LEADERSHIP and GOVERNANCE

I.                   Goal:

In order to align with the North Reading Public Schools District Mission and Vision for Student Learning the North Reading School Committee will review, develop, and implement policies and practices that provide direction and tools for administrators to implement effective programs that maximize student achievement.

II.              Actions:

I.1        The Committee will engage in one professional development presentation/session related to

 School Committee responsibilities and authority under Massachusetts General Laws in the

2024-25 School Year. (Tim, Noelle)

I.2        Invite local state representatives to a meeting of the North Reading School Committee in order to

provide an update on the North Reading Public Schools and to gather the latest information about what

is happening at the state level. (Jennifer, Scott)

I.3        Host a joint meeting of town boards in order to discuss relevant town issues and engage in an open

               dialogue about community needs. (Scott, Jeff)

FINANCIAL AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

I.                   Goal:

The North Reading School Committee will support a long-term plan and financial budget in order to support the district’s strategic plan, NRPS 2025, the development of NRPS 2030, and other strategic initiatives.

II.              Actions:

II.1        The School Committee will continue to support the Student Opportunity Act goal that describes the

District’s plan to reduce the Kindergarten fees leading toward the eventual goal of providing free Full

Day Kindergarten and will explore the next steps to increase access to Universal Free Pre-K.

(Scott, Jeff)

II. 2             The School Committee will explore new opportunities to reduce expenses associated with

                      energy costs (e.g. solar power, charging stations). (Jeff)

II.3              The School Committee will support the Superintendent in communicating to the town the impacts of

the budget cuts for the 2024-25 school year and the potential impacts for FY26 and FY27.  (Tim,

Jennifer)

II.4         The School Committee will review the impact on NRPS families of the current fee structure and

schedule for extra-curricular and athletic activities. (Scott, Jeff)

II.5        The School Committee will review all aspects of school transportation including the bus fees, contracts

and rates, the process for route design, and emerging topics such as the electric school bus pilot. The Superintendent will prepare a presentation on this topic for the committee. (Tim, Scott)

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

I.                   Goal:

The North Reading School Committee will support the administration in its efforts to maximize the performance of each student in all academic areas in order to meet the expectations set forth in the mission and vision of the North Reading Public Schools.

II.                 Actions:

III.1          The School Committee will participate in a working group to implement the steps of the NRPS 2025

goals related to:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (Jeff, Tim)
• Outdoor Time and Recess (Noelle, Jennifer)
• Student Mental Health and Social Media/Device Usage (Noelle, Jennifer)

III.2     The School Committee will encourage the district-wide expansion of the Multi-Tiered System of

Supports and re-thinking powerblock . The Committee will request presentations from those engaged

in this work throughout the district over the course of the school year. (Noelle, Scott)

FAMILY and COMMUNITY RELATIONS  

I.                   Goal:

In order to continuously improve relationships with families and the community the North Reading School ​​Committee will communicate openly, provide opportunities for feedback, and foster active partnerships with students, parents, organizations, and businesses.

II.                   Actions:

IV.I        The School Committee will promote the district’s Family University learning opportunities for families

and community members throughout the school year. (Noelle, Jennifer)

IV.II        The School Committee will extend outreach to community members and support the district in

providing opportunities to involve the entire community in student events and programs. (Tim, Noelle)

IV.III        The School Committee will review the school committee policies and structures in place related to

school safety and support the implementation of the roles of School Resource Officer and Community

Service Sergeant. (Jeff, Jennifer)