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Sudbury School Committee — May 18, 2026

The meeting was marked by heavy underlying tension regarding board conduct and recent votes of no confidence, despite a largely procedural agenda.

Date Monday, May 18, 2026 Duration 2.8h Speakers 45 Public comments 2 Decisions 29 Mildly contentious
📄 Agenda ▶ Video

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01

Athletic and Extracurricular Fee Changes

Potential loss of access to specific clubs (e.g., Diversity Club, Computer Club) due to fee minimums. Affected: Students and families participating in clubs and athletics
fee change

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Acceptance of all items on the Consent Calendar.
Includes the updated district wellness policy and implementation guides.
Approved
Reaffirmation of School Committee Operating Protocols (Policy BA1).
Members agreed to conduct committee work in accordance with established expectations.
Approved
Approval of School Committee Goals document.
The document summarizing annual goals will be posted on the school committee website.
Approved
Appointment of Committee Leadership
Jessica McCready appointed as Chair; Elizabeth Sues appointed as Vice Chair for the -1 term.
Approved
Appoint Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco to the Anti Hate, Anti Bias Task Force.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Elizabeth Sues, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Chair Jessica McCready and Member Elizabeth Sues as liaisons to the Select Board.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Elizabeth Sues, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco as the legislative liaison.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Elizabeth Sues, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Julie Durgin-Sicree as LS liaison and LGBTQ+ parent advisory liaison.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Jessica McCready as liaison to the Health Advisory Council.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Elizabeth Sues, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Elizabeth Sues as liaison to the Finance Committee.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Elizabeth Sues, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Karyn Jones and Elizabeth Sues as liaisons to the Sudbury Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAK).
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Karyn Jones as communications liaison.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco as liaison to the Energy and Sustainability Committee.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Karyn Jones, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Jessica McCready as liaison to the Parks and Rec Commission.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Karyn Jones, Speaker S31.
Passed
Appoint Julie Durgin-Sicree as MASC delegate.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Elizabeth Sues, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Approve the Budget Subcommittee and Negotiations Labor Relations subcommittee charges as amended to add new names.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Speaker S31.
Passed
Approve the Policy subcommittee charge as amended for names.
Voters: Julie Durgin-Sicree, Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Speaker S31.
Passed
Approve the Superintendent Search Subcommittee charge as amended to include new names.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S31.
Passed
Negotiations/Labor Relations Subcommittee Appointment
Jessica McCready (Chair) and Elizabeth Sues appointed.
Approved
Budget Subcommittee Appointment
Elizabeth Sues and Karyn Jones appointed.
Approved
Superintendent Search Committee Appointment
Jessica McCready (Chair) and Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco appointed.
Approved
Policy Subcommittee Appointment
Karyn Jones and Julie Durgin-Sicree appointed.
Approved
Anti-Hate, Anti-Bias Task Force Appointment
Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco appointed.
Approved
Select Board Liaison Appointment
Jessica McCready (Chair) and Elizabeth Sues appointed.
Approved
Approve the Budget Subcommittee and Negotiations Labor Relations subcommittee charges as amended to add new names.
Voters: Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Speaker S31.
Passed
Approve fiscal year -1 school committee meeting schedule as amended (includes adding Nov 30th and adjusting July/December dates).
Voters: Karyn Jones, Elizabeth Sues, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Speaker S37.
Passed
Participate in Sudbury Pride Day and designate Julie Durgin-Sicree to coordinate scheduling/participation.
Voters: Julie Durgin-Sicree, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Elizabeth Sues, Karyn Jones, Speaker S38.
Passed
Approve the email communication and -1 School Committee Goals Year End Report as amended.
Voters: Karyn Jones, Elizabeth Sues, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Speaker S31.
Passed
Adjourn meeting.
Voters: Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Karyn Jones, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Elizabeth Sues, Speaker S37.
Passed

Topics ⁠discussed

Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 01:05 Public Comment: Jewish Student Inclusion and Safety

Noah Stern Weber advocated for the establishment of a Jewish PAC, noting that current survey data lacks sufficient religious disaggregation to measure bias/inclusion and citing statewide hate crime statistics.

Speakers: Noah Stern Weber
▶ 03:36 Public Comment: Committee Conduct and Teamwork

Julie Durgin-Sicree addressed the committee regarding a recent vote of no confidence, emphasizing the need for trust, transparency, and respectful deliberation to rebuild community confidence.

