School Committee — May 6, 2026

Call to order and formal seating of newly elected members Andrew Herchek, Drew Magleiozi, Tracy Morano, Sandy Piseri, and Michael Williams following town meeting.

Discussion of timing for electing chair and vice chair given that Carlisle town meeting had not yet occurred; decision to delay until Carlisle members are seated.

Motion and approval to appoint Aaron Higgins as recording secretary for the Concord Public Schools committee.

Recognition of girls swim and dive team (third consecutive state title), fencing team (first state title), and skier Theo Remington (slalom champion).

Student presentation on sustainability initiatives including pollinator gardens, composting, EV charging stations, and Earth Day events.

Updates on NEASC accreditation work, substance abuse prevention program with police, and successful student trip to Japan.

Agreement to request a comprehensive technology presentation from administration in the fall and solicit committee/parent feedback by June 1.

Updates on student council activities, new clubs (including Pause and Purpose), affinity groups, NHS induction, athletics, AP exams, CCHS theater performances of 9 to 5, MCAS testing for sophomores, Student Senate spirit week, student government elections, prom, senior week events, and eighth-grade tours.

Residents praised the School Committee for collaborative budget work at Town Meeting (1.9% increase) and recognized staff response to the Thoreau fire, including rapid relocation of classes.

Committee approved meeting minutes (with one abstention) and other items A-E, G-L after splitting the vote to allow abstention on un-attended minutes; item F removed.

Superintendent and facilities director detailed the third fire in the 1994 wing in nine years, immediate class relocation without losing instructional days, insurance coordination, and plans to replace open-attic space heaters with a new suppression system.

Update on schematic design requiring relocation of >200 parking spaces on the high school campus; committee must approve final design as it alters district property.

CPAC president Ashley reported on 1999 activities including coffees, office hours, newsletters, events, appreciation awards, and outreach to Concord and Carlisle families with students on IEPs/504s; outlined advisory council role supporting families through workshops and meetings with administration; discussed collaboration with Carlisle CPAC, board changes, and plans for more joint events.

Lori provided a brief update on district goals, highlighting progress on anti-semitism work, EL rollout, and Vision of a Graduate; noted yellow status on math intervention due to staffing.

Bob presented budget transfer requests driven by benefits, out-of-district tuition, and maintenance; committee discussed line-item adjustments within categories.

Update on bidirectional charger installation funded by grant and prior town meeting appropriations; Highland contract discussion deferred to next meeting due to 10-year term and regional vs. district authority issues.

Reports on recent coffees in Concord and Carlisle; discussion of low non-parent attendance and ideas for increasing participation next year.

Update on working group progress toward June 8 select board deadline; discussion of positive incident reporting options raised by consultant.

First reading of policies revised per DOJ agreement to address harassment, anti-semitism, and corrective actions; second reading and vote scheduled for June 3.

Discussion of completing first reads of MASC policies at June meeting, with second reads after summer break; commitment to year-long policy tracking schedule for next chairs following recent extensive review.

Second reading and vote on regional policies BCAB, KI, and EFBA; brief discussion of facilities fees, event costs, and visitors policy note on undocumented individuals.

Review of Attorney General guidelines on faithful transcription, video review, and handling substantive edits only in open meetings; agreement on current process with commitment to reduce errors.

Review of draft annual schedule; focus on August dates, holidays, and Wednesday cadence; plan to finalize August availability and vote at next meeting.

Motion to enter executive session for negotiations strategy, collective bargaining, and approval of prior executive session minutes.