School Committee
Oversees Walpole public schools — sets the school budget, approves curriculum changes, and hires the superintendent.
152 items across 20 meetings.
June 12, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Honored the student Plant Factory venture, NDAO Peer Leadership Group, and the WHS Boys Spring Track team for winning a state championship.
✅ Approved
Approved the first update since 2010 to the technology Acceptable Use Policy, addressing 1:1 devices, Google Workspace, and AI tools; combines staff and student versions.
✅ Approved
Approved a revised stipend structure for athletic coaches.
💬 Discussed
First full school year complete in the new building; paving and curbing improved safety and traffic flow around the school.
💬 Discussed
Demolition of the science wing has begun, with masonry and fieldwork continuing; renovation scheduled to maximize summer progress.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll warrants dated May 25 and June 5, accounts payable warrants dated June 5, and listed donations.
✅ Approved
Approved minutes from the May 29 School Committee and June 9 Policy Subcommittee meetings.
May 29, 2025 · minutes
✅ Approved
Mrs. Geosits elected Chairperson and Mrs. Rogers elected Vice Chair for the 2025-2026 school year, both 5-0.
💬 Discussed
Committee commended student Kayla Jackson for launching the Backpack Awareness Project as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award.
💬 Discussed
Student rep reported on end-of-year events, June 1 graduation, college fair, summer programs, and a new Manufacturing Innovation Career Pathway at WHS.
💬 Discussed
Annual bullying report: all new staff get full-day training and refreshers; protocols posted on the district website.
💬 Discussed
School year ends June 13 (early release); chronic absenteeism down to 4.35%, on pace to halve last year's rate; graduation June 1.
✅ Approved
Capital Budget approved as presented by Finance Director Mr. Friscia, 5-0.
💬 Discussed
Field work continues with completion expected by the start of school in the fall.
💬 Discussed
Steel detailing substantially complete; roofing materials delivered; Phase 2 science renovation begins June 16.
✅ Approved
Payroll and accounts payable warrants and donations (dated May 22, 2025) approved, all 5-0.
✅ Approved
May 15, 2025 meeting minutes approved, 5-0.
May 15, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Outgoing WHS student rep Favor Nyende was honored, the Superintendent's Student Cabinet recognized, and Robotics Team 1153 (top 48 of 5,000 worldwide) demonstrated their robot.
💬 Discussed
WHS Unified Arts chairperson presented a curriculum update, viewable on Walpole Media TV's YouTube page.
✅ Approved
Dr. Bridget Gough's evaluation, rated "Meeting" or "Exceeding Expectations" across all standards, was approved 5-0; highlights included middle school consolidation and high school project progress.
💬 Discussed
School capital requests outlined include chromebooks, security cameras, playground updates, snow removal equipment, and interactive Smartboards; the committee will vote at a later meeting.
💬 Discussed
The WPS budget passed at Monday's Town Meeting; bus applications for 2025-2026 are open with a June 13 deadline to avoid late fees and July 1 waitlist.
💰 Bus late fee after June 13; waitlist after July 1
💬 Discussed
Field construction continues with completion targeted for August 2025; questions can go to middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us.
💬 Discussed
WHS renovation construction continues; updates available on the project webpage.
✅ Approved
Payroll and accounts payable warrants dated May 8, 2025 were approved 4-0.
✅ Approved
Minutes from May 1, May 7, and May 8 meetings were approved 4-0.
May 1, 2025 · minutes
✅ Approved
Voted that Walpole will not become a School Choice district for 2025-2026, so no out-of-district students will be accepted.
✅ Approved
Approved a service-learning trip to Rwanda for grades 9-12, Feb. 12-21, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Health and PE update noting American Heart Association grants, new WHS gym space, and tweaks to 8th-grade wellness class.
✅ Approved
Appointed Dr. Gough to the Bi-County Collaborative board and Mrs. Gallivan to The Education Cooperative board for 2025-2026.
