Holliston Public Schools assess student safety and professional development needs

The Holliston Public Schools School Committee meeting held on March 27, 2025, focused on several key topics, including professional development needs and student safety perceptions within the district.

The meeting began with a discussion led by a member of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team, who emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development (PD) for staff. The team is working to identify areas where the district excels and where improvements are needed. They plan to engage in discussions about next year's PD initiatives, aiming to provide targeted support based on the team's assessments. The speaker highlighted the value of honest feedback from the MTSS team, which helps in recognizing both strengths and weaknesses in the current educational practices.

A significant portion of the conversation centered around student safety. When asked about the sense of safety among students in Holliston Public Schools, the speaker referenced climate surveys conducted over the past years. They reported that a majority of students feel safe in their school environment. However, they acknowledged that there are always some students who may not feel secure, and they expressed a commitment to addressing the needs of those individuals.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the district's dedication to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, while also prioritizing the professional growth of educators to enhance overall school performance. The committee plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, focusing on actionable steps to improve both student experiences and staff development.