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The committee will go into closed session before the regular meeting to discuss bargaining strategy with the Medfield Teachers' Association Unit A. This session is closed to the public because open discussion could hurt the town's negotiating position. No public vote or discussion will occur during this portion.

The committee will vote to approve two Medfield High School overnight trips: the Art Department trip to Italy (April 16–24, 2027) and the Science Department trip to Iceland (June 24–30, 2027). These are student travel trips requiring formal School Committee authorization. Families with students who may participate should note these dates.

The committee will discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 school budget in light of the outcome of the June 8 Town Vote. Depending on what was approved at Town Meeting, the committee may take a follow-up vote to finalize the budget. This is a key item for homeowners as the school budget directly influences the property tax levy.

The committee will hold a second reading of a revised policy governing the use of time-outs, seclusion, and physical restraint of students, and may vote to adopt it. This type of policy governs how school staff may respond to students in crisis situations. A second reading typically means the committee is close to a final vote after initial review.

The committee will receive an update from the task force examining student mobile phone and social media use in Medfield schools. No vote is listed, but policy changes could follow future updates. Many districts are actively restricting phone use during the school day.

The committee will receive an update on the Medfield School Building Committee, which is overseeing school facility planning or construction projects. No vote is listed at this meeting. School building projects can have significant long-term impact on property taxes.

Resident Chris Potts of 7 Curve Street told the Committee that Chair Michelle Kirkby approached her at a superintendent-led district-wide meeting and told her it was inappropriate for her to attend. Ms. Potts said she remained at the meeting with the superintendent's knowledge and was never asked to leave by school staff or police who later observed the meeting. She urged the Committee to address what she called an overreach of authority that could harm community engagement.

The Committee unanimously approved the prior meeting minutes and accepted donations totaling $45,225. Donations included $1,000 from Raymond Sharlacken to Dale Street School, $500 from MHS PTO for the Building Belonging Program, and $43,725 from the MCPE distributed as grants across district schools for reading, behavioral support, inclusion, and technology programs.

The Policy Subcommittee presented the first of three required readings of an updated policy governing how staff may use time-out, seclusion, or physical restraint on students. No changes were made beyond a required update since it was last presented informally. A second reading and potential vote are expected at the next meeting.

Dr. Marsden reported no new budget developments and said the district is waiting for the outcome of an upcoming Monday town vote before making further decisions. A School Committee meeting was scheduled for the following Thursday to address any needed budget adjustments, including possible staffing reductions. He noted that Chapter 70 state aid appears higher than originally projected and that the state may finalize its budget by July 1.

Committee member Sophia Viglas reported the Task Force held its final meeting of the year and discussed potential bell-to-bell phone ban options and approaches used elsewhere. The 'Wait Until 8th' group attended a Dale Street event sharing resources for families on phone and screen time. The Task Force will present a full update to the School Committee in the fall, and the Committee discussed whether to focus only on school-day phone use or broaden the effort to include screen time generally.

Committee member Leo Brehm reported that the School Building Committee has a June 17 meeting scheduled to review the designer selection process. The committee remains on track for an anticipated July meeting with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the state agency that can co-fund school construction.

Dr. Marsden highlighted that the community awarded a record $97,000 in scholarships to MHS graduating seniors at the Senior Recognition Night. Donors included SEPAC, public safety organizations, veterans groups, and civic organizations.

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026. Items planned include a Strategic Plan review, an end-of-year update from the Medfield Music Association, and an FY27 budget update — which may include decisions about staffing based on the Monday town vote outcome.

The committee will go into closed session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining with the Medfield Teachers' Association Unit A. This session is closed to the public. The outcome could affect teacher contracts and, indirectly, school staffing and the district budget.

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will give an end-of-year update to the School Committee. This may include information relevant to families of students receiving special education services.

The committee will hold its first reading of a proposed revision to school policy JKAA, which governs when and how staff may use time-outs, seclusion rooms, or physical restraint on students. A first reading means the policy is being introduced for review and discussion — a final vote typically comes at a later meeting.

The committee will receive an update on the district's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which covers the school year beginning fall 2026. Budget decisions affect staffing, programs, and can influence the town's property tax levy.

The committee will receive an update from the task force studying mobile phone and social media use in Medfield schools. This could lead to new policies restricting or managing student phone use during the school day.