✅ Approved
Ratified the new three-year teachers' union contract (memorandum of agreement).
✅ Approved
Voted a revised school budget of $57,955,945 to align with the Town Administrator's budget.
💰 $57,955,945
✅ Approved
Approved the 2025-2026 school year calendar.
💬 Discussed
Final summer work on fencing, parking and athletic fields is underway; community can follow updates on the middle school webpage.
💬 Discussed
WHS renovation construction continues, with updates on the project webpage.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll warrants, accounts payable warrants, and donations dated April 23, 2025.
✅ Approved
Approved April 10 and April 14, 2025 meeting minutes.
April 10, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Student rep James Patey reported Term 3 ended April 2, robotics heads to World Championships in Houston April 17-19, and updates on senior packets, scholarships, and spring events.
✅ Approved
Approved out-of-state trips for the Old Post Road jump rope team (Keene, NH) and WHS Speech & Debate to national tournaments in Chicago, New Haven, and Fort Lauderdale.
💬 Discussed
Free CPR, First Aid, and Home Alone safety workshops for youth coming in May, partnering with Walpole Police and the WHS head nurse.
💬 Discussed
Coaches showcased classroom technology use including AI integration, digital citizenship, and creative tech tools across all schools.
💬 Discussed
BICO relocated to the old Johnson building and Summit program moved near the Route 1 hockey arena; Sharon and King Philip join TEC July 1, with a new K-2 behavioral program launched at Mansion Drive.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Gough recognized student achievements, noted a competitive grant for the OpenSciEd middle school science curriculum, and a parent climate survey launching in May.
✅ Approved
Approved new hours: high and middle schools start 5 minutes earlier, elementary schools start 5 minutes later.
💬 Discussed
District monitoring a significant FY25 special education deficit; FY26 budget gap reduced from $1.3 million to $650,000, with potential cuts under review and a 15% goods-and-services holdback in effect.
💰 FY26 gap reduced to $650,000 from $1.3 million
💬 Discussed
Ongoing outdoor work including fencing, sidewalks, and backstops; community can view photos and email questions to the project team.
💬 Discussed
Steel framework continues and interior wall graphics are being finalized at the WHS renovation project.
💬 Discussed
Superintendent Evaluation subcommittee set deadlines (April 30, May 7, May 15 public evaluation); Legislative subcommittee reported on METCO Advocacy Day.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll and accounts payable warrants and donations dated April 2, 2025.
✅ Approved
Approved minutes from several March meetings.
March 25, 2025 · minutes
✅ Approved
Approved 6-0 a revised health insurance agreement between the Town and unions (mainly the Walpole Teachers Association) cutting expected premium increases from ~14% to as low as 9%.
💰 Premium increase reduced from ~14% to as low as 9%
✅ Approved
Committee entered executive session for union and non-union negotiation strategies, then adjourned; next regular meeting April 10, 2025.
March 25, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee discussed union and non-union negotiation strategies behind closed doors, then voted 6-0 to exit the session.
March 13, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee honored Middle School educator Christine Crawford (NELMS award), the state-champion Girls Softball Team, and Scholastic Art and music festival award winners.
💬 Discussed
Student rep covered academics, SAT testing, scholarships, STEM Academy, clubs, and spring sports starting March 17th.
✅ Approved
Approved Walpole Middle School 8th-graders' trip to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 12, 2025.
💬 Discussed
Department heads presented art and K-12 music curriculum updates; full reports available on the Walpole Media YouTube page.
💬 Discussed
Proposal would shift high/middle school starts 5 minutes earlier and elementary 5 minutes later; first read taken under advisement for community feedback.
💬 Discussed
WHS received a $75,000 grant to expand career pathways in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and environmental sustainability.
💰 $75,000 grant
💬 Discussed
District will offer an extended-day vacation camp for grades K-5 at Boyden Elementary School.
✅ Approved
Approved second reading of revised graduation requirements aligning with new state standards.
