Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, MA

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Committee will receive updates on district staffing, facilities, and student belonging priorities. Discussions include the formation of a Student Advisory Committee and reviews of student handbooks for the 2026–27 school year. The meeting also includes a review of the FY26 year-end budget and preparation for the upcoming Four Towns Meