[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6118625,"mediaKeyId","2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661","parentId",2723048,"title","Committee approves revised IKF graduation requirements, aligning competency determination with MassCore","audioSeconds",151,"startMs",2880000,"endMs",3031000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661&start=2880&end=3031","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6118625/Massachusetts/Committee-approves-revised-IKF-graduation-requirements-aligning-competency-determination-with-MassCore","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118625-c1ae9d271e7dfd21b72785d861a901a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770743527&Signature=KcYUajl-dQvaOPNlipmEiDvySFIkoHQWTJktEU3L0FbiMTwC5Q7K7DvffMvQ8QuELqfl2v200TiTDtsfcgmpldOR~VERqP6M1Jt6NjEo~aS9Dkh3g99WlgfKw1M~MwaBJLiWmTcpxPYPabmsd852o1j58FFJnqHnkc6aICmrC8igV7GLfFlpb3vJWBwOCqydAco3dTyN-A~6R7-8hnznfk~6w73a~~SM4jPYXpA9wiYNb2DEMb1aOVmWuFdhfyLj7n3uA1LXlP2eP1LHWFWJf1p1nweYTMX~9Gt1PW8bxNtJzm6TBk41ByTBkPH7RamtgvIx~WG6128RJx-FVouOeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, MA","date","2025-03-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee unanimously approved revisions to policy IKF, its graduation requirements policy, bringing the district’s requirements into alignment with Massachusetts MassCore standards and clarifying the competency determination process for students who do not pass MCAS on the first attempt.

Committee member Tori and others described the policy change as largely invisible for the majority of students—committee discussion cited a historical pass rate of roughly 96.6% for students meeting competency requirements—while stressing the change matters for the roughly 3–4% of students who are on the margins of graduation. Tori said the changes create more flexible ways for students and teachers to demonstrate learning, including through coursework or portfolios, and could expand arts requirements to broaden student opportunities.

Assistant administrators reported no substantive public comments or recommended edits since the first reading. School Committee member Leila, who asked numerous questions during development, said she supported the policy and looks forward to tracking the data and stories that will show implementation results.

The committee’s motion to approve the proposed revisions to IKF was made by Leila and seconded by Tory; the motion passed unanimously.

Ending: The committee authorized implementation of the revised policy and directed staff to monitor outcomes and report data on competency determinations moving forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Acton-Boxborough School Committee Meeting - March 20th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee unanimously approved revisions to policy IKF (graduation requirements) to align credits and competency determination with MassCore; committee members said the change affects a small share of graduates but matters for students on the margins.","taxTitle","Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",38538,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6118630,"Committee debates steering committee structure for school reorganization study; seeks consultant by April 15",555,3040000,3595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661&start=3040&end=3595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661/thumbnail_3040000.jpg","/articles/6118630/Massachusetts/Committee-debates-steering-committee-structure-for-school-reorganization-study-seeks-consultant-by-April-15","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118630-eea419fed32eb98d884cc3c1906c780b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770743527&Signature=nOQDhBpJiev3~86oDTBSWOYBJytClfegkdP~CaRhpoUzEvME0viD3-QyBaiBuLKqnDqmyMdnueL2RhHvc8c9CWofaSBAyYCWcVPXaVipHS0Yy9vE2IhbetPH1yNPlCyhxxgFrC9sxS19uzlynn20ulBc6mvI4BREt2-IX4xxPgZxLjAUTH6IjjTG02TDdjA7NBsuNakbkC0kS37oLNPz3QWNncF4TiRb4DUbMLD2-hziVvXaSiqaowspGuDVTC5C~Ltlkwg6ez~PO~mNNSXlw6lMyuPrBkVlHWAhASaNj0hOnBNw4ybJHLDBt5h~HygPN-Zt6Ik7rbLV-xl7TIUabw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee discussed next steps for a district reorganization study and outreach this week, including a proposed steering committee to guide a consultant the district plans to hire.

Superintendent Peter Light said the district issued a request for proposals to study reorganization and had received interest from multiple consultants; the goal is to select a consultant by April 15 and begin work in May so the consultant can do planning and data analysis over the summer. Light told the committee the work is driven by two primary factors: declining enrollment (the district has dropped several hundred students since regionalization and expects further declines) and tight finances that, he said, risk spreading resources too thin across schools.

Light proposed a steering committee to provide strategic direction, stakeholder engagement and consultant oversight and suggested a membership framework ranging from an efficient smaller committee (7–8 members) to a broader group (about 15 members) to ensure diverse perspectives. He recommended the steering committee produce at least three reorganization options and a strategic framework, with the goal of bringing options to the committee by December for decision.

