[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6104498,"mediaKeyId","2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b","parentId",2790716,"title","Public commenters press district for evidence‑based reading instruction; district schedules program presentations","audioSeconds",375,"startMs",2116000,"endMs",2491000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b&start=2116&end=2491","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b/thumbnail_2116000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6104498/Massachusetts/Public-commenters-press-district-for-evidencebased-reading-instruction-district-schedules-program-presentations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104498-afa44d5b17d90a93422c10648bc99389/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137833&Signature=THbGIz~~C2UnBxMlUcbkfgf0NvXHdUIAy~Y4mj1MjW6~bpiWoaikdluTDDXB6p19nOpKv~il47-CPYWxbfsRCShsl2REbVkhXo41EzC4fmL1UYBXZALxB5o2VHPBPDwldBk~y36ESPcLrPcGha4sRi11cbvQHZhTGXwPxkbp2jdd0Jda8mxImsIUnqaJpX32Mpx5O65wrOWnOZMye3kNCFyseK8fLLZ2Us1Iql2v0GGhFLMYtoYuZIp7b6oBl2-V5M5Ak66xDXCd3TXMsqqE4nbK7-sM8atC5AHVzEY0-EyxrvZ~NTb2HzHHYPDRN-yIcbN91qCQT8Jltdw5D2xieg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Concord-Carlisle Regional District, MA","date","2025-03-26T21:16:02Z","article","Speakers in the public comment period on March 25 urged the Concord Public Schools and the Concord‑Carlisle Regional District to change elementary reading instruction to align with structured‑literacy approaches.

Colleen Walston (Hawthorne Village) told the committee the district remains committed to “balanced literacy” and criticized past district purchases and professional development—naming Fountas & Pinnell and Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI)—as ineffective and not aligned with evidence‑based structured literacy. Walston said the district’s past five‑year strategic plan had named subgroup MCAS performance as a goal but that more recent documents do not. She urged transparent processes, independent expert review and robust professional development if district leaders shift curriculum.

Betsy Olsen Makowski (online) urged the committee to create an Americans with Disabilities Act‑style, fully ADA‑accessible path from the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to the new middle school so that all residents can safely access the campus. She tied that request to longer‑term equity and accessibility goals.

In response, Superintendent Dr. Katherine Hunter told the meeting that the district will present reading work in coming meetings: she said administrators are reviewing three science‑of‑reading programs and that one will be chosen by the end of the school year to complement phonics and foundational skills work. Shelley (last name not provided in the meeting) will bring the presentation in spring, Hunter said.

What was said and next steps

- Public commenters requested the district end use of programs they described as encouraging “guessing at words” and to adopt structured‑literacy curricula and external expertise.
- The superintendent confirmed district staff are evaluating three science‑of‑reading programs and will present options to the committee in the spring; the committee has not yet selected a final program.

The meeting did not include any binding action on curriculum; public comment is recorded in the minutes and the district plans to present recommended program options in future agendaed sessions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Concord Carlisle Joint School Committee March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment citizens urged Concord Public Schools to adopt structured‑literacy curricula and stop use of programs they described as ‘leveled literacy intervention’ and Fountas & Pinnell; the superintendent said the district will present science‑of‑reading program options in the spring.","taxTitle","Concord Public Schools/Concord-Carlisle Regional District, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",69256,"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},6104502,"Students honored: state skiing champion Theo Remington and CCHS Science Olympiad team recognized",220,436000,656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b&start=436&end=656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b/thumbnail_436000.jpg","/articles/6104502/Massachusetts/Students-honored-state-skiing-champion-Theo-Remington-and-CCHS-Science-Olympiad-team-recognized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104502-e52398e7801fed589116fe8469f6a990/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137833&Signature=orC0pKiezYo-wq8FL2AZoFnzaHgg5hocthAhoj6QewwPB-s6ayEc-1ydAVD~X2PIihi~curaXyBFdXbwAAWrpDyt9awu2Jzbx8B4dbfdhf16uKwBNKepPHUF4zQcNL7YrkL8McI9IwdR4efvopUbLTqzezqLLD3vq1oAs9ZZIGx5mhBMOibXrYzygd7w4qMpVTWezoHhfLrppCIHAx9~bFmRB0JJEVvlMs1gbEu96IKYqOPJB8IJ0aki6I9ePVU6-80ynE3y8A2JAoRAAXNCtTeEOKBKgy4wPcYIp2PCUoXWro6U6KdIibKtm-0BK0AhrdDR1AqJ28xNEwDkHAYWoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 25 meeting the Concord School Committee recognized student achievements at Concord‑Carlisle High School.