The committee will receive an update from the School Building Committee, which is overseeing planning or construction related to Medfield school facilities. Depending on the project stage, this could have significant budget and tax implications.

The subcommittee will review and possibly revise the district's policy governing when and how staff may use time-out rooms, seclusion, or physical restraint on students. This policy directly affects student safety and the rights of families with children in Medfield schools. Any changes would come up for formal adoption at a future full School Committee meeting.

After a public hearing, the Committee voted unanimously not to accept out-of-district students through the state's inter-district school choice program for the coming school year, continuing Medfield's longstanding practice. The superintendent argued Medfield spends over $20,000 per student while school choice reimburses only about $5,000, leaving local taxpayers to cover the gap, and raised concerns about class sizes and program access. Some residents pushed back, arguing more data and analysis should be reviewed before deciding.

The superintendent reported record Town Meeting attendance of 1,388 and thanked residents for supporting school articles. He said staff are reviewing a 1.8% budget scenario in which 22 teachers are currently considered at risk (not necessarily 22 layoffs), and that 16 previously notified employees would be rehired. He stressed the override vote on June 8 is still pending and urged residents to vote.

The Committee discussed a second 'Screenagers' community event and a possible state grant for districts adopting 'bell-to-bell' (all-day) cell phone restrictions, which could cover items like Yondr phone storage pouches and staffing. Student representatives and a committee member shared experiences with phone caddies and bell-to-bell policies, generally finding them effective at reducing classroom distractions.

The committee finalized and released the designer Request for Services for the new school building project, governed by state procurement rules and the MSBA process. On the first day, 24 firms requested the documents, including 10 lead architectural firms. The selection phase is now active, with committee member Michelle Kirkby serving on the designer selection committee.

Bus fees were listed among upcoming agenda items for future meetings, along with retirements, awards, and end-of-year updates.

Before the regular meeting, the School Committee will go into closed-door session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining with the Medfield Teachers' Association Unit A. This session is closed to the public because open discussion could harm the town's negotiating position. The outcome of these negotiations can affect school staffing and costs.

The committee will hold a public hearing on School Choice, the state program that allows students from other towns to enroll in Medfield schools (and vice versa). Residents may attend or join via Zoom to comment. The committee's decision on school choice participation can affect school enrollment and district resources.

The School Committee will receive an update on outcomes from the Annual Town Meeting relevant to the schools, such as budget approvals or other school-related articles. This is an informational update following the Town Meeting vote.

The committee is set to give final approval to three overnight trips for Medfield High School students in 2027: a Music Department trip to Orlando, Florida (Feb. 4–7, 2027); a World Language trip to France (April 17–28, 2027); and a World Language trip to Costa Rica (April 17–26, 2027). Parents of participating students would need to know costs and permission requirements, which are not detailed in the agenda.

The committee will review an informational update on a proposed revision to Policy JKAA, which governs when and how schools may use time-out rooms, seclusion, or physical restraint on students. This is presented for information only at this meeting, not for a vote. Parents of students with special needs or behavioral plans may want to review this policy closely.

The committee will receive the results of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) determination review of Medfield's special education program. DESE periodically evaluates districts for compliance with special education laws. The outcome can require the district to make program or staffing changes.

The committee will receive an update from the task force studying student mobile phone and social media use in schools. Many school districts are revisiting phone policies, and this update may signal whether Medfield is moving toward new restrictions or guidelines. No vote is listed for this meeting.

The committee will receive an update from the School Building Committee, which is overseeing planning or construction related to school facilities. No specific project details are provided in the agenda. Large school building projects can have significant implications for the town's capital budget and property taxes.

Bus fees are listed as a future agenda item, likely to be discussed at an upcoming meeting. No details are provided, but any change to bus fees would directly affect families who rely on school transportation. Residents should watch for this item on a future agenda.

Coming up May 4: general discussion on the FY27 school budget and any Town Meeting warrant articles affecting Medfield Public Schools.

School Choice hearing scheduled for the May 14 meeting — affects how many out-of-district students may enroll in Medfield schools.

A resident from 29 Maple Lane asked why the district is adopting the Bookworms literacy curriculum, which is also a warrant article at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Superintendent Marsden clarified that students are not underperforming but that the state will soon require districts to update their literacy curricula, and the district is acting proactively after piloting four programs — Bookworms was the top choice among teachers and students. The district has applied for a state grant to cover roughly $91,000 of the cost, and any unused grant funds would return to free cash.

