School Committee approves 75 seats for 2025-2026 school choice program

The Ashland Public Schools School Committee convened on April 9, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including appointments, athletic stipends, and school choice participation for the upcoming academic year.

The meeting began with a motion to appoint Mary Lou Hunt to the Driscoll Scholarship, which was unanimously approved by the committee. Following this, discussions turned to the newly recognized varsity sport of Ultimate Frisbee. The committee approved an athletic stipend for the head coach, with the amount set at $4,280, reflecting negotiations with the union to align with other sports.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the school choice participation for the 2025-2026 school year. The committee reviewed anticipated enrollment figures and discussed the potential for opening 75 seats across various grade levels. The proposal aims to accommodate inquiries from families interested in school choice, with a noted fill rate of approximately 50% in previous years. The committee emphasized the importance of informing families about the school choice process, which will close on June 1.

The committee also conducted a first reading of the BGB policy adoption, noting that this was the only policy with substantial changes. Other policies were reviewed but did not require significant amendments. The committee plans to revisit these policies for a second reading in the future.

In the reports section, committee members shared updates from their respective site councils. Discussions included the impact of federal IRA funding, which has been received but comes with restrictions on its use. The committee is exploring options to utilize these funds effectively, although the anticipated impact on taxes is minimal.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing community needs, with a focus on transparency and collaboration. The next steps include finalizing the school choice participation and continuing discussions on policy updates.