Oversees Burlington public schools — sets the school budget, approves curriculum changes, and hires the superintendent.
248 items across 22 meetings.
June 23, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening of meeting.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of bill payments.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior minutes.
• Status unclear
Up to 15 minutes for public comment, limited to 3 minutes each, coming up June 23.
💬 Discussed
Subcommittee, Ways & Means, and other announcements.
💬 Discussed
Update on Marshall Simonds Middle School competition.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of school field maintenance coming up June 23.
💬 Discussed
Second reading of updated PE and health standards.
💬 Discussed
First reading of student restraint and seclusion policy.
📋 Proposed
Vote on stipend for next year's literacy curriculum coach.
💰 Stipend amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Vote on stipend for next year's math curriculum coach.
💰 Stipend amount not specified
💬 Discussed
Update from the Assistant Superintendent.
💬 Discussed
Update on Fox Hill School building project, coming up June 23.
📍 Fox Hill School
💬 Discussed
Update on Burlington High School building project.
📍 Burlington High School
💬 Discussed
General facilities update.
💬 Discussed
Update on school transportation.
💬 Discussed
Miscellaneous business updates.
• Status unclear
End of meeting.
June 9, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Warrant approved 4-0.
✅ Approved
May 26 meeting minutes approved 4-0.
💬 Discussed
BHS Student Rep reported senior graduation, completed Student Council elections, and upcoming class fundraisers and end-of-year events.
💬 Discussed
Town Meeting member Jami Weber raised concerns about wellness curriculum transparency and parent opt-out options.
💬 Discussed
Construction at Marshall Simonds Middle School field has begun; fencing is up and the public is asked to respect the barriers.
📍 Marshall Simonds Middle School
💬 Discussed
Parks & Rec is shifting to organic athletic field maintenance; the committee requested a full list of herbicide products with MSDS safety sheets before the next meeting, and will explore funding for fully organic options.
💬 Discussed
Committee discussed options for adding bathroom facilities at the Marshall Simonds field complex; feasibility studies are ongoing and no decision was made.
📍 Marshall Simonds Middle School
✅ Approved
MSMS students approved to travel to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 12, 2026; passed 4-0.
📍 Salem, NH
❌ Denied
Vote to approve the updated health/PE curriculum standards, including sexual health components, deadlocked 2-2 and did not pass; further review and community feedback will continue into next year.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Chen reported on monthly team progress toward strategic plan goals; full report posted on district website.
💬 Discussed
All capital, revolving, operating, and accommodated accounts are in good standing with no concerns; a list of old finance articles for cleanup will be presented at the next meeting.
✅ Approved
Committee approved declaring outdated textbooks surplus for disposal; Finance Director will check ISBN values for possible buyback first.
✅ Approved
Category 4 advisor stipend of $3,891 for the South Asian Student Association approved 4-0.
💰 $3,891
✅ Approved
Committee accepted an unspecified donation to the Burlington Simon Youth Academy; Simon Youth Foundation also awarded a $18,000 four-year and ~$5,000 two-year scholarship to graduating Evening Youth Academy students.
💰 $18,000 and ~$5,000 scholarships awarded
💬 Discussed
Bi-weekly construction invoices approved; all summer meetings will be held virtually, next on June 16 at 6:00 p.m.
📍 Fox Hill School
💬 Discussed
Summer work includes BHS boiler room, security cameras at BHS/MSMS/Memorial, middle school field, Francis Wyman vestibule and generator replacement, Pine Glen HVAC (Green Community), system-wide master plan, and a new box truck purchase.
📍 BHS, MSMS, Memorial, Francis Wyman, Pine Glen
✅ Approved
Afternoon late buses for high school and middle school students are eliminated effective this year.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
June 9, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening ceremonial item.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of expenditure warrant.
📋 Proposed
Approve prior meeting minutes from May 26, 2026.
• Status unclear
Student representative delivers a report to the committee.
• Status unclear
Public comment period, up to 15 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker.
💬 Discussed
Routine subcommittee and Ways & Means Education Subcommittee updates.
💬 Discussed
School Committee discusses field maintenance responsibilities and coordination with Parks and Recreation.
💬 Discussed
Committee discusses the process for studying restroom facilities at school fields.
📋 Proposed
Vote on approving out-of-state student or staff travel.
📋 Proposed
Vote to adopt updated state health and physical education curriculum standards in Burlington schools.
💬 Discussed
Update on the BPS Thrives student wellness and academic initiative.
💬 Discussed
Routine financial update for Burlington Public Schools.
📋 Proposed
Vote on disposing of surplus school district property.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve a stipend for the South Asian Student Association advisor or program.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve a donation to Burlington Simon Youth Academy.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Fox Hill School building project status.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Burlington High School building project.
