Middleton School Committee | 1 5 2026

Описание: In this January 5, 2026 school committee meeting, members began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of prior minutes, before diving into several key topics impacting the district. The superintendent provided updates and welcomed the Rotary Club, which made a generous $1,000 donation to support literacy and local educational programs. A major portion of the meeting focused on ongoing challenges with state and local school funding, including the intricacies of Chapter 70 and special education reimbursements, as well as how declining enrollment affects aid. Committee members discussed strategies for budgeting amid rising costs and variable enrollment projections, with special attention to maintaining responsible class sizes and staffing levels. Multiple motions were passed to make targeted reductions in staff positions and supplies, aiming to close a significant budget gap while preserving educational quality. Policy changes were also reviewed and approved, updating guidelines related to building access, student fundraising, and parent advisory groups. Throughout, participants emphasized collaboration, transparent communication, and the need for advocacy at the state level to secure fair funding. The meeting closed with gratitude to all committee members and staff for their diligence and teamwork.

00:00 – Meeting opens, Pledge of Allegiance, approval of previous minutes
00:41 – Committee and PTO reports: PTA grants awarded, ongoing fundraising, upcoming events
01:00 – Superintendent's report, updates on funding and partnership with Rotary Club
02:35 – Rotary Club presents $4,000 donation for literacy and community programs
03:55 – Committee votes to accept donation; plans to process funds
04:34 – Assistant Superintendent: Update on operations, bus counts, ongoing search process
06:00 – Special guest Senator discusses state and local school funding, policy challenges, and possible legislative changes
17:05 – In-depth Q&A on state aid, special education costs, advocacy, and funding formulas
30:00 – Local enrollment data reviewed, projections discussed; concerns over demographics and funding impacts
39:52 – Committee considers strategies for managing declining enrollment, right-sizing staff, maintaining educational quality
54:00 – Reports from school principals: recent events, activities, and notable achievements
57:00 – Review of updated enrollment projections and implications for the budget
1:05:17 – FY27 budget discussion: calculation, guideline, gap, planned reductions
1:12:26 – Committee votes on reductions in staff/support, class sections, supplies, and consumables
1:34:41 – Policy subcommittee motions and votes on updates to district policies
1:42:03 – Next meeting details, administrative notes, closing remarks
1:43:38 – Motion to adjourn and meeting closes