Theo Remington was introduced to the committee as the district’s state alpine skiing champion. Remington described the season, saying his regular season races and conditions at the state meet (held at Berkshire East in Western Massachusetts) yielded a top finish; he noted wet snow and unusually warm conditions on race day.

The committee also recognized the Concord‑Carlisle Science Olympiad team, which traveled to Dartmouth for a competition and finished highly in that event and in state standings. Student representatives and coaches described the team’s growth—from about nine active members in its early year to roughly 20 students who regularly participate—and explained the club’s structure of captains, weekly planning, and event‑specific preparation. Coach Sharon Steigers Moss and Mr. Panucci were named as key adult advisers. Students said the team’s Dartmouth result reflected intensive preparation, structured captain leadership and committed volunteer coaching.

Committee members commended the students and coaches for persistence, teamwork and leadership, and invited the groups to pose for a photo with committee members after their remarks.","The school committee recognized student athletes and the Science Olympiad team. Theo Remington was introduced as the state alpine skiing champion; the Science Olympiad team reported competitive success at Dartmouth and in state standings.",{"_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},6104507,"CCHS leaders highlight Challenge Success results: less homework, more sleep, targeted supports for marginalized students",378,2687000,3065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b&start=2687&end=3065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b/thumbnail_2687000.jpg","/articles/6104507/Massachusetts/CCHS-leaders-highlight-Challenge-Success-results-less-homework-more-sleep-targeted-supports-for-marginalized-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104507-c40c4f742724ec79c07d5414c7dba8bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137833&Signature=U311FPOnOIjtuaSrNI-L52-iCMVKnQiroIdwRgd60TLYrKjLNZbhuBBANj-T2WswY82sfyF1Me0wd-QAZhmwXq60VwT6Lbwhugcoz3M7OVwFxE66QqUf5Ng5NiVLRQ9QqSUvX9bd8UxnyxivIAYVCpC92LWLE5YEgYuqeYkyGi~lO0v6CrPsFArz9iqQReItgg2-TskEujjSgINeSmP9P3vceu5W1Uf5WHzwDHACQsb3nIKDHi9GWaKzE7OSXE20V~GE41t69zpXp1gm-L0zU3gnjhFn7cw-49LvKkrU79raEfqjfD5PoVpdHN-M~CLY5ZQmjGP1m5HUBH4xmebvGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Concord‑Carlisle High School co‑principals Brian Miller and Katie Stahl presented highlights from the school’s Challenge Success survey on March 25, saying the program’s ongoing work is intended to reduce student overload, strengthen adult‑student connections and expand student resilience and belonging.

Miller and Stahl said the school has administered the Challenge Success survey multiple times over nearly a decade and is using longitudinal data to guide changes. They reported the average student‑reported time on homework fell from about 2.8 hours per evening in February 2016 to approximately 2.1 hours in the most recent survey. Average reported nightly sleep increased across waves, from about 6.7 hours in 2016 to about 7.1 hours in the latest administration, the principals said.

The presentation named three priority areas: a well‑balanced schedule, more caring and collaborative school culture, and stronger resilience and coping supports for students. The school highlighted specific initiatives linked to those goals: the FlexBlock schedule to give students work time during the day, “Fun Fridays” and hands‑on learning opportunities, a relationship‑mapping exercise that helped faculty identify students with fewer adult connections, and ongoing student‑led Challenge Success teams.

Miller and Stahl told the committee the survey also flagged disparities: gender non‑binary, gender‑queer and gender‑nonconforming students reported poorer outcomes on several measures and will be a focus of spring work. The school plans to meet with student groups including Spectrum and the Black Student Union and to convene their Challenge Success coach, Pam, for targeted follow‑up.

School leaders emphasized that the survey findings will inform calendar/timing changes (for example, continued limits on major homework over vacations) and encouraged parents to use simple strategies at home (Challenge Success uses an approach summarized as “playtime, downtime and family time”) to support student well‑being.

Quotable

“We were really proud to see ‘fun’ again appear as a top descriptor in 2024,” Katie Stahl said, reflecting the school’s emphasis on student joy and belonging.

What the school will do next

- Continue targeted supports for students identified with weaker adult connections.
- Meet with student groups (Spectrum and BSU) to better understand the needs of gender‑diverse and students of color.
- Continue to refine the bell schedule and academic workload with faculty input, and to bring parent‑facing guidance on balancing homework and healthy sleep.

