The Acton-Boxborough School Committee meeting on March 20, 2025, focused on several key issues affecting the local education system, including budget challenges, community engagement, and recognition of long-serving staff.
During the public participation segment, Lehi Cody, a candidate for the school committee, expressed concerns about the impact of federal education policy changes, particularly the potential closure of the Department of Education. He emphasized the need for local support in light of these challenges, noting that the recent budget cuts, although reduced due to the passing of an override, still posed significant difficulties for the district. Cody urged for community consensus and input to navigate these financial constraints effectively.
Superintendent Peter Light provided updates on various initiatives, including the recognition of staff members who have served for 20 years in the district. He highlighted the importance of these educators in shaping the community and thanked them for their dedication. Additionally, Light announced the upcoming community visioning sessions scheduled for April 15, aimed at gathering input for the district's strategic plan based on feedback from a recent survey that received approximately 2,500 responses.
The meeting also addressed the distribution of information regarding the rights of immigrant students, which will be made available in multiple languages on the district's website. Finally, the finalized school calendar for the upcoming year was shared, allowing families to plan accordingly.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in addressing educational challenges and shaping the future direction of the Acton-Boxborough school district.