-cleaning bathrooms, storage/concession space, and defining project scale (small/medium/large). Members debated defining a 'minimum viable product' before an RFP to avoid scope creep, long-term maintenance costs, and the distinction between the feasibility study phase and final design involving the Conservation Commission and DPW.

The committee discussed the conceptual stages of the study and the potential for a joint session with the Recreation Commission. No formal decision was made.

A member proposed writing a project requirements document for committee review; the committee will determine the final scope and method for selecting a firm.

The committee reviewed the details of the trip scheduled for June 12th, including chaperones, staff, and ticket pricing.

The request was approved unanimously.

The Wellness Committee presented their progress, noting that while PE and general health standards are complete, certain 'sexual health' standards require more time due to complexity and need for medical expertise and community consensus. Some members argued for adopting completed standards immediately; others argued for postponing until a comprehensive package is ready.

The committee voted to reject the standards as presented (tie vote functioning as rejection) to allow for a more complete review.

The item will return to the agenda after the Wellness Committee completes the remaining work; Lisa Chen will provide a timeline at a future meeting.

Highlights included the Early College designation with Middlesex Community College, $80,000 secured for a summer AI career academy, co-teaching professional development, student involvement in the Massachusetts STEM Summit, track meets, technology internships, and kindness initiatives.

Information session only.

The committee discussed addressing warrants over eight to ten years old with nearly 100% expenditures. Instead of forming a formal budget subcommittee, the finance lead will present a suggested list of small amounts to be returned to the town.

The committee agreed to have the finance lead prepare a list for full committee discussion.

Finance lead to prepare a list of old warrants to present to the committee for discussion in August.

The K-8 literacy coordinator identified texts no longer in use. Dr. Conti noted she would check ISBN numbers for potential buyback value.

The committee unanimously approved declaring the texts as surplus.

Dr. Conti to check ISBN values for potential buyback.

The committee addressed a stipend of $3,891. It was clarified that this was an administrative omission from a previous meeting's vote, not a new expense.

The committee unanimously approved the stipend.

The foundation offered matching furniture and awarded scholarships totaling approximately $23,000 to recent graduates.

The committee approved the acceptance of the donation.

A biweekly invoice from the construction company was approved. Meetings will be held virtually to ensure a quorum for summer invoice approvals.

The committee noted that the next meeting will be held virtually at 6:00 PM next week.

Next virtual committee meeting scheduled for the following week at 6:00 PM.

Facilities work includes BHS boiler room repairs, camera installations at BHS/Middle School/Memorial, and vestibule work at Francis Wyman. The middle school late bus ended today and the high school late bus ended last week.

The committee was briefed on upcoming summer maintenance and the cessation of late bus services.