The Holliston School Committee met on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in the Holliston High School Library to discuss:
School Committee Reorganization
- Playbook Unity Plan
- Holliston Hub/HCAT
- HEF Spotlight Awards
- End-of-Year Goals Update
The full meeting can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf1VWbYWOmc
The meeting was called to order by Superintendent Kustka in order to reorganize the new School Committee. Sarah Fitzgerald was elected Chair unanimously by the committee and ran the remainder of the meeting in that capacity. Dawn Neborsky was re-elected Vice Chair and Joe Paru was re-elected Secretary, both unanimously. Members were also assigned liaison and subcommittee roles. New members of the Communications Subcommittee, who will be providing these recaps going forward are as follows: Chair Frank Ogura, Joe Paru, and Hilary Bresnahan.
Next, we heard a presentation on the Playbook Unity Plan from district students. In partnership with Project 351, workshops are held on combating discrimination and to promote respectful academic environments. Each student in the group presented their experience as participants of the program. (minute 8:30)
Following the Playbook Unity Plan presentation, we heard from Aaron Schachter and his team at Holliston HCAT. The purpose of the presentation was to make the community aware of what HCAT has to offer to Holliston from programs of various interests, to sporting events, and even town government happenings such as the school committee meetings. Despite challenges in funding and minimal staffing levels, they have been able to provide this service to the town and encouraged viewers to get involved. We then heard about the Holliston Education Foundation (HEF) Spotlight Awards, recognizing educators and staff who go above and beyond for our district and its students. (minute 23:30)
Student Representatives to the School Committee then provided their updates on the happenings at the high school. Some highlights include: Scholarship Evening, In-House Graduation, Graduation, Senior Step Up Day, the Pops Concert for Band and Chorus and more. (minute 40:30)
The presentation on End-of-Year Goals was next on the agenda, presented by the principals of all Holliston schools. Topics included everything from capital needs, AI policy, attendance progress, and progress on reading and math literacy. (minute 51:00)
The following retirements were recognized by everyone in the room. Thank you for your years of service to our district and our students:
- Placentino: Winnie Carey – 20 years
- Miller: Dan Jewett – 20 years
- Kelley Higgins – 21 years
- Jennifer Roland – 14 years
- RAMS: John Powers – 28 years
- Amy Watson – 8 years
- High School: Valerie Camiel – 14 years
- Christine Nespola – 26 years
- Maryann Schofield– 10 years
- Greg White – 32 years
- District: Keith Buday – 25 years
- Bobby Kadra – 24 years
- Cheryl Kelly – 20 years
(minute: 2:19:30)
A note to readers: This recap is by no means an exhaustive summarization of the School Committee Meeting. Please always feel free to reach out to any member of the committee with questions or concerns at any time.
