School Committee | March 19, 2025

The main topics are the district vision and core values, and a public hearing on the FY26 budget.

Watch the meeting. AI supported summary below. Corrections welcome; see contact page.

District Vision and Core Values

• The vision focuses on educating the whole child, addressing physical, social-emotional, and academic needs in a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Core values emphasized are commitment, collaboration, and community.

FY26 Budget Public Hearing

• The proposed FY26 budget is $93.6 million, a 4.75% increase from FY25. This includes nearly $4 million in savings.
• The budget challenges stem from expiring ESSER funds, inflationary pressures, Chapter 70 funding not keeping pace with inflation, and Barnstable becoming a minimum aid community.
• The budget aims to preserve programs but involves several proposed reductions, including positions for social workers, math interventionists, and administrative assistants. These cuts sparked public concern.
• Public comments highlighted the critical need for social workers and interventionists to support students' mental health and academic needs. Concerns were raised about the potential negative impact on student well-being and academic achievement.
• School committee members expressed concerns about the sustainability of the budget and the potential for further shortfalls in future years. Debate centered around using savings for one-time expenses like curriculum updates versus preserving personnel positions.
• The committee ultimately decided to postpone decisions on fee schedules and tuition rates until the next meeting.
• A proposal for CHA Consulting to provide on-call owners' project manager services was approved.

Community Mentor Program Presentation

• The community mentor program, formed in response to an increase in violence, provides mentoring and support to students, focusing on the district's vision of a graduate. The program uses a tiered system to address student needs.
• The program has shown positive results in reducing conduct incidents, absences, and improving student behavior.
• The committee expressed strong support for the program and its positive impact on the school community.

Other Discussion Points

* Review of policies on non-discrimination, graduation requirements, and bullying prevention.
* Discussion of the Superintendent's report, including professional development for staff, participation in "Read Across America," and a new Project Lead the Way grant for BIS.
* Postponement of fee schedules and tuition rate approvals to the next meeting.
* Approval of a bid proposal for owners' project manager services.
*Executive session to discuss negotiations with various employee groups.