💬 Discussed
Updated projection shows a $650,000 shortfall; efforts to close funding gaps continue with state relief still uncertain.
💰 $650,000 projected shortfall
💬 Discussed
Field work expected to begin late March and finish in July; photos and videos posted on the middle school webpage.
💬 Discussed
Crews continued footings and foundation walls for the new fieldhouse and completed re-routing the sewer line.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll and accounts payable warrants and donations per lists dated March 6, 2025.
✅ Approved
Approved February 27, 2025 meeting minutes.
✅ Approved
Entered executive session at 8:07 p.m. for union and non-union negotiation strategies, then adjourned.
March 13, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee discussed union and non-union negotiation strategies in closed session, then voted 6-0 to come out of executive session.
February 27, 2025 · minutes
✅ Approved
Approved out-of-state trips: WHS Robotics to URI (March 13) and Houston, TX (April 15-20), plus National Honor Society to RISD Art Museum (March 22), waiving the 30-day notice rule.
💬 Discussed
Department chair Laura Kay presented a World Language curriculum update; full report available on Walpole Media YouTube.
💬 Discussed
Following November 2024 ballot question, MCAS is no longer required for graduation; new standards require passing grades in Grade 10 English, Algebra 1/Geometry, and a science course. Final vote March 13.
✅ Approved
Committee voted to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 93, Local 1957 (custodial and maintenance staff).
💬 Discussed
Town leaders agreed to allocate an additional $650,000 to the school budget at Fall Annual Town Meeting, cutting the projected deficit in half; further state aid figures expected April-May.
💰 $650,000 additional to school budget
💬 Discussed
Field work expected to begin late March and finish in July; photos and updates on the middle school webpage.
💬 Discussed
Crews continued footings and foundation walls for the new fieldhouse and completed re-routing of the sewer line.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll warrants, accounts payable warrants, and donations as submitted, dated February 21, 2025.
✅ Approved
Approved February 6, 2025 meeting minutes.
February 6, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Mary Mortali retires after 15 years; Jennifer Breen, current Elm Street School secretary, moves into the Superintendent's Office role.
💬 Discussed
Student rep updated on a free Mass General Brigham nursing internship, MyCAP college/career seminars, sports seasons, and upcoming February break.
💬 Discussed
Grades 6-8 and high school history leaders presented a curriculum update; full report on Walpole Media YouTube.
💬 Discussed
Counseling Week recognized, middle school play praised, report cards now in Aspen portal, Strategic Plan update, and a 2/7 early release day.
💬 Discussed
FY25 special education deficit grew to $1.6M, consuming all circuit-breaker carryover funds; a $1.3M FY26 gap could eliminate at least 10 staff positions.
💰 $1.6M FY25 deficit; $1.3M FY26 gap
💬 Discussed
Construction continues in the high school parking lot and on underground utilities; updates on the project webpage.
📍 Walpole High School
✅ Approved
Approved Payroll Warrant 2529PS and Accounts Payable Warrants 225030 and 225031, plus donations, per lists dated January 31, 2025.
✅ Approved
Approved minutes from three prior January meetings.
✅ Approved
Committee entered executive session for union and non-union negotiation strategies, then adjourned.
February 6, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee discussed bargaining strategy for union and non-union employee contracts in closed session; no details disclosed.
✅ Approved
Voted 5-0 to exit executive session, adjourned 8:17 p.m.
January 23, 2025 · minutes
• Status unclear
WPS teacher Dave Kujawski selected for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
💬 Discussed
Student rep updated on end of first semester, winter sports successes, robotics, speech/debate, and clubs.
💬 Discussed
Department chairs delivered a science curriculum update; full report available on Walpole Media YouTube.
✅ Approved
Committee approved a tentative $59,268,845 FY26 budget — $1,312,900 above the town administrator's $57,955,945 recommendation, leaving a gap to bridge amid state-aid and special-ed uncertainty.