The committee noted a School Choice Hearing is scheduled as a future agenda item for the May 14, 2026 meeting. School Choice allows students from other districts to enroll in Medfield schools, and districts are required to hold a public hearing on their participation.

Warrant Committee Chair Steve Callahan will present an overview of the proposed FY2027 town budget and the potential override (a ballot question that would allow the town to raise property taxes beyond the standard limit). This is residents' chance to understand what is being proposed before Town Meeting votes. The meeting is hybrid — attendance in person at the Library Media Center, Medfield High School, or via Zoom.

The public may ask questions specifically about Articles 13, 14, and 15 of the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, which relate to the FY2027 operating budget and the proposed override. Dollar amounts for these articles are not listed in this document but can be found at town.medfield.net/2452/FY2027-Budget-Override. Residents can also submit questions in advance to warrantcommittee@medfield.net.

After the budget and override discussion, the public may ask questions about any other articles on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The full warrant is available at town.medfield.net/2483/2026-Annual-Town-Meeting. Specific articles are not listed in this agenda document.

The School Committee voted 5-0 to approve a Joint Commitment Statement developed in collaboration with other Town boards and committees, including the Town Administrator. The document was revised to focus primarily on FY27 (the upcoming fiscal year) rather than making multi-year financial commitments, addressing concerns raised by members about locking in future-year assumptions. The statement reflects a shared financial alignment across participating Town bodies ahead of Town Meeting.

The Chair described an upcoming public forum that will feature a 20–30 minute presentation by Town Administrator Steve Callahan followed by up to an hour of public questions and answers, offered both in-person and virtually. A School Committee meeting was formally posted in case a quorum of members attends. Additional time will be set aside for questions on other warrant articles after the main session.

Coming up for discussion and possible vote on April 27, 2026, the School Committee will take up a 'Joint Commitment Statement.' The document does not describe the statement's content, so residents who want to know what is being committed to should review any supporting materials or attend the meeting. A vote may occur at this session.

The committee will vote to enter Executive Session under M.G.L. c. 30A Section 21(1) to discuss discipline, dismissal, complaints, or charges brought against a public officer, employee, or staff member. This session is related to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Chris McCue Potts on April 7, 2026. The specific subject of the complaint is not detailed in the agenda.

The Committee voted unanimously to approve a 3.64% budget increase for next school year, which depends on voters passing an operating override at the May 4 Town Meeting/election. To reach this figure the district cut about $609,000 through staffing changes and non-payroll reductions, including eliminating elementary Mandarin instruction, reducing a high school English and social studies position, and a half-time central office position; elementary Spanish would continue.

Dr. Marsden explained that if the May 4 operating override fails, the district would have to drop to roughly a 1.8–1.9% increase allowed under Proposition 2½, requiring about $1.3 million in additional cuts beyond those already identified. A special School Committee meeting would likely be needed to decide those further reductions.

The Committee voted to sponsor Article 19 at Annual Town Meeting, an appropriation into a fund intended to help offset taxes related to the elementary school project. The Committee had previously voted to sponsor Article 20, which funds the literacy curriculum.

The Committee voted to support two capital warrant articles. Article 10 requests $300,000 for technology and security items including projector and network switch replacements, high school alarm system upgrades, and exterior camera upgrades. Article 12 funds building maintenance across all schools (flooring, HVAC, electrical, building envelope) and includes a $250,000 districtwide paving and parking lot project at Wheelock School, plus a $118,000 renovation for a town department.

Dr. Marsden presented a proposed five-phase plan to introduce school bus fees starting in FY27, including a transportation survey, pricing and hardship-waiver policies, a registration/payment system, and possibly a part-time staff member. No vote was taken; the finance director suggested possibly delaying to FY28 for a less rushed rollout, and officials noted concerns about traffic congestion if fewer families use buses.

A parent told the Committee the revised school start times (older students later, younger students earlier) have created problems at home, including older children still waking early and later school days extending homework and bedtime. He asked that parent feedback be considered in the ongoing evaluation of the schedule.

The K-12 World Languages Department Chair urged the Committee to preserve the elementary world language program, warning that proposed budget cuts could eliminate about 3.4 full-time positions. The approved budget does eliminate elementary Mandarin due to low enrollment while keeping elementary Spanish.