Speakers: Julie Durgin-Sicree
▶ 07:05 District Update and Personnel Changes

The committee acknowledged Annette as the interim superintendent for the -1 school year and thanked outgoing superintendent Brad for his service.

Speakers: Jessica, Annette
▶ 07:45 SEA (Staff Educator Association) Report

The SEA provided an end-of-year report highlighting 'heavy lifts' such as the EL curriculum, union negotiations, and student social-emotional needs, alongside positive outcomes like new contract provisions.

Speakers: Michelle
▶ 16:38 Transportation Update

Dawn reported on the tiered registration process for school bus transportation and noted that approximately 714 registrations have been received so far.

Speakers: Dawn
▶ 22:23 Student Achievements and Capstone Projects

Annette shared news of 3rd and 5th graders receiving a Youth Service Award and provided details on the upcoming 8th-grade Capstone civic action projects.

Speakers: Annette, Brad
▶ 26:20 Consent Calendar: Wellness Policy and Religious Observances

Discussion regarding the updated district wellness policy (including SEL) and the implementation of guidance for religious and cultural observances.

Speakers: Jessica, Elizabeth Sues, Brad
▶ 35:46 Discussion: Union Feedback on Operations

The committee discussed feedback from the union regarding staffing levels, resource allocation, and workload/caseload management in relation to the new contract.

Speakers: Karyn Jones, Jessica, Julie Durgin-Sicree, Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco, Annette
▶ 46:00 Middle School Math Pathways Update

Karyn Jones presented on the shift to include a Grade 7 math course and the new 8th-grade Geometry UA (unaccompanied/additional) option to reduce student stress and improve foundations.

Speakers: Karyn Jones, Jessica, Brad
▶ 63:16 Math Proficiency and Student Stress

Discussion regarding math benchmark data (using a C+ threshold) and anecdotal reports that student stress regarding math performance has decreased compared to the previous year.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 107:02 Student Use of Technology Policy (JICJ)

Review of technology policy implementation, including planned changes such as an 'allow-only' website list for 6th grade, delayed Chromebook rollout, and the introduction of parental digital controls.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 120:30 Task Force Meeting Times

Discussion regarding the scheduling of Anti-Bias Task Force meetings and the difficulties members face with the current 3:30 PM time slot.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 122:21 Liaison Appointments and Annual Reorganization

The annual process of electing committee leadership and appointing members to various subcommittees and liaison roles, including Select Board, legislative, and advisory council positions.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 127:18 After-School Care Enrichment and Space Utilization

Discussion on the feasibility of Parks and Recreation using school classrooms for enrichment programs, noting constraints regarding room availability, furniture, and transportation.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 136:00 Subcommittee Reorganization

Updating the charges of existing subcommittees (Budget, Negotiations, and Policy) to include the names of new committee members.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 140:00 Athletic and Extracurricular Activity Fees

Discussion regarding proposed changes to club fees and the potential impact on certain clubs (Computer Club, Diversity Club, and intramural spring volleyball) due to minimum enrollment requirements.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 144:00 Family and Community Engagement

Evaluation of recent community listening sessions, discussing the effectiveness of hybrid vs. virtual formats and ways to improve communication regarding Open Meeting Law constraints.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 147:00 FY26-27 Meeting Schedule

Review and approval of the upcoming school year's meeting calendar, including considerations for remote/hybrid formats and adding meetings for budget planning.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 160:00 Sudbury Pride Day Participation

Agreement to participate in Sudbury Pride Day on June 14th with a committee table.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 162:00 Community Communication

Review of the end-of-year goals report and email communications to the community.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

Jewish Student Inclusion and Safety

A community member raised concerns regarding the lack of disaggregated religious data to measure bias and advocated for a Jewish PAC, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in student safety.
Board position: The board did not address the comment during the public portion, but later appointed a member to the Anti-Hate, Anti-Bias Task Force.
medium concern
02

Committee Governance and Public Trust

A board member publicly addressed a recent 'vote of no confidence,' emphasizing a need to rebuild community trust through transparency and respectful deliberation.
Board position: The board moved to reaffirm Operating Protocols (Policy BA1) and undergo annual reorganization.
high concern
03

