At the August 12, 2025 meeting, the School Committee received and discussed the following presentations:

The Committee heard student handbook updates from Sandy Trach, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. One update included language to notify parents/caregivers that WPS curricula, which are aligned to Massachusetts regulations, include diverse materials, and that families can notify their school principal if they believe they need an accommodation related to the content. Additional updates included the new cell phone/personal device policies, artificial intelligence (AI) statements, academic integrity guidelines and minor edits as an ongoing effort to ensure the handbook reflects current policies and best practices.The Committee approved the Student Handbook updates, which families received when the PowerSchool portal opened on August 13, 2025. As part of the annual permissions process, parents/caregivers affirm that they have reviewed this information.

The Committee heard an update on the state competency determination (CD) guidelines for graduation, released by the state in July. Assistant Superintendent, Sandy Trach, and Hannah Tolla, Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability, reviewed the main points of this new guidance and its implication for WPS moving forward.

The Committee heard an update from Committee member, Linda Chow, on the Warrant Article - Team Rooms Construction for the Special Town Meeting in November 2025. The funding request is for the implementation of the Hunnewell Track & Field Team Rooms which will be a modular build with DPW as the implementation partner. The completion of the Team Rooms project is based on results of design & permitting in order to fulfill the critical need for locker room space created by MSBA-driven cuts to the 2012 WHS building design. The Committee approved Linda Chow as the Committee representative to work with Town Counsel to finalize language for the Team Rooms Article.

During the reports, the Committee heard a brief update on the Air Conditioning (AC) Feasibility Study. The AC Feasibility Study kickoff meeting was held in July and the field studies are underway at each of the subject schools. The pilot program, that was implemented this summer, involves the installation of an AC unit in one classroom per school Wellesley Facilities Management Department (FMD) chose the classrooms based on classroom location, electrical considerations and other factors. FMD will be collecting data daily, through September, on the pilot classrooms.

The Committee is planning on holding two School Committee meetings in the fall and two in the spring in a hybrid format, in- person with virtual capabilities, which can enhance engagement and inclusivity. The dates for those meetings will be posted once they are confirmed.

The Committee looks forward to welcoming students back on August 27 and wishes the entire WPS community a great start to the school year!

Coming Up………

School Committee Meetings:

9/2 School Committee Meeting 6:30 pm (Zoom)

School Committee Office Hours

9/17 School Committee Office Hours 7 pm (Zoom) Sign Up Here

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