On June 11, Elementary Curriculum Coach Sarah Sontag updated the School Committee on aligning K–5 reading instruction with the “science of reading,” drawn from a year-long partnership with the Massachusetts Tiered Literacy Academy.
She noted that while two reading curricula, Fundations and Heggerty, have built strong phonemic awareness skills, students lack consistent background knowledge support. Referencing Scarborough’s Reading Rope, she said the district must move from level-based readers to shared texts that integrate phonics and content.
This fall, the newly formed Reading Curriculum Council, comprising general and special educators, Spanish immersion teachers, reading specialists and English Language staff, will evaluate six state-approved programs (four bilingual) through publisher presentations, model-classroom visits, and pilots of up to three programs starting in December.
A recommendation is due by May 2026, with full rollout slated for fall 2027. Superintendent of Schools David Fleishman confirmed that material and professional development costs will be in next year’s capital plan and that a grant could cover half the expense.
Facilities Master Plan
Fleishman also briefed the committee on the Facilities Master Plan Advisory Group, whose 15 members met on June 3 to kick off a long-range plan for preK–8 space, enrollment projections, and grade reconfigurations. A request for proposals from engineering/design firms will go out by the end of June, with vendor selection by September.
The firm will explore options ranging from modular classrooms to repurposing existing high school space, with public presentations expected by spring 2026. Committee members urged keeping all scenarios on the table and embracing a forward-looking vision amid rising transportation and capital costs.
The committee reviewed possible future building layouts and stressed the need for clear, townwide cost transparency. Fleishman noted that applying for funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority would require a formal funding commitment from voters at Town Meeting.
Erin Gibbons will continue as School Committee chair with Erin Mueller as vice chair. Christina Rodrigo and Kate Sambuco are joining the policy subcommittee, and Cullen and Erin Mueller remain on finance. Rodrigo and Sambuco were assigned Open Meeting Law and minutes roles. In the fall assignments for teams on contract negotiations and superintendent evaluation may shift current roles.
