School Committee Meetings – HWCAM
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School Committee 10.15.26

School Committee 10.1.26

Dana Lara called the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Key agenda items included updates from the Community Outreach Working Group, Anderson Craft’s student government report on events like the college fair, Salem Witch Trials field trip, fall sports, and elementary school activities (Curriculum Night, picture days, movie nights). Superintendent Eric reported on retirements (Kathy O’Shea, Patricia Smith), the Thanksgiving football game cancellation due to Ipswich-Triton team changes, and the solar canopy project (Conservation Commission approval, $1 million savings over 25 years, targeted for summer 2027). The committee discussed and voted against changing school start times, opting to revisit the topic annually in June. Other actions included approving the eighth grade Washington, DC field trip, nominating Dana Lara as MASC delegate, adjusting the April 2027 meeting date, updating liaison assignments, approving the FY28 budget calendar, and increasing student activities account limits. Policy changes (ACL, JFBB) and subsidiary account approvals were also passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

School Committee 9.17.26

On September 17, 2026, the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee discussed community outreach, including updates on the School Committee Facebook page and concerns about the PA system and new fields. Superintendent Eric Tracy reported increased district enrollment, a smooth school opening, and presented 2026-2031 strategic plan-aligned goals focused on closing achievement gaps, instructional leadership, student engagement, and legislative advocacy. The committee approved 2026-2027 class dues, appointed Tracy to the NE Consortium board, and reviewed a draft MSBA letter regarding Cutler School readiness. Facilities Director Curtis detailed summer projects, including the high school roof, Cutler water main, and security upgrades. Policy updates and prior year invoice payments were also addressed.

School Committee 9.3.26

The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee met on September 3, 2026, to discuss community outreach, the finalized five-year strategic plan, and district goals related to AI integration, social-emotional learning, and long-term facilities planning. Superintendent Eric Tracy shared updates on enrollment, student-safety laws, the MCAS Family Portal, and meal service on early-release days. The committee also reviewed the Massachusetts Graduation Council’s 2026 recommendations and discussed community input, evolving graduation requirements, and concerns about redundant state testing.

School Committee 8.20.26

On August 20, 2026, Chair Dana Allara called the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee meeting to order. Members discussed community outreach, including a library presentation on remote participation in town meetings, a North Shore Music Theatre fundraiser supporting student Patrick Watson, and the Communications Working Group’s new informational Facebook page. Jennifer Clifford presented the district’s 2026–2027 goals, covering facilities planning, communications, academic excellence and student support, professional collaboration, responsible AI use, and a technology-needs assessment. The committee approved the district goals by a 5–1 vote. It also appointed Dr. Michael Yoon as school physician, authorized an additional educational support professional for Winthrop School, and approved FY26 year-end budget transfers

School Committee 6.18.26

On June 18, 2026, the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee meeting addressed several key entities: public comments focused on the non-renewal of teacher Philip Gowdy at Miles River Middle School, with support from students, parents, and colleagues. Superintendent Eric Tracy recognized retiring staff and discussed new Massachusetts graduation requirements, including Math Core, end-of-course assessments, and FAFSA opt-in/out mandates. Principal Brian Metagonia presented updates to the student handbook, notably a stricter cell phone policy, and introduced district AI guidelines developed by a 14-member working group, with plans for usage guides and pilots. The committee also approved a unified $575 athletic user fee and reviewed district goals, including MTSS progress, facility upgrades, and ongoing policy development.

School Committee 6.4.26

On June 4, 2026, the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee recognized student government representatives and discussed major grants from the Ed Fund totaling $812,000 for auditorium lighting ($450,000) and a new amphitheater ($362,000). Superintendent Eric Tracy reported on recent events, including graduation for 108 students, underclass awards, and athletic achievements. The committee reviewed a draft five-year strategic plan with focus areas: facilities, communications, academic excellence, and future-ready digital learning, emphasizing digital literacy, AI integration, and device progression. Additional topics included superintendent evaluation, communication protocols, school start time data, MSBA roof project approval, and treasurer reappointments.

School Committee 5.21.26

CALL TO ORDER TABULATION OF ELECTION RESULTS INTRODUCE ELECTED SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS CITIZENS COMMENTS REVIEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE PROTOCOLS REVIEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONSENT AGENDA WARRANTS MINUTES NEW BUSINESS GALAPAGOS FIELD TRIP SCHOOL COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION APPOINT SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEES APPOINT LIAISONS COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE DISCUSSION DISCUSS SC RETREAT DATES FINANCE & OPERATIONS FY26 Q3 FINANCIAL FORECAST APPROVE PRIOR YEAR INVOICES COMMITTEE REPORTS CAPITAL/FINANCIAL PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEE POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE NEGOTIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE SECRETARY REPORT IN OUR INBOXES CHAIR’S REPORT TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS VOTE TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

School Committee 5.7.26

CALL TO ORDER TABULATION OF ELECTION RESULTS INTRODUCE ELECTED SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS CITIZENS COMMENTS REVIEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE PROTOCOLS REVIEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONSENT AGENDA NEW BUSINESS FINANCE & OPERATIONS COMMITTEE REPORTS CHAIR’S REPORT TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS VOTE TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

School Committee 4.14.26

Call to Order Citizens Comments Review School Committee Protocols Review School Committee Mission Statement Superintendent’s Report Student Government Representative Consent Agenda Warrants Donations Institution for Savings Donation Friends of Winthrop Donations New Business Recognize School Committee Members who have Completed their Term Superintendent Summative Evidence Northshore Education Consortium Approved FY27 Budget Town Meeting Recap Discuss Potential SC Meeting Finance & Operations FY27 Budget Discussion Committee Reports Capital/Financial Planning Subcommittee Policy Subcommittee Negotiations Subcommittee Secretary Report In Our Inboxes Chair’s Report Topics for Future Meetings Vote to Adjourn