Roseli Weiss was appointed as the School Committee's representative to the School Building Committee, and Michelle Kirkby was appointed to the MSBA Design Review Panel for selecting the project architect. The first meeting with the Owner's Project Manager was scheduled for April 13 at Town Hall, with multiple design concepts and public input opportunities to follow.

Members and administrators discussed accelerating outreach before the override vote, including a 'State of the Schools' postcard mailing to all residents with an online link, materials at the Council on Aging and library, and coordination with the Select Board and Warrant Committee. Several residents urged clearer, ongoing community engagement.

The committee may vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 school budget. This is a major item that will determine school spending levels and can affect the town tax levy. Residents should pay attention to this vote as it feeds directly into the Annual Town Meeting budget process.

The committee may vote on which warrant articles (ballot items for town residents to act on) the school will sponsor at the Annual Town Meeting. These articles could include funding requests or policy changes that residents will vote on directly.

The committee may vote on capital spending requests (large one-time purchases like equipment, technology, or facility improvements) for FY27. These requests typically go to the town for funding approval.

The committee will discuss the timeline for school bus fees, which may affect families who use school transportation. No specific fee amounts or changes are listed in the agenda.

The committee will receive an update from the task force studying mobile phone and social media policies in schools, and may vote to appoint a new School Committee liaison to this group. This could lead to policy changes affecting students' phone use in school.

The committee will hear an update on the Medfield School Building Committee (which oversees school construction/renovation projects), and may vote to appoint a new member and a designee to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Design Review Panel. This relates to ongoing school facility planning and potential construction.

A school choice hearing is listed as a future agenda item, to be taken up at a later meeting. School choice allows students from other towns to enroll in Medfield schools, which can affect enrollment numbers and school resources.

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2026, ahead of the Annual Town Meeting where voters will decide on school budget warrant articles.

The district presented a proposal to charge families a bus fee to raise revenue, with options ranging from about $180 per student per year (roughly $144,000 total) up to a regional median of $300 per student (about $240,000 total). Only students living within two miles of school could be charged, since others are guaranteed transportation by law. No vote was taken; discussion will continue at the April meeting with community surveys planned, targeting possible implementation in the 2026-2027 school year.

The Superintendent explained that a potential 1.8% budget shortfall could require layoff notices ('pink slips') to up to 39 teachers with less than three years of experience. The timing is difficult because the June 8 override vote conflicts with the June 15 legal deadline to issue notices, creating uncertainty that could cause the district to lose good teachers and result in larger class sizes.

Warrant Committee members presented a 'compromise scenario' of 3.64% school budget growth and 3.33% town budget growth, designed to keep an override under $2 million with a tax impact of roughly $878 per household and avoid back-to-back overrides over two years. Committee members debated the traditional 75/25 school-to-town budget split, with some arguing schools are absorbing 94% of the proposed cuts. The compromise includes about $608,000 in school reductions (1.5 administrative assistants, 0.5 custodians, 5 teaching positions, and $108,000 in non-payroll cuts), and committees must align before the warrant prints April 7.

The Committee voted unanimously to sponsor a Town Meeting warrant article (Article 20) to fund a new K-5 literacy curriculum as a one-time purchase, paid for with free cash. The program was not included in the regular level-service budget.

All required documents have been submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Association, with the project scheduled for the Owner's Project Manager (OPM) panel on April 6. The next School Building Committee meeting was moved to April 8.

The School Committee will enter closed executive session before the regular meeting to discuss bargaining strategy with respect to the Medfield Teachers' Association Unit A contract. Open meeting discussion could harm the district's negotiating position. No public details are available at this stage.

The committee will hear a presentation and discussion on school bus fees coming up for the FY27 budget cycle. This could affect what families pay to have their children ride the school bus. No specific fee amounts are listed in the agenda, but a decision or recommendation may follow.

The committee may vote on a Town Meeting warrant article (a formal budget request put before Medfield voters) to fund a K-5 literacy program for fiscal year 2027. If approved, this article would go before residents at Town Meeting for a final funding decision. No dollar amount is specified in the agenda.

The committee may vote on one or more Proposition 2½ warrant articles related to the FY27 school budget. Proposition 2½ articles allow the town to raise taxes beyond the normal cap with voter approval at Town Meeting. This is a key step before residents vote on school spending.

