School Committee Update - March 10, 2025

Posted Date: 3/14/25 (7:37 PM)

Meeting Update | March 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 the Bromfield Science Fair was this past Friday and the Juniors are planning a Juniors vs. Seniors game night. The Junior Class is also planning a field trip. Gwyneth Poutasse, Student Representative, added that there is some planning going on for the Senior vs. Staff game night and she said each grade is planning their own game night either during Flex or after school.
Arthur Chang of NADAAA, an architecture and design firm, shared a presentation with the School Committee that outlines recommendations to improve The Bromfield School. Mr. Chang outlined the current conditions of Bromfield before discussing possible expansions and improvements. The areas he highlighted were the security of the main entryway, a middle school expansion, conversion of the courtyard, improvements to the lower level classrooms, and an extension to the athletic wing. Mr. Chang reviewed the existing conditions in each of these areas while focusing on potential challenges and opportunities. He then presented a number of options at various price points to make improvements in each area.

Other noteworthy agenda items:

Dana Labb shared his Assistant Superintendent update.
Dr. Linda Dwight shared her Superintendent update.
Dr. Dwight shared a prepared memo requesting School Committee approval to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority's (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program. If approved, the district would receive a grant to assist with the cost of improving the heating and cooling system at Bromfield. The Committee voted to approve the request and confirmed that submitting a SOI is non-binding.
Mandy Ostaszewski, Director of School Finance and Operations, spoke to the Committee regarding the FY25 year to date spending and reviewed the general and revolving funds. She noted that the district is still in a budget freeze so is only spending when it is deemed absolutely necessary.
Ms. Ostaszewski reviewed a prepared memo regarding exercising a contract extension for an optional fourth year with Dee Bus. The district recommends approving a contract extension as the current market conditions are not favorable to better pricing and the School Committee voted to approve it.

Future meeting dates and agenda items:

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for March 24th and will include a budget hearing. Upcoming agenda items will include the EV First policy, preventative maintenance being done in the district, and the land swap.