Hermon GOP Connect for June 21, 2025
- Danielle Haggerty
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Recap of June 9, 2025, Hermon School Committee Meeting
The format of the School Committee’s meetings has begun to change with the recommendations and insights from Dr. Sargent. Most notably, the subcommittee’s report out at the beginning of the meeting and the information shared is used to approve committee actions throughout the meeting.
Rundown of Sub-Committee reports;
Professional Discussion / Policy:
There was general discussion about how the current Student Dress policy might be modified. Samples of other school’s policies were available for review. This topic will be revisited at the next Policy/Professional Discussions meeting.
Policies related to Title IX and Complaint Procedures for Employee and Student Sexual Harassment/Discrimination will be brought forth for Second Read at a future meeting. The committee will schedule a Workshop to ensure the public has an opportunity to participate in the update of these policies.
The subcommittee reviewed and recommended approval of several policies for the Second Read on the June 9, 2025 Agenda.
Finance:
The Finance Director provided an update on the estimated end-of-year revenue. It is estimated that the school department will receive and addition $300,000 in tuition revenue. This revenue will be used to offset funds expected to be used from the carry forward. Funds not carried forward will remain in fund balance and used as the carry forward for the 2027 budget cycle.
The finance committee discussed several pending contracts to include: Purchasing updated Library Software, approving a one-year renewal of the current copier contract, purchasing two vending machines for the High School Lunch program, updating a Web Based IT Help Desk System and postage machine lease renewal. The Copier contract, Library software and IT Help Desk system were referred to the Technology Committee for review. All contracts proposed were recommended to, and approved by, the School Committee.
Technology:
Mr. Bridges would like to move to an updated Help Desk and Asset Management software system – This system was approved by the School Committee.
Mr. Bridges provided information on a phased approach to provide Google Chromebooks for Staff. The long-term goal is to have a single-device platform for most staff and students.
Mr. Bridges discussed a state and local cybersecurity grant program (SLCGP). He has opted the district in. There is no action to be taken at this time.
The Copier Contract Renewal/Papercut was discussed. The School Committee approved a one-year renewal with the intent to publish an RFP in the January 2026 timeframe.
Network Security was discussed. The Firewall is an enterprise grade firewall that heavily monitors and restricts web browsing both internally on our network and to the internet. The Go Guardian system is a platform that alerts administrative staff to specific student language related to violence or self-harm.
The IT department will be evaluating the WiFi connectivity at Pottle Field complex over the summer.
Curriculum:
The Sub-Committee reviewed Dr. Sargent’s recommendation for Curriculum Director (.5) / Math Instructional Coach (.5) for 2025-26. The preference was to not specify a content area for the Instructional Coach at this point.
Dr. Sargent is working with the Leadership Team to compile a presentation on Student Achievement. This will be presented at a School Committee meeting later in the fall.
Dr. Sargent discussed a plan to create a Curriculum Renewal schedule that identifies the content areas to be evaluated and outlines a timeline for program evaluation, piloting of new material, and writing/revising curriculum and implementing new courses. The plan is intended to place curriculum in a three-year planning and implementation schedule.
Facilities / Safety:
Dr. Sargent and Mr. Davis discussed the draft Sidewalk Plan to be located at the HMS/District Office driveway. The goal is to provide student pedestrians with safe access from the school to the main road sidewalk for eventual road crossing. No final decisions have been made. The school is working closely with the town on this project.
Mr. Davis discussed classroom renovations at Hermon HS to accommodate a new Career Technical class through UTC. All work will be done through UTC. The classroom will be located behind the kitchen in the current maintenance area.
The lighting proposal at Patricia Duran Elementary School Fields was briefly discussed. The project is still under consideration by the Town. If completed, there is interest in having exterior lighting installed at the elementary school parking lot.
Mr. Davis affirmed that the most recent school water test results are within healthy ranges.
The School Committee approved the funding for qualifying students to receive additional academic support over the summer.
There were several personnel moves as part of the end of year and preparation for the new school year. The School Committee approved, or the administration is in the process of recommending, extracurricular coaches.
The 2025-26 School Calendar revision adding the 2026 graduation date of June 5, 2026. This date was selected in an attempt to prevent a conflict with the 2026 MPA State Track Meet.
Hermon June 12, 2025, Annual Town Meeting Recap
All warrant articles were approved including the school and town 25-26 budgets. Minutes
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: ..., a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 6:10
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 10:12
Danielle Haggerty - Chair
Hermon GOP
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