The committee will discuss a joint commitment statement related to the FY27 budget, likely a shared statement with the town on budget priorities or funding levels. The specific content and parties involved are not detailed in the agenda.

The committee will receive an update from the Mobile Phone/Social Media Task Force, which is reviewing district policy on student cell phone and social media use in schools. This is ongoing work; no vote is indicated for this meeting.

The committee will receive an update on the Medfield School Building Committee, which is overseeing planning or construction work related to school facilities. No specific project details or cost figures are listed in the agenda.

Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representatives Marcus Vaughn and Josh Tarsky discussed state cell phone-in-school legislation, the limits of Proposition 2½ (the cap on annual property tax growth) that push towns toward override votes, rising healthcare and special education costs, and the Circuit Breaker reimbursement program (state aid for high-cost special education). Legislators floated ideas like multi-year overrides, raising special education reimbursement from 75% to as high as 90-100%, and extending school project bond terms from 30 to 40 years. They offered to support Medfield's Dale Street School project.

The district plans a standalone Town Meeting article requesting $221,000 from one-time free cash to fund a new K-5 literacy program not included in the operating budget. If approved by the Committee, it would be sponsored for the May Town Meeting. Members discussed the risk that if it fails, the program would be rolled out more slowly and less effectively, and debated whether free cash is best used here given the upcoming Dale Street School project.

Dr. Marsden outlined the impact of a 1.8% budget increase if an override fails: grades 2-5 would each lose one classroom teacher, raising class sizes to 23-26 students, and secondary grades could see larger classes, fewer electives and AP courses, and disruption of the middle school cluster model. Staffing cuts would follow legal and union seniority rules. The Committee noted the gap between the May 4th Town Meeting and a potential June 8th ballot vote creates planning and staff morale challenges.

The Owner's Project Manager (OPM) subcommittee interviewed three firms and is finalizing scores, with an executive session scheduled to review results and recommend a firm, subject to MSBA approval. Medfield has been invited back into the MSBA program to replace the aging Dale Street School. The Building Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month.

The Committee noted upcoming agenda items, including bus fees on March 26, plus Superintendent goals and School Committee goals.

The Committee voted unanimously to raise full-day preschool tuition from $7,230 to $9,000 (estimated $28,320 in new revenue) and to return full-day kindergarten tuition to $3,500 instead of the previously planned $2,750 (estimated $146,250 in new revenue). The revenue lets the district move kindergarten teacher positions into a revolving account, preserving about two teacher jobs. A 5-10% reduction will be built in for families who cannot pay full tuition.

The superintendent reviewed progress on safety, belonging, Wayfinder social-emotional lessons, the new school start times, restorative practices, and facilities work. Updates included the completed Memorial solar project and planned new roof and solar at Blake this summer, plus future consideration of district-wide bus fees and capital needs like replacing security cameras and projectors.

The Committee discussed an itemized list of proposed budget cuts totaling a $1,433,384 target, with recommended reductions exceeding the target by $37,341. Cuts are prioritized to protect instruction, and members discussed class-size impacts, the RIF (Reduction in Force) process for laying off staff, and how an operating override vote at the May 4 Town Meeting (simple majority) ties to the Dale Street school project. The school presentation is February 24 and the Warrant Committee hearing is at the end of March.

The Committee discussed adding revenue-generating fees, including a bus fee for grades 7-12 that could raise about $120,000 after costs, plus sports and parking fees. Current athletic fees run roughly $250-$400 per sport with a family cap. A parent survey and a full presentation on fee options were requested for a March meeting.

An Eversource representative presented preliminary sustainability options for the school building project. The Owner's Project Manager selection and interview process is expected to be completed by early April.

The committee is scheduled to vote on tuition rates for full-day kindergarten and preschool programs. This could directly affect families with young children enrolled or planning to enroll in these programs. Specific proposed dollar amounts are not listed in the agenda.

The committee will receive an update on the development of the school district's Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Budget decisions influence property taxes and school staffing and programs. Specific figures are not included in the agenda.

The committee will receive an update from the task force studying mobile phone and social media policies in Medfield schools. This could lead to new rules affecting students' device use during the school day. No vote is listed for this meeting.

The committee will receive a status update on the Medfield School Building Committee, which is overseeing school facility planning or construction. This could have long-term implications for school capacity and potential future capital costs. No vote is listed.