School Committee — January 13, 2026
While the board itself remained unified throughout, the meeting carried real tension due to a superintendent warning of 20–30 additional staff cuts, three public speakers whose AP science concerns went entirely unanswered, a repeated community request for a Technology Advisory Committee that was again ignored, and multiple significant program decisions — including elimination of the German program — that were obscured by vague agenda language and acted upon without clear public notice.
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LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE — January 13, 2026: What you need to know
The board made several significant decisions at this meeting — but how some of them were presented to the public raises real accountability concerns.
FIRST: The agenda listed a single item called 'LHS Proposed Science and World Language Curricular Changes.' What the board actually voted on included the elimination of the entire German language program. Lexington parents of current and prospective German students, and any resident who wanted to weigh in on killing an established program, had no specific notice that a program elimination vote was on the table. The enrollment decline data (50% over 9 years) may justify the decision — but it does not justify obscuring what the decision actually was. Affected families deserved a plain-language agenda item.
SECOND: Parent Wendy Hoffer, speaking on behalf of 79 signatories, formally requested the creation of a Technology Advisory Committee to address cell phone use, student streaming access on school devices, and broader ed-tech policy. She noted this was a repeat request. The board's response was complete silence — no acknowledgment, no commitment to follow-up, no explanation for why the request wasn't being acted on. Seventy-nine organized community members deserve at least a response.
THIRD: Superintendent Hackett was direct about the FY27 budget: 14.5 staff positions are already slated for elimination, and 20 to 30 additional cuts are likely coming in the spring. Healthcare costs rose 13.5% year-over-year, and the district is relying on up to $4.4 million in circuit breaker reimbursement funds. A public commenter asked whether administrative positions — not classroom staff — would be prioritized for cuts. The administration pointed to a future line-item budgeting upgrade but did not answer the question directly.
Finally, three parents raised specific concerns about the AP science restructuring — arguing the new second-pass requirements effectively double the course load for multi-AP science students and could disadvantage them in college admissions. The board expressed strong support for the changes, citing teacher and student testimony, but none of the three speakers received any direct response to their concerns. The board votes on the full FY27 budget in January–February 2026. If these issues matter to you, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Topics discussed
Chair Eileen J opened the meeting at 6:01 PM on January 13, 2026. The committee approved warrants totaling over $19 million, meeting minutes from October and November 2025, and donations including $1,000 for scholarships, $2,500 from Hudson River Trading LLC, and $5,000 from Symbotic LLC.
Members announced MLK Day events throughout the week, school building committee interior design presentations, and upcoming Lunar New Year events including a February 7th CAL event at Cary Hall.
Two parents raised concerns about proposed AP science pathway changes that would require six courses instead of three for students pursuing multiple AP sciences, creating scheduling burdens. Parent Wendy Hoffer, representing 79 signatories, requested establishment of a Technology Advisory Committee to review research and provide recommendations on educational technology use and policies.
Dr. Hackett reported numerous achievements including national awards for students and staff, building project updates, upcoming DESE reviews, and AI conference participation plans. The report covered recognition for academic excellence, athletics, and school nutrition programs.
Dr. Hackett and Dr. Scully presented the superintendent's recommended budget of $151 million, a 3.6% increase that represents the lowest percentage increase in 10 years. The budget requires significant cost-saving measures including 14.5 FTE reductions and potential additional cuts of 20-30 FTEs. Budget achieved through staff reductions, reduced high-risk list estimates, and potential use of up to $4.4 million in circuit breaker funds. Healthcare costs increased 13.5% year-over-year.
The district plans to discontinue the German program due to 50% enrollment decline over 9 years and expand American Sign Language from a 2-year to 4-year pathway to address equity issues. Students with disabilities are 5x more likely and African American students are 6x more likely to take ASL.
Major changes to AP science courses to achieve teaching parity and improve educational outcomes. AP Biology and AP Chemistry will become second-pass courses requiring foundational courses first. AP Physics will remain first-pass but split into separate Mechanics and E&M courses. Current students and teachers provided testimony supporting the changes, citing benefits of foundational knowledge before AP courses.
Dr. Scully presented analysis showing structural deficits in transportation and athletics revolving funds due to stagnant fees over 15+ years while costs increased significantly. Proposed modest fee increases to address declining fund balances.
Presentation of completed special education audit/review by K12 Insights with seven key recommendations. Plan outlined for community engagement sessions in coming months to discuss findings and develop action plan.
Public comment requesting more detailed organizational charts, transparent budget presentation, and consideration of eliminating administrative positions while preserving classroom staff.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
FY2027 Budget: 14.5–30+ FTE Staff Reductions
AP Science Pathway Restructuring: Six-Course Burden on Advanced Students
German Program Discontinuation — Off-Agenda Major Decision
Technology Advisory Committee Request — Repeated Ask Ignored
Transportation and Athletic Fee Increases
Budget Transparency and Administrative Staffing Priorities
Special Education District Review — Significant Findings Presented
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Topics discussed — not on agenda
Transcript vs. official minutes
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