💰 $59,268,845 budget; $1,312,900 gap vs. town recommendation
💬 Discussed
Updates on middle school drama, mock trial, scholarship applications (deadline Feb 1), kindergarten registration, and ongoing FY26 budget work.
💬 Discussed
Little to report; remaining outside work to commence in spring.
💬 Discussed
Construction continues in the WHS parking lot along with underground utility work.
📍 Walpole High School
✅ Approved
Approved Payroll Warrant 2527PS, AP Warrants 225028 and 225029, and donations per Superintendent's January 17 lists.
✅ Approved
Approved minutes for Jan 9 meeting, Jan 16 curriculum subcommittee, and Jan 16 budget workshop.
January 21, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Leadership presented the full FY26 budget, including goods, services, and personnel; the hearing opened at 6:06 p.m. and closed at 7:05 p.m.
💰 FY26 school budget (figures not specified)
💬 Discussed
Committee reviewed the FY25 budget with focus on a special education deficit and began preliminary FY26 budget discussion; detailed review set to begin in January.
💰 FY25 special education deficit (amount not stated)
✅ Approved
Pulled the driveway extension from site work and reorganized bid alternates as new Plimpton parking lot, plantings, then driveway extension; passed 6-0.
📍 Walpole High School
January 16, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Committee and school leadership reviewed FY26 budget projections covering goods, services, and personnel ahead of the public hearing.
💰 FY26 budget (amount not specified)
💬 Discussed
Committee set the agenda for the Public Budget Hearing scheduled Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
📍 Walpole High School
January 9, 2025 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Student rep reported on winter sports, a 6th-place speech/debate finish, ongoing construction upgrades, and a charity prom-dress raffle.
💬 Discussed
Staff presented an English Language Arts curriculum update; full report available on Walpole Media YouTube.
✅ Approved
Approved an amended TEC (regional education collaborative) agreement to expand membership to other school districts.
💬 Discussed
FY26 budget work continues with total school requests and recommended appropriation to be discussed at a future meeting; kindergarten registration and February vacation camp announced.
✅ Approved
Approved the calendar for next year's School Committee meetings.
💬 Discussed
Little to report; remaining outside work will resume in the spring.
💬 Discussed
Construction underway in the parking lot and on underground utilities; updates posted on the project webpage.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll warrants 2519PS/2521PS, accounts payable warrants 225020-225023, and submitted donations.
✅ Approved
Approved December 12, 2024 minutes.
December 12, 2024 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Walpole High's field hockey team celebrated for winning the 2024 Division 1 State Championship.
✅ Approved
Approved Girls Varsity Basketball trip to Bedford, NH on Jan 4, 2025 (with 30-day notice waiver) and a French class trip to France July 5-21, 2025.
💬 Discussed
High school, middle school, and elementary teachers presented a math curriculum update; full report on Walpole Media YouTube.
📋 Proposed
Draft calendar for the 2025-2026 school year presented for first reading.
💬 Discussed
Under the three-year rotation, Elm Street and Old Post Road schools will run 8:55 a.m.-3:25 p.m.; Boyden and Fisher 8:25 a.m.-2:55 p.m.; preschool hours adjusted.
📋 Proposed
Draft calendar for next year's School Committee meetings presented for first reading.
💬 Discussed
2025-26 budget process underway with leadership meetings throughout December; budget hearing scheduled for January 21st.
💬 Discussed
Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship Committee awarded a total of $117,500 to students.
💰 $117,500
💬 Discussed
Kindergarten pre-registration for 2025-26 begins January 2nd, with multiple submission options for required documents.
💬 Discussed
Project is almost done; contractors will return in spring for landscaping.
💬 Discussed
Site work has begun at the high school; updates posted on the project webpage.
✅ Approved
Approved payroll and accounts payable warrants and budget transfers totaling $90,736, plus donations.
💰 $90,736 in budget transfers
✅ Approved
Approved Nov 14, 2024 meeting and Dec 5, 2024 workshop minutes.