The principals said they will return with further data and examples of programmatic adjustments later in the spring.","Co‑principals reported longitudinal Challenge Success survey results at Concord‑Carlisle High School showing reductions in average nightly homework and modest increases in student sleep; the work also identified gender‑nonconforming and other subgroups as an area for focused supports.",{"_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},6104512,"Advisory board outlines public engagement as state-owned MCI site moves to planning stage",156,2693000,2849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b&start=2693&end=2849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b/thumbnail_2693000.jpg","/articles/6104512/Massachusetts/Advisory-board-outlines-public-engagement-as-state-owned-MCI-site-moves-to-planning-stage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104512-fc10b03051c38a15ccdb0b3037d9aba6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137833&Signature=Op~tIc1Ph~9q94Vpvijdy4-xD3QAB2QOCz261lf53yz51Baby9M-l38HfN-Z0gXSEkgzZce7ewcXSg45UpOF1Ttj~lwISolheGMRVIvnh6OwkIpTnWQkwb27o1Bw0fIiDgWAj2rpBZ9F4VKZxMLhChPaCU-tJ4vI-sg-MjsfEoHlKEVbrIiM1ozbHnhlE4B32qr2rRkQhw4ZqYRWekqiUfhR6O8fWJf6i5NraCX~rafAxIRYRpAL3JvGxjZEXniYBaCEehdeUKZ6xJAocMPuL6gH8wTdt-GuFwk0iJ14Va5m62HRIFJQG9iylhKC2odFx3NuuAhKPLvK2hVouCALlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the town’s MCI advisory board and consultants briefed the Concord School Committee on March 25 about the state‑owned Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) site and the advisory board’s early outreach and planning work.

Emily Rush, a member of the advisory board’s community engagement subcommittee, said the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAM) owns and is decommissioning the site. DCAM is conducting an environmental and asset review, she said; work to remove reusable equipment and to evaluate contamination and salvageable materials will take time.

Rush and Mark Howell (Select Board liaison to the committee) described several interlocking constraints that will shape any redevelopment: the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is preparing a conceptual plan to rework the Route 2 rotary (with alternatives such as an overpass or underpass) and will not issue a finalized plan for roughly 18 months; the wastewater treatment facility adjacent to the site needs substantial capital work and currently limits how much development can be supported without upgrades.

Howell briefed the committee on wastewater numbers discussed at the advisory meetings: DCAM‑owned wastewater capacity at the site is about 310,000 gallons per day (gpd); the town’s existing treatment plant handles about 1,100,000 gpd. Howell said that roughly one‑third of the MCI facility capacity would be reserved for state uses (state police, maintenance, correctional facility), with approximately two‑thirds potentially available for town development, which could meaningfully increase local wastewater capacity if brought into the municipal system.

The advisory board has hired a consultant, Agency, to run a four‑month discovery and visioning sprint. Rush said the consultant engagement runs through June and will deliver baseline economic analyses and community‑focused scenario work; the advisory board anticipates a later zoning and regulatory phase in fiscal 2026 that could require additional consultant funding. Board members said they have identified a $400,000 contract for phases now underway and a potential additional $100,000 for FY26 zoning work.

Public engagement plans include two workshop dates (April 30 and May 28) with morning and evening sessions; an online survey; themed listening sessions; and an interactive project website with a drone tour and podcast summaries of DCAM material. Advisory board members asked the school committee to help identify municipal needs that should be considered in any eventual Request for Proposals (RFP) and to nominate school committee liaisons as the process advances.

What advisory board members asked the committee to consider

- The town’s zoning preferences and any municipal uses the school department might request be considered in a redevelopment RFP.
- How the additional wastewater capacity (if integrated) might affect school capital planning and future development.
- Ways to involve families and working parents in workshops (for example, scheduling or outreach at PTA/PTG meetings).

Next steps

Advisory board members said discovery findings will be shared with the community starting in April. The board will collect public feedback and distill it into three prototype development scenarios (for example, more residential vs. more commercial mixes) to test with residents. The board also plans additional technical work on wastewater and DOT coordination before recommending specific RFP criteria to DCAM.

