At the September 2, 2025 meeting, the School Committee received and discussed the following presentations:

The School Committee heard a report from WPS Superintendent David Lussier on the start of the new school year. He shared that the year is off to a strong start, with over 50 new educators welcomed through a three-day orientation in August and then the full staff gathered on August 25 for the annual kickoff. This year’s themes—Equity & Excellence, Efficacy & Agency, and A Community of Learning—are guiding the district’s work and align closely with the WPS Profile of a Graduate and WPS Core Values. The Superintendent also highlighted several initiatives, including a pilot study testing window and ductless air conditioning units in classrooms at Bates, Fiske, Schofield, and WMS; a districtwide security audit led by the Edward Davis Company; updated cell phone policies across all grade levels; a new five-year space lease agreement at Regis College for the Launch Program which provides a post high school education for students aged 18-22 with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities; and a new food service partnership with Chartwells School Dining Services. Current enrollment stands at 3,887 students, almost exactly on target with projections and close to last year’s numbers. The official October 1 enrollment report will be presented at the November 5 Committee meeting.

The Committee heard a proposal from the Interim Performing Arts Director, Lauren Saracino, to update certain stipends in the Performing Arts Department to more appropriately reflect the work and associated market rates. The changes would bring Wellesley in line with neighboring districts and strengthen support for growing productions. A vote is scheduled for the September 16 meeting.

The Committee heard an update from Committee member, Linda Chow, on the Hunnewell Track & Field Team Rooms project. This update included recent design refinements including the addition of showers, a technology closet and exterior paint selections. A funding request for project completion is on the warrant for the fall Special Town Meeting (STM). The project is estimated at $1.68M, with estimated $400K in Field Fund donations resulting in an estimated $1.28M request for STM.

The Committee then turned to its own calendar for the year, noting upcoming opportunities for community engagement through office hours and community listening sessions, as well as a mix of in-person and Zoom meetings to encourage community engagement.

The Committee then approved the appointment of Superintendent Lussier to the ACCEPT Collaborative Board of Directors for school year 2025–26. The Superintendent will serve as Chair of the ACCEPT Board of Directors this year. ACCEPT is a partnership of area school districts that allows member districts an option for placing students and servicing their needs with specialized programs outside their home districts.

Coming Up………

School Committee Meetings:

9/16 School Committee Meeting 6:30 pm (Remote) Link to agenda with viewing instructions

School Committee Office Hours:

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

Click to access documents from the September 2, 2025 meeting.

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