💬 Discussed
General update on school facilities across the district.
💬 Discussed
Update on student transportation operations or changes.
• Status unclear
Miscellaneous updates or items not elsewhere on the agenda.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
May 26, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Warrant approved unanimously 5-0.
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously 5-0.
💬 Discussed
BHS seniors preparing for June 7 graduation and June 4 Scholarship Night; underclassmen planning car washes and fundraisers.
💬 Discussed
BEA president and eight teachers urged the committee to reinstate the early-release collaboration pilot; Chair Bond explained the committee ended it because students need more classroom time, not less.
💬 Discussed
Next Field Subcommittee meeting is May 28 to review project status and Notice to Proceed; Parks & Rec director Brendan Eagan invited to June 9 meeting.
✅ Approved
Town Meeting approved the Burlington Public Schools budget and all related warrant articles.
💬 Discussed
51% of BHS/MSMS Latin students (38 of 75) earned honors or higher on the National Latin Exam, a new school record.
💬 Discussed
BHS earned Early College Designation from the state education department (DESE), enabling tuition assistance for participating students.
✅ Approved
Approved a French-class trip to France April 17–23, 2027; registration opens May 26, 2026, with pricing locked before June 24.
💬 Discussed
New state health/PE standards presented in first reading; parents may opt out of sexual health portions, and color-coded opt-in/opt-out document is forthcoming before a September vote.
💬 Discussed
No updates; FHSBC meetings will be held virtually for the next several months.
💬 Discussed
Next BHSBC meeting is virtual on Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
💬 Discussed
Brief update given on Francis Wyman work; more details promised at the next meeting.
📍 Francis Wyman School
💬 Discussed
Committee opened discussion on a restroom-facilities warrant article, agreeing to seek community input, consult Ways and Means for a budget range, and possibly study Simonds Park bathrooms; further discussion at next meeting.
📍 Simonds Park and school facilities
💬 Discussed
Middle school late bus ends May 28; high school late bus ends June 7.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
May 26, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of payment warrant.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Student representative delivers report to the committee.
• Status unclear
Up to 15 minutes of public comment, 3 minutes per speaker.
• Status unclear
Routine subcommittee updates and announcements, including Ways & Means Education Subcommittee.
📋 Proposed
Committee votes on approving out-of-state student or staff travel; destination and cost not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
First reading of updated state Health and Physical Education curriculum standards proposed for Burlington schools.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the Fox Hill School building project.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the Burlington High School building project.
💬 Discussed
General update on district facilities conditions or projects.
💬 Discussed
Update on school transportation services or logistics.
• Status unclear
Miscellaneous new and old business items; specifics not listed.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
May 13, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee reviewed meeting norms and where agendas/minutes are posted on the town and school websites; no disagreement.
💬 Discussed
District Wellness Policy is pending state (DESE) review and will go to the School Committee once returned; committee opted not to lock into the YRBS survey, leaving that decision to the School Committee.
💬 Discussed
Committee removed one proposed Grade 8 sexual-health standard and deferred two others (decision-making and consequences of sexual activity) for review next year.
💬 Discussed
PE and Health departments are still using 1999 standards until 2023 standards are approved; standards taught in units with an explicit opt-out are flagged for parents.
✅ Approved
Committee reviewed and reached consensus on aligning 1999 high-school health/PE standards with the 2023 frameworks covering sexual health, relationships, mental health, substance use, nutrition, and fitness.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Chen explained recommended standards would go to the School Committee for final approval so PE/Health can begin curriculum writing over summer; deferred standards won't necessarily wait a full year.
• Status unclear
The June 3rd meeting was canceled.
💬 Discussed
Recommended standards will be presented to the School Committee for final approval; meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
May 12, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee observed a moment of silence for former BPS educator and assistant principal Otto Contardi, who passed away.
✅ Approved
Warrant approved 5-0.
✅ Approved
Minutes from both April meetings approved 5-0.
💬 Discussed
BPS students performed selections from The Wizard of Oz for the committee.
💬 Discussed
Student Council election results announced; senior prom was a success; class fundraisers and activities are being planned.
💬 Discussed
Notice to Proceed issued for the MSMS field project; site prep starts May 26, groundbreaking targeted for late August or early September.
💬 Discussed
After Town Meeting approved the operating budget, committee discussed clarifying and improving the budget communication process for future years.
✅ Approved
Wayfinder social-emotional learning post-test survey approved 4-0-1 with same opt-out option given for the pre-test.
✅ Approved
Accepted $7,920 state grant to implement the MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan) student career-planning initiative in middle school, 5-0.