Athletic and Extracurricular Fee Adjustments

Proposed changes to club fees and minimum enrollment requirements could lead to the cancellation of specific groups like the Diversity Club or Computer Club.
Board position: The board is currently gathering data on student enrollment to determine the impact of the fee changes.
medium concern

Community vs. board tension

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Allow ideas from the union feedback to 'marinate' for future goal setting and potential presentations on staffing/caseloads.
Assigned: District Leadership/Annette · Due: Future goal-setting period
Monitor impact of new math pathways, including student stress levels and potential connection to high school science readiness.
Assigned: Karyn Jones (Math Dept)
Review/consider the formation of a technology working group following the June 4th meeting.
Assigned: District Administration · Due: Post-June 4th
Email MASC best practices training link regarding Parent Advisory Councils to interested members.
Assigned: Karyn Jones
Provide data on student numbers in clubs to help determine if new fee minimums will impact club viability.
Assigned: Dawn
Update the email communication and the -1 School Committee Goals Year End Report with names and necessary amendments (including reorganization notes and transportation feedback).
Assigned: Karyn Jones
Coordinate scheduling and participation of committee members for the Sudbury Pride Day table.
Assigned: Julie Durgin-Sicree · Due: June 14th
Make changes to the meeting calendar and post the final version to the website.
Assigned: Speaker S38

Notable ⁠statements

In the absence of clear school-level data, I would encourage the committee to consider broader statewide reporting on hate crime and bias incidents. — Noah Stern Weber · Advocating for more visibility into the experiences of Jewish students. ▶ 02:15
If we want the public to trust our decisions, they need to see full and honest deliberation. — Julie Durgin-Sicree · Addressing the committee's need to rebuild trust following a vote of no confidence. ▶ 04:25
The time spent planning for and teaching this new [EL] curriculum has been immense. — Michelle (SEA) · Describing the 'heavy lifts' experienced by staff during the school year. ▶ 08:05
We're gonna do an allow-only list for sixth grade... We're also going to delay the rollout of the one to one Chromebooks for sixth grade for a few weeks. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing updates to technology and digital habit implementation in middle school. ▶ 114:46
Maybe forward thinking for next year, we may want to think about transportation versus what we can do in the buildings. — Unidentified speaker · Addressing the difficulty of using school spaces for Parks and Rec enrichment due to classroom constraints. ▶ 137:30
I think it will be a rebuilding year and I'm looking forward to working with everyone. — Unidentified speaker · Accepting the position of Chair of the School Committee. ▶ 190:42
I did update the policy one with the new MAC policies that they just came out. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing updates to the Policy Subcommittee charge. ▶ 135:00
The old fee remains intact until such time as the school committee takes formal action to change it. — Speaker S36 (Dawn) · Clarifying the timing for the implementation of new athletic and club fees. ▶ 143:00
I wonder if we could do $150 for like a ten student minimum so it looks like, you know, Diversity Club would probably have to recruit a couple more kids, but then we're not really... hopefully the ideas that we could have as many students involved in clubs that they're interested in. — Speaker S34 (Elizabeth Sues) · Suggesting an alternative fee structure to prevent club cancellations. ▶ 146:05

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
2
Total speakers
0
Addressed
0
Partial
2
Not addressed
Noah Stern Weber
▶ 01:05
Not addressed
He expressed that the current Desi Standardized Connectedness Survey lacks sufficient data to visibility into how Jewish students experience bias or inclusion because religion is not disaggregated. He shared statewide statistics on hate crimes against Jews to provide context for the vulnerability of the local Jewish population. He intends to advocate for the establishment of a Jewish PAC via the Anti-Hate Task Force. Key concern
Lack of disaggregated data regarding religious bias/inclusion and the need for Jewish-specific support (Jewish PAC).
The public comment section ended after the two speakers finished; the board did not address these specific comments during the designated public comment period.
Julie Durgin-Sicree
▶ 03:36
Not addressed
She spoke about the importance of team effectiveness, trust, and transparency within the school committee following a 'no confidence' vote. She encouraged the board to listen to concerns without dismissal and to work together as a team to earn back community trust. She emphasized that while disagreement is natural, it must be handled with respect and full deliberation. Key concern
The need for the school committee to rebuild community trust through improved conduct, transparency, and teamwork.
The board did not respond to her comment during the public comment section. However, the board later voted on reorganization and operating protocols which touched on her themes of governance.
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Report composed by grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-05-30.