School Committee Update - February 10, 2025

Posted Date: 2/14/25 (8:02 PM)

Meeting Update | February 10, 2025

For Reference:

Upcoming School Committee Meetings

School Committee Policies

District Strategic Plan

School Committee Contact Information

Meeting Highlights:

Tegan Allen, Student Representative, shared that this week is Spirit Week at Bromfield and that the third quarter just started. Gwyneth Poutasse, Student Representative, shared that students have been talking about the Presidential Award in Flex and have also been making Valentines Day cards for nursing home residents. She added that Juniors are selling a sweet treat this week to fundraise.
Members discussed the work being done by the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) to increase connectivity of Harvard with surrounding towns via bike and pedestrian pathways. The TAC has proposed a path that would connect Harvard and Devens at the end of Old Mill Road in Harvard under the railroad overpass to Patton Road in Devens via the Red Tail Golf Course. School Committee members were enthusiastic about this project and voted to support the TAC's proposed project. A vote of support will not lead to any financial commitments now or in the future.

Other noteworthy agenda items:

Dr. Linda Dwight was unable to attend the meeting, but she prepared her Superintendent update beforehand.
Dana Labb shared his Assistant Superintendent update.
Mandy Ostaszewski, Director of School Finance and Operations, reviewed a memo outlining recommendations for revenue increases and expense reductions in FY26. Committee members voted to approve the recommendations as presented.
Committee members approved policy IJNDB (Use of Technology in Instruction).
School Committee members reviewed their goals for the 24-25 school year.

Future meeting dates and agenda items:

The next School Committee meetings are scheduled for February 24th and March 10th. Agenda items will include the space study and a discussion with the Harvard Energy Advisory Committee (HEAC).