💰 $7,920 grant
✅ Approved
Teacher stipends approved 5-0 under the standard 3-year process: Year 1 $500, Year 2 $750, Year 3 per Schedule E based on hours and student participation.
💰 Year 1: $500; Year 2: $750; Year 3: Schedule E
💬 Discussed
June events calendar reviewed; Chair Bond will assign committee members to attend as School Committee representatives.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Chen presented the BPS Thrives report, which will be posted on the BPS website.
💬 Discussed
All warrant articles and revolving accounts are in good standing; no concerns with operating or accommodated accounts heading into year-end close.
💬 Discussed
Next FHSBC meeting is the following Tuesday (virtual); April MSBA payment released and will be confirmed at that meeting.
📍 Fox Hill School
💬 Discussed
SOI submitted to MSBA; response expected December–January; committee will meet every other month and focus on critical building maintenance until then.
📍 Burlington High School
💬 Discussed
HVAC work scheduled; bid out for Francis Wyman vestibule project; additional projects and summer work preparation underway.
📍 Francis Wyman School
💬 Discussed
Committee discussed bringing busing in-house but reached consensus it is not a good option at this time, with two years remaining on the current contract.
💬 Discussed
Committee entered Executive Session at 7:53 p.m.; topic not specified in public minutes.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
May 12, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of district expenditures.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Student performance of The Wizard of Oz presented to the committee.
• Status unclear
Student representative delivers report to the committee.
• Status unclear
Public comment period, up to 15 minutes with 3-minute individual limit, in-person and virtually.
💬 Discussed
Routine subcommittee updates and general announcements.
📋 Proposed
Committee votes on administering a post-test survey for Wayfinder, a social-emotional learning program.
📋 Proposed
Committee votes to accept a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
📋 Proposed
Committee votes to approve stipends for Burlington Education Association Unit A (teachers/educators) bargaining unit members.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of scheduled school events for June 2026.
💬 Discussed
Update on BPS Thrives, the district's student wellness and achievement initiative.
💬 Discussed
Update on the district's current financial position.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the Fox Hill School building project.
📍 Fox Hill School, Burlington, MA
💬 Discussed
Status update on the Burlington High School building project.
📍 Burlington High School, Burlington, MA
💬 Discussed
General update on district building and facilities conditions.
💬 Discussed
Update on student transportation operations or planning.
• Status unclear
Miscellaneous updates and carry-over items.
📋 Proposed
Committee enters closed session to discuss bargaining strategy for the Burlington Education Association (BEA) union contract, including approval of prior executive session minutes from 8/19/25–11/18/25.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
April 29, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Reviewed meeting norms and where agendas/minutes are posted on the town and school websites; no objections.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Chen and Amy Doughty reported attending the April 14, 2026 Board of Health meeting.
✅ Approved
Committee scheduled follow-up meetings for May 13 and June 3, 2026, both 5:30-7:30pm.
✅ Approved
Committee recommended advancing the draft wellness policy requiring all K-12 health education to follow the 2023 state health/PE frameworks once adopted; next it goes to the John Stalker Institute and DESE before School Committee approval.
💬 Discussed
Until the new policy is approved, Burlington's PE and Health Department continues using 1999 standards, not the 2023 frameworks.
🗳️ Voted on
Committee reviewed and took a consensus vote recommending most 2023 health and PE standards for grades 6-8, covering healthy relationships, consent, sexual health, hygiene, fitness, personal safety, substance use, mental health, and nutrition; some units carry an explicit opt-out for families.
🔄 Postponed
Committee will clarify three grade-8 sexual health standards and members must review the grade 9-12 crosswalk to make recommendations at upcoming meetings.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
April 29, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Opening housekeeping with attendance and committee norms review.
📍 School Committee Room
📋 Proposed
Committee will select 3 meeting dates from six options in May and June (May 6, 7, 13, 14; June 3, 4) for continued BOH coordination.
📋 Proposed
Committee will review a draft updated school wellness policy, replacing or updating existing policy.
📋 Proposed
Committee will compare the 1999 Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks to the updated 2023 Health and Physical Education Frameworks to inform curriculum standards.
📋 Proposed
Committee will review BOH feedback, reach consensus on grades 6–8 standards, discuss grades 9–12 standards in small groups, and plan to finalize the wellness policy and 9–12 standards.
April 28, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Chair Bond called the hybrid meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
📍 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803
💬 Discussed
BHS student rep highlighted upcoming class events: senior prom tickets on sale, junior Chipotle fundraiser 5/1, sophomore car wash and pickleball tourney, freshman walk-a-thon May 31.
💬 Discussed
Subcommittee is preparing for Town Meeting on May 11; capital budget discussion scheduled for 4/29/26 at 7:00 p.m.
