Principal Ryan Bey updated the committee on the newly implemented schedule at Gates Middle School, which has transitioned from 63-minute to 45-minute core subject blocks. Bey emphasized that consistency is good for kids at this age level and noted that the shorter periods, occurring five days a week, align better with developmental needs. Member Janice Lindblom praised the structural change for protecting elective access, stating, I love that the band and chorus are part of the schedule because I know historically the kids always had to make a choice between getting extra help or music. Member Peter Gates noted the potential for growth in these areas, saying, I know that one of the reasons for the schedule change was as you mentioned band and chorus, and he expressed interest in tracking participation data. Member Carey Borkoski added that the shift provides a unique opportunity for assessment, noting, it will even be a good natural experiment, right? To have some good data for both models to see.

The session also highlighted the achievements and upcoming travel for Scituate High School’s specialized clubs. DECA adviser Ross Mackey presented plans for the district competition, reminding the board that this is our 18th year as a chapter member of the international organization. Motion Made by Nicole Brandolini to approve the interstate field trip to the DECA competition in Quincy, Massachusetts on January 8th to January 9th, 2026 as presented. Motion Passed 5-0. Model UN advisers Heather Willinger and Kelly Troyers discussed upcoming conferences in Montreal and Washington, D.C., with Willinger noting that there are kids coming again from all over the world to participate in this. Troyers addressed travel logistics, explaining that we are looking to fly for this one as flights were pretty cost effective compared to previous years. Motion Made by Nicole Brandolini to approve the out of state field trip to McGill University conference in Montreal, Canada on November 12th, 2025 to November 16, 2025. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by Nicole Brandolini to approve the out of state field trip to the Washington area model United Nations conference in Washington DC on March 16, 2026 to March 22nd, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0. Chair Nicole Brandolini lauded the students' dedication to extracurriculars, stating, the more we hear and the community can know that these exceptional humans are amongst us is just... love it.

In leadership reports, Interim Superintendent Thomas Raab shared news regarding the Hatherly School construction project, noting the groundbreaking as the committee's aware is Monday October 6th. He briefed the committee on a pending bid protest involving electrical contractors, stressing that our job tomorrow is to urge the AG to make a fast decision to avoid significant delays. Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch detailed a new professional development program for evaluators, describing it as an upgrade for the more traditional method of going into a classroom and really looking at the teacher. Lynch explained that the new focus analyzes teaching for student results, looking specifically for evidence of active learning. The committee also moved to dispose of equipment no longer in use. Motion Made by Nicole Brandolini to approve the surplus of old wrestling mats. Motion Passed 5-0.

The policy subcommittee proposed a more hands-on approach for board members, including a return to liaison roles on individual school councils. Vice Chair Maria Fenwick explained the subcommittee's new initiative to review policy sections regularly, stating, the idea was just to be consistently reading, familiarizing ourselves with what we have so that we are more fluent with our own policies. This review led to a first reading of policy KCD regarding public gifts, which will require the committee to formally accept all donations, including those from PTOs and Boosters. Motion Made by Nicole Brandolini to approve the minutes from September 8th and September 16th, 2025 as presented. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.