The Holliston School Committee (HSC) met on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 in the Holliston High School Library to discuss:
- Updates on Safe & Supportive Schools Initiatives and high school program of studies
- Changes to transportation, tower lights for Kamitian Field, sexual harassment, and HSC policy development policies
- Review of 2025-2026 proposed calendars
- Discussion of the FY26 Budget and May Capital Request
- Discussion of the math leveling subcommittee creation and charge
The full meeting can be viewed here.
After an executive session, the HSC chair addressed the community to reaffirm that there will be no staff cuts for the 2025-2026 school year due to budget cuts or scheduling changes. Additionally, the HSC continues to work with the HFT on a 7 drop 2 schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. More information was shared in a community email on March 25th.
During public comment (minute 0:10:15) the HSC heard from several students who shared their questions about the A/B high school schedule, requested that the schedule change not occur until 2026-2027, and recommended that more student input be included in the schedule change process. Holliston parents Ann Buckley and Liz Kelly asked the HSC to slow down the high school schedule change, and parent Diane Roy asked the HSC to listen to teachers in the schedule change process. Barbara Ryan, PTO president and parent, provided an update on PTO fundraising and requested that the HSC delay changing the high school schedule. HHS teachers Caroline Roy and Amanda Rivera voiced concerns about the schedule change process. HHS teacher Alex Strum shared his concerns about the A/B schedule, and HHS teacher Ann Connoni requested the HSC delay the high school schedule change. Alon Yaari, a Holliston parent and HHS neighbor, shared concerns about the use of Kamitian Field and the lighting policy. Holliston parent Megan Schwartz voiced opposition to deleveling math in middle school.
Principal David List provided an update on how HHS has been preparing for a new schedule, including registering students for 2025-2026 classes (minute 0:44:50). Mr. List also addressed student questions from the public comment, including the scheduling of AP classes across multiple terms.
Jariel Vergne, Director of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Equity, provided an update on the district’s efforts in Safe and Supportive Schools, which is a key component of the district’s strategic plan (minute (0:56:07). Mr. Vergne shared the ongoing efforts of the district’s SEL MTSS team, which consists of teachers, counselors and administrators from across the district. The team is working to support a positive school climate, student-adult relationships, student’s sense of safety and belonging, increase cohesion across student support teams, improve staff wellness, and reduce bias in sports.
The HSC then voted on revisions to four existing policies (1:40:25):
- ACAB Sexual Harassment- Title 9 Policy
- BG School Committee Policy Development
- EEA Student Transportation
- KFCA Operation of Tower Light for Kamitian Field
Following policy revisions, district administrators provided updates (minute 1:58:30). Dr. Kustka affirmed that leveling is still occurring in eighth grade, providing two math options for students. Dr. Menard discussed the March professional development day, which included training on writing IEPs, Heggerty phonemic awareness curriculum, iReady benchmark assessment analysis, curriculum mapping, math differentiation, and other offerings. Holliston also recently hosted visitors from Denver, CO to observe our French Immersion program (minute 2:06:18). Dr. Jordan highlighted the Holliston Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony and its 2025 inductees (minute 2:08:20).
The HSC reviewed calendar proposals for the 2025-2026 school year (minute 2:10:00) and voted to adopt Monday, June 22, 2026 as the last day of school.
HHS Principal David List (minute 2:37:10) returned for an update on the HHS program of study. This revision included renaming, adding or adjusting courses.
Following Mr. List’s presentation, the HSC budget subcommittee presented the FY2026 budget update and May capital request (minute 2:59:55). This budget reflects some adjustments due to declining district enrollment, but no staff cuts.
Finally, the HSC discussed the creation and charge of a math leveling subcommittee (minute 3:18:12) which will include district administrators, teachers, parents, and HSC members. The HSC voted to approve this subcommittee and its charge.
The meeting ended with a vote to approve executive session minutes (minute 3:35:25) and adjourning to executive session.
