School Committee: November 26, 2024 Recap

The Holliston School Committee (HSC) met on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 5:30 pm in the
Holliston High School Library. The entire meeting was recorded and may be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/2l2-w2cklvk?si=GjSnB-1lhRC-MKDE

The meeting kicked off with a presentation from the principals of the schools in town
concerning the feasibility of a Miller and Placentino simultaneous start time. The proposal from
the principals was that Placentino and Miller have the same start and aligned end times and
that the elementary schools are assigned earlier start times than the secondary schools. Their
guiding priorities for this proposal include developmental needs of all students, implications for
high school extracurriculars, and sleep studies for the respective grade age groups. Additionally,
the principals argue that their proposal would simplify daily logistics (by grouping the
elementary schools, K-5 families can manage a more coordinated drop-off and pick-up). Two
options were provided for both drop-off and pick-up, both approved by Chief Cassidy
(Emergency Management Director). (see minute 2:00 of video)

The presentation was followed by public comment, where eleven members of the community
gave their thoughts on the potential changes in start and end times (one statement was read).
Those providing public comment ranged from parents, to educators, bus drivers, and current
students. The consensus among those commenting was that by ending the day well after 3:00
pm would cause several inconveniences, including child care, part-time work, and
extracurriculars. (see minute 34:50)

Ultimately, it was decided that RAMS/High School and Placentino/Miller would be paired for
start times. The question that remains is which pairing will go first and for that a survey will be
provided for the Holliston Public Schools community. Be on the lookout for that! (see 2:17:33)
Next on the agenda, Dr. Kustka provided an update on the search for a permanent principal at
RAMS. This is not a reflection on the job Karen Manning is doing, but a search needs to be
conducted, as Manning is currently the interim principal. (see 2:36:14)

The next meeting of the Holliston School Committee will be December 12, 2024 in the Holliston
High School Library at 7:00 pm.

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.