November 14, 2024 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bill Hahn presented 2024 MCAS results, viewable on Walpole Media TV's YouTube page.
💬 Discussed
FY'26 budget timetable presented; the public budget hearing is set for January 21, 2025.
✅ Approved
Committee authorized the Superintendent to sign an agreement with Mobile Modular Management Corporation for modular classrooms at Boyden Elementary School.
📍 Boyden Elementary School
💬 Discussed
Project about 97% done; contractors should be off site by month's end and return in spring for landscaping.
💬 Discussed
Kickoff meeting held; fencing being installed after Thanksgiving for the new field house and parking lot.
📍 275 Common Street, Walpole
✅ Approved
Approved payroll, accounts payable, expense warrants, and donations dated November 8, 2024.
✅ Approved
Approved October 24, 2024 meeting minutes.
October 24, 2024 · minutes
• Status unclear
Observed in memory of former Walpole teacher Paul Sowden, who taught at Fisher and Johnson Middle School.
💬 Discussed
Updates on a Friday swatting incident (police confirmed no real threat), progress reports, tutoring availability, college visits, sports rankings, and an upcoming Walpole High addition/renovation Phase 1 starting March 2025.
📍 Walpole High School
📋 Proposed
Two students proposed a composting program at Walpole High to reduce waste and promote sustainability through compost bins and educational materials.
💬 Discussed
New DEI Director Naomi Austin outlined priorities including partnerships, professional development, curriculum, and family engagement.
✅ Approved
February 2025 Rwanda trip canceled; committee approved an alternate February 2025 trip still in planning.
💬 Discussed
Town Meeting approved funding for two Boyden modular classrooms and the high school renovation; also covered swatting debrief, MCAS reports mailed home, literacy screening, scholarship deadlines, and no-school dates Nov 5 and Nov 11.
📍 Boyden School / Walpole High School
💬 Discussed
New middle school ribbon-cutting ceremony set for Wednesday, October 30 at 4:30 p.m., with building tours afterward.
📍 Walpole Middle School
✅ Approved
Renovation project approved at Town Meeting; residents encouraged to visit the project webpage for details.
📍 Walpole High School
✅ Approved
Approved payroll warrant 2513PS, accounts payable warrant 225015, expense warrant 225016, and donations, all dated October 18, 2024.
💰 Amounts not specified in minutes
✅ Approved
Approved minutes from the October 10 School Committee and October 17 Curriculum Subcommittee meetings.
October 10, 2024 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Walpole Middle School earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics as a Unified Champion School, one of only 19 in Massachusetts.
✅ Approved
Approved a self-funded field trip for Grade 8 French classes to Quebec City, Canada, Feb. 6–8, 2025.
💰 Self-funded
✅ Approved
Approved the district's strategic plan outlining objectives, initiatives, and outcomes, developed with input from high school students.
💬 Discussed
District serves students from 28 countries speaking 25 languages; update covered new curriculum, family engagement, and summer learning.
✅ Approved
Endorsed Article 3 (FY25 budget adjustments), Article 9 (Capital Improvement Program), and Article 12 (funding for Walpole High School additions and renovations).
💰 Funds to design and construct WHS additions/renovations (amount TBD at Town Meeting)
📍 Walpole High School
💬 Discussed
Finance chief presented FY25 grant types, amounts, and descriptions.
💬 Discussed
Total enrollment is 3,635; MCAS reports mailed this month; scholarship applications due Oct. 31; reminder Town Meeting is Oct. 21.
💬 Discussed
New middle school ribbon-cutting set for Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m., with building tours after.
💬 Discussed
Update provided; residents encouraged to visit the WHS project webpage.
📍 Walpole High School
✅ Approved
Approved Accounts Payable and Expense Warrant Numbers 225013 and 225014 plus donations per the Oct. 4 list.
💰 Amounts per submitted list (not specified)
✅ Approved
Approved September 26, 2024 meeting minutes.