During a recent school committee meeting, members discussed several key policy updates and an enrollment report that highlighted significant developments within the district.

One of the primary topics was the proposed change in terminology regarding the authority of the school committee. Members agreed to replace \"power\" with \"authority\" to better reflect the committee's role. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates to the policy on physical restraint of students, recommending the adoption of clearer definitions in line with state changes.

A notable highlight was the committee's commitment to providing menstrual hygiene products in schools. The policy now ensures that menstrual products and proper disposal containers will be available at no cost in all school nurse offices, accessible to all students, staff, and visitors in a gender-inclusive manner. This initiative aims to follow best practices regarding product location, labeling, and communication about availability, emphasizing the importance of hygiene products for the school community.

The meeting also included an enrollment update from Mr. Follon, who reported a current student population of 3,158, with projections indicating an increase to 3,267 as new registrations are processed. Notably, there was a surge in kindergarten registrations, with 29 new students registered in just one week. To accommodate this influx and maintain manageable class sizes, the district plans to add a kindergarten teacher, utilizing additional state funding. This decision reflects the committee's ongoing commitment to prioritizing class sizes and ensuring a supportive learning environment for young students.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's proactive approach to policy updates and enrollment management, aiming to enhance the educational experience for all students in the district.