💬 Discussed
Next Wellness Subcommittee meeting set for 4/29/26 at 7:00 p.m.
💬 Discussed
Brooks cited 24-year records showing dual roles (e.g., Recreation Commissioner plus Chair/Vice Chair) were routine and supported by five-member votes, challenging the notion that such overlap is improper.
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0: exterior doors must stay closed and locked during school hours; authorized individuals must monitor any door temporarily propped open.
✅ Approved
Agreed to meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday monthly, deleting the July meeting unless urgent, with October 13th left flexible for rescheduling.
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0 with revisions incorporating prior feedback; policy governs how middle schoolers explore academic pathways.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Chen gave a program update; full details to be posted on the BPS website.
💬 Discussed
New traffic patterns at Fox Hill during student drop-off and pick-up are raising safety concerns; residents should slow down near the construction area.
📍 Fox Hill School
💬 Discussed
Next BHS Building Committee meeting is virtual only on 4/30/26 at 6:30 p.m.
💬 Discussed
MSMS Field contract is in process; generators for Francis Wyman and MSMS schools are also in progress.
📍 MSMS and Francis Wyman schools
💬 Discussed
Brooks requested representatives from Irwin and Recreation Commission attend a future meeting to discuss benefits of fertilizers and herbicides on school landscapes.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Conti clarified only the pre-test was previously voted on; a vote on the post-test survey will be added to a future agenda.
✅ Approved
Committee entered Executive Session at 7:58 p.m.; purpose not stated in public minutes.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
April 28, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Up to 15 minutes of public comment, 3-minute limit per speaker.
📋 Proposed
Standing informational reports from subcommittees; Ways & Means Education Subcommittee will also deliberate these agenda items.
📋 Proposed
Second and potentially final reading of a proposed amendment to Policy ECA; a vote to adopt may occur.
📋 Proposed
Committee will discuss and set its meeting calendar for next school year.
📋 Proposed
New or amended Policy IHAIA is on the agenda for discussion; no reading number specified, details limited.
📋 Proposed
Staff update on the BPS Thrives district initiative.
📋 Proposed
Progress report on the Fox Hill School building project.
📍 Fox Hill School, Burlington, MA
📋 Proposed
Progress report on the Burlington High School building project.
📍 Burlington High School, Burlington, MA
📋 Proposed
General facilities update across Burlington Public Schools.
📋 Proposed
Update on student transportation operations and any changes.
📋 Proposed
Miscellaneous updates; no specific items listed.
📋 Proposed
Committee enters closed session to discuss bargaining strategy on the Burlington Education Association (BEA) teachers' union contract.
📋 Proposed
Review and approve closed-session minutes from 2/11/25, 2/25/25, 3/11/25, 3/25/26, 5/27/25, and 6/10/25.
📋 Proposed
Meeting closes.
April 28, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine meeting opening.
📍 Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA 01803
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Vote coming up on invoices and financial commitments tied to the Fox Hill School construction project.
💰 Dollar amounts not specified in agenda
📋 Proposed
Committee will vote on selecting or authorizing a third-party testing agency for the Fox Hill School project.
📋 Proposed
Vote expected on establishing or updating a change management committee to handle project scope or cost changes.
📋 Proposed
Status update on the Fox Hill School building project.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of vendor selection for the Fox Hill School playground.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of how to communicate project updates to the public.
📋 Proposed
Open floor for topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance, plus 15 minutes of public comment.
April 14, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Vote to elect officers and reorganize the committee for the 2026/2027 term.
📋 Proposed
Vote to assign School Committee members to subcommittees for the coming year.
📋 Proposed
Routine warrant approval.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Student representative delivers an update to the committee.
• Status unclear
Residents may address the committee; comments limited to 3 minutes each, 15-minute total block.
💬 Discussed
Routine informational updates from subcommittees and other announcements.
📋 Proposed
First reading of a proposed amendment to Policy ECA; details not specified in the agenda.
💬 Discussed
General update on school department finances.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of proposed reductions to the FY2027 school operating budget guidelines.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of the FY2027 accommodated budget, which typically covers special education and out-of-district placements.
📋 Proposed
Formal public hearing followed by a vote to approve the full FY2027 school operating and accommodated budgets.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the Fox Hill school building project.
📍 Fox Hill School
📋 Proposed
Update on Burlington High School building plans, followed by a vote to support submitting a Statement of Interest to the MSBA (state school-building authority) for a BHS project.
📍 Burlington High School
💬 Discussed
Routine update on school facilities conditions and maintenance.
💬 Discussed
Routine update on student transportation.
• Status unclear
Miscellaneous new or old business items; specifics not listed.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.