Speakers emphasized that DCAM and state agencies retain decision authority over state property, but the town’s zoning and community input will inform the state’s procurement criteria and the balance of uses the advisory board recommends.","An advisory board presented an early public‑engagement plan and technical framing for the state‑owned MCI site in West Concord, highlighting DCAM ownership, DOT planning for the rotary, wastewater treatment constraints and upcoming community workshops.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104517,"School committees vote: school choice declined; bus leases and Doug White field replacement approved",6535,45000,6580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b&start=45&end=6580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790716-1f55aab7051dc9b87f9ccf00a9770b2b/thumbnail_45000.jpg","/articles/6104517/Massachusetts/School-committees-vote-school-choice-declined-bus-leases-and-Doug-White-field-replacement-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104517-f765bf352a14867944e37cecab9895bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137833&Signature=TEmeOk93h2HnO8i64raUbefXEBExcIAkgKdWxgpA2vyQd6KPpnKN0HZ8gXE326D6fY-ghAPG~uIFuydZLqfeCV~AUYZ9Czzk9ODaAeQ6UbMcnWFWL7QoZLi45v2eodCj~BdWz6dv3e3HBi0s7FiOpJg-RRoQlkzVciS8L9imq4ujs4M~9vQSAnu5NUHGiNKUercdW5jl6bSWwGsY3yUnJCW0CAimOcsUFe~4HPSmmFRAWQ2CXjdLDkkryvAUbTxjZxbhyDH9oUp2E-ThGQeN6w1yParyqELidpn3JzZgWOpDVyXGTLUvtDlt3ce2zvuFPERM8NodFqY3m74AcRmeiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Concord School Committee and the Concord‑Carlisle Regional School Committee voted March 25 to not participate in Massachusetts school choice for the 2025–26 school year, approved financing for new school buses for each district, and gave consent for the town to replace turf at Doug White fields under the existing intergovernmental agreement.

The committees opened a joint public hearing on school choice under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 76, section 12B. Superintendent Dr. Katherine Hunter recommended continuing the districts’ current practice and not participating in school choice this year, citing enrollment, available space and limitations in transportation that would make participation inequitable. Miss Marano moved the motion to opt out and the hearing closed after a short discussion; the motion passed by voice vote in the joint session.

The committees then approved two vehicle financing resolutions that authorize lease financing for replacement buses: one for Concord Public Schools and one for the Concord‑Carlisle Regional School District. The board approved a lessee resolution for Concord’s buses and, by roll call, approved the regional lessee resolution. The roll call for the regional lease shows the following recorded votes: Anderson — aye; Perczyk — aye; Marano — aye; Rainey — aye; Rankin — aye; Viola — aye; Waterston — aye.

The committee also gave formal consent to the town of Concord to proceed with replacement of the turf at Doug White fields as provided in the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the town and the regional school district. That consent was recorded by roll call with the same affirmative pattern from committee members.

All four items were presented during the regular business portion of the meeting following student recognitions and updates. The superintendent and staff provided background for each action: Dr. Hunter presented the statutory context for school choice; district finance staff described the financing terms and timelines for the bus leases; and town staff requested the committee’s formal consent for the Doug White turf work consistent with the IGA so the town project could proceed.

Votes at a glance

- School choice (school year 2025–26): Motion to not participate. Mover: Miss Marano. Second: (recorded as seconded). Outcome: Approved by joint voice vote during the public hearing. Documentation cited: Chapter 76, Section 12B (public hearing requirement).

- Concord Public Schools bus lease (CPS): Lessee resolution as presented in the meeting packet (Exhibit A). Outcome: Approved (motion and voice/roll processes recorded during the business meeting).

- Concord‑Carlisle Regional School District bus lease (CCRSD): Lessee resolution as presented in the packet (Exhibit A). Outcome: Approved by roll call (Anderson, Perczyk, Marano, Rainey, Rankin, Viola, Waterston — all recorded “aye”).

- Doug White fields replacement: Committee consent to turf replacement as per the intergovernmental agreement with the town of Concord. Outcome: Approved by roll call.

What the votes mean now

- School choice: By voting not to participate, both committees confirmed that the districts will not accept nonresident choice students for 2025–26. The superintendent told the committees the decision is annual and based on enrollments, available space and transportation equity concerns.

- Bus leases: The district will proceed with replacement buses under the approved lease resolutions; staff said lead times have shortened compared with earlier pandemic-era backlogs and that the districts will inspect deliveries before final payment is released from escrow.

- Doug White: The town may proceed with planning and procurement tied to the agreed intergovernmental process; committee members asked for briefings about timing and scope before larger amendments to the IGA are considered.

Next steps and documentation

Committee members asked staff to circulate the formal lease documents and the town’s Doug White project brief so members can review schedule and IGA amendment questions at upcoming meetings. The school choice decision is recorded in the minutes and will be posted with the packet materials from this meeting.","At a joint hearing March 25, the Concord School Committee and Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee voted to opt out of Massachusetts school choice for 2025–26 and approved leases for replacement school buses and town-led turf work at Doug White fields.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters press district for evidence‑based reading instruction; district schedules program presentations

Students honored: state skiing champion Theo Remington and CCHS Science Olympiad team recognized

CCHS leaders highlight Challenge Success results: less homework, more sleep, targeted supports for marginalized students

Advisory board outlines public engagement as state-owned MCI site moves to planning stage

School committees vote: school choice declined; bus leases and Doug White field replacement approved