School Committee — June 17, 2026

The Superintendent highlighted several specific retirees across various roles including teachers, librarians, and administrative assistants. Committee members offered congratulations, noting the profound impact these staff members have had on the community and students.

The retirees were formally honored by the School Committee.

The motion included both special and regular meetings from May 20th.

The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote.

Member Bahu questioned the high costs and the practice of busing students long distances to cities like Boston, noting potential inefficiencies and the impact on student downtime. The McKinney-Vento team explained that the district becomes the 'school of origin' once a student enrolls locally, making them fiscally responsible for all subsequent moves until the family finds permanent housing.

The motion to approve permission to enter was approved.

The committee expressed a need to continue discussing this issue and to appeal to state/federal delegations for better systems.

The committee observed silence to honor the deceased family members of retired staff.

Moment of silence observed.

A motion was made to ensure the district has a formal procedure to alert schools to lower flags as ordered by the Governor.

The motion was approved.

Member Bahu proposed calling homeschooling parents to encourage re-enrollment in public schools (Motion 7.2). Multiple parents testified that such calls could feel like intimidation and that the proposed policy changes (Motion 10.4)—including mandatory registration with the Family Resource Center and strict review windows—conflict with Massachusetts case law (Charles decision).

Motion 7.2 (outreach calls) was withdrawn by Member Bahu after committee opposition. Motion 10.4 (policy changes) was held as a report of progress.

The committee will revisit the homeschooling policy, with suggestions to either rewrite it or send it to a subcommittee.

The subcommittee discussed the selection and rollout of the new reading program, emphasizing the value of direct feedback from teachers regarding implementation and professional development. Chairperson Martin reported that teachers provided feedback regarding curriculum concerns and implementation. The committee discussed the need for ongoing professional development to ensure the district's significant investment in the new literacy tool is effective.

The report was accepted as a report of progress.

A follow-up subcommittee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at the School Administration Building (5th Floor).

The district has seen a significant increase in students with autism, with 27% of students with disabilities in Lowell identified with this as a primary diagnosis. Discussion focused on the rise in diagnoses, the cost-effectiveness of in-district day schools versus private placements, and the need for better early identification through pediatricians and ABA centers.

The committee received the presentation as an informational update.

The district intends to work on inclusive practices and support systems for teachers as part of its strategic planning.

A committee member noted the effectiveness of community outreach strategists in speaking to students. There was a suggestion to increase these speaking engagements, particularly for high school students, given the prevalence of marijuana stores in Massachusetts.

The report was received.

Members discussed the composition of councils (principals, parents, teachers, and community members) and the importance of transparency. Suggestions were made to improve communication of meeting times and agendas to families via social media and email.

The report was received.

The Superintendent highlighted that extreme heat in buildings like the Moody School makes learning difficult and unhealthy. The Mayor noted that the city is working on a capital plan to address this, including the need to mitigate 'heat islands' by adding trees and reducing asphalt.

The committee acknowledged the urgent need for a long-term capital plan for air conditioning.

The City Manager is expected to provide a capital plan following discussions with the City Council.