Committee members debated membership and process. Several members argued for a smaller, more agile steering committee with broader outreach and a set of working groups to engage specific constituencies (finance committees, unions, PTOs, councils on aging, etc.). Others recommended including town finance committee members, organized labor representatives, PTSO and CPAC members, and at least one secondary principal. Members discussed whether to reserve seats for community leaders or instead ensure community input through multiple outreach forums. Some members favored two committee representatives rather than three to reduce scheduling conflicts.

There was informal consensus to aim for a roughly 15‑member committee but to leave several seats flexible (including one slot set aside to be allocated after interest is solicited). The committee agreed to take formal action to establish the steering committee at its April 3 workshop, and members urged that published meeting dates and time commitments be provided before appointments so potential members understand the workload.

What’s next: The administration will continue vetting consultant proposals with input from committee members and will present a formal steering‑committee charge and membership plan at the April 3 workshop. The RFP timeline aims for consultant selection by April 15, summer data work by the consultant, and community engagement in the fall, with draft options for the committee by December.

Ending: Committee members emphasized transparency and broad community outreach and asked the administration to publish clear meeting schedules, expected time commitments and outreach plans before appointments are finalized.","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee discussed forming a steering committee and issuing an RFP for a reorganization consultant. Members debated committee size, representation and outreach; administrators want to select a consultant by April 15 and present reorganization options in December.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6118635,"School committee appoints Natalia Carroll as director of special education effective July 1",731,672000,1403000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661&start=672&end=1403","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661/thumbnail_672000.jpg","/articles/6118635/Massachusetts/School-committee-appoints-Natalia-Carroll-as-director-of-special-education-effective-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118635-e7d3637b42cdd54280e9eec343cbaea2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770743527&Signature=Y3waTKhKnoH4Ozos9yZrmn15FoXy1g6pZlr2DP40LowRiFHFlvxBueTFjz2RmyEDQUAu6ndxKFJN8ONYOKdUGqp9iusV4Gvs0tQIIkub5kZ2h3Ww0pQ~Qo3NveWCSQVSTBWw-oV0t45owvcuGOjaC79v2F0Pk3ye5mQoLj2sGeld5GvJa9UGta9BjizetBI-1CAkDFC-aS0Hz7PWdQDf4ZsxrI0L4vcLEV5hS5f0sX9fVBaMq4g1At4b~KN1l6eAwfxwS-zcqv1Lo8U9E6EJlIXtt2SWujuVU6kucibTJGyMv4Plk2U4ouzxR7bTHxDwjbo9Kq-x0TjRnWiHNvNM7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee unanimously voted to appoint Natalia Carroll as the district’s director of special education, effective July 1, 2025, following her presentation to the committee and positive feedback from stakeholder groups.

Superintendent Peter Light introduced Carroll as the finalist after a multi‑stage interview process that included multiple site visits and stakeholder meetings. Light said the candidate received “extraordinarily positive feedback” from interview panels and that the district’s CPAC had consulted Framingham personnel who worked with Carroll and praised her performance.

Carroll told the committee she brings diverse experience across classroom and administrative roles, including teaching and administrative work in urban and suburban settings and time as an instructor at Columbia University and Boston University. She described her priorities as building trusting relationships with families and staff, strengthening inclusive programming and consistency of specialized programming across the district, and embracing innovation and social‑emotional learning.

Committee members thanked Carroll for her presentation. Multiple school committee members—citing a need for stability in special education leadership—expressed support. School Committee member Ginny and Ben (first names only in the record) indicated support during the vote sequence; the committee approved the appointment unanimously. Superintendent Light later told the committee that the district had successfully negotiated Carroll’s contract and that human resources would issue it the next morning.

What the vote means: The appointment establishes district leadership for special education beginning in July and signals the district’s intent to prioritize consistent, districtwide special education services. Carroll said she will work to ensure families feel included at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and to advance consistent specialized programming and resource allocation across schools.

Ending: The committee welcomed Carroll and thanked the interview team for its work; Carroll received congratulations from the committee and attendees following the unanimous vote.","After an extensive interview process, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee unanimously voted to appoint Natalia Carroll as the district’s next director of special education, effective July 1, pending final contract steps; administrators said the contract has been successfully negotiated.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6118639,"Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee adopts $116.79 million budget; Acton, Boxborough assessments rise",1574,1419000,2993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661&start=1419&end=2993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723048-b89f5288bdf6b340bff3b12bb8f83661/thumbnail_1419000.jpg","/articles/6118639/Massachusetts/Acton-Boxborough-Regional-School-Committee-adopts-11679-million-budget-Acton-Boxborough-assessments-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118639-e38b98c831fff2c233e4c1e6548ee766/orig.mp4?Expires=1770743527&Signature=byM17xda3IaiL0DWA3le7e9UgNl6uhlfGXr5N7EL4xHTJ7r7R4v~rWRQPqF5RedFi9pxHLqRcoywJO5un38iFKXEwPKAXa9o-YB2iTPsi2ESC~Oy5sM34yU9nbvTAgP5~OFNdxBb3TjzS3bYIMrbCnBnaMPEsjUs3EvsAyOPwNC7HXlhlQRAR5GzldhbGetul3tqRJFKiaSHEajDg8l17wPqwpevAx~Htt~nZrcbZ5bTu~lSS8-YQdvWWrkj9h~q8E81JXGUjJw8ObCSDCwDBlD2L7yRfLH-lRtNIBwSj85W-XvW~bL~NLEXKJb94JsKq80q-nYeLJ-YA5KaRHKh-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee on March 20 approved a $116,791,164 budget for fiscal year 2026 and set the district assessments to Acton and Boxborough, measures committee members said protect core services this year but will leave the district vulnerable if funding does not improve.

The approved budget totals $116,791,164 and was presented by Superintendent Peter Light as the final budget the committee would send to the two member towns for their annual town meetings. Peter Light said the district’s base budget will rise 2.11% over the current year; the proposed assessment to Acton is about $79,959,269 (a 1.12% increase) and to Boxborough about $16,824,370 (a 5.41% increase). The budget includes estimates of state and other receipts and a list of anticipated offsets spelled out in the motion the committee approved.

Why it matters: Committee members repeatedly framed the vote as unavoidable given declining enrollment and rising costs. Several members said the district has exhausted efficiency options and that the current package reduces services that affect high‑need students. Committee members and administrators warned that without new ongoing revenue sources, similar cuts could be required again in future years.

Light told the committee enrollment has declined in recent years and is projected to fall further over the next eight years. He said the district has adjusted staffing roughly in proportion to enrollment declines but has increased some support positions because the share of students classified as high‑needs has grown from about one quarter to roughly one third of students, driving the need for specialized staff.

Light and other speakers outlined structural budget changes and one‑time adjustments that shaped the package, including health insurance moves that reduced the projected impact on the budget and savings from attrition. He also noted the final debt payment for the junior/senior high school project was this year, reducing the district’s base budget and town revenues by about $1.6 million next year.

School Committee members who spoke during debate urged early, broad community engagement and repeated that last year’s override reduced the scale of cuts this year. Committee member Tory said the override bought time but warned ‘‘we can’t do this again’’ and recommended the community prepare for longer‑term funding choices. Member Leila and others said the budget forces reductions that hit students with the greatest needs and reduces supports such as elementary assistance, tiered math and reading interventions, and multilingual services.

The motion adopted by the committee specified the budget amount and listed anticipated receipts, including Chapter 78 aid of $16,829,871, state transportation aid of $2,514,639, charter school aid of $139,515, Medicaid reimbursement of $200,000, and other anticipated revenues and transfers; the motion set the net assessments to the two towns in accordance with the regional agreement. School Committee member Rebecca made the motion and Tory seconded it; the vote was unanimous.

The committee discussed contingencies and the district’s RFP timeline for consultant work on reorganization, noting that if some planned one‑time expenditures come in below estimate there may be limited opportunities to reallocate funds. Peter Light cautioned that some of the additional funds included in next year’s budget are one‑time and not guaranteed going forward.

What’s next: The committee will present the adopted budget and assessments at the Acton town meeting on May 5 and the Boxborough town meeting on May 12. Several members urged earlier outreach to town finance committees and select boards to prepare voters for the assessment impacts and to discuss longer‑term revenue options.

Ending: Committee members closed debate by thanking staff for developing the budget under tight constraints and reaffirming that the committee will continue advocacy with state legislators and local leaders to seek sustained funding improvements for the district.","The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee voted unanimously to approve a $116,791,164 fiscal‑year 2026 budget and set town assessments; committee members said the plan preserves essential services but acknowledged it cuts programs and will strain future years without new revenue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves revised IKF graduation requirements, aligning competency determination with MassCore

Committee debates steering committee structure for school reorganization study; seeks consultant by April 15

School committee appoints Natalia Carroll as director of special education effective July 1

Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee adopts $116.79 million budget; Acton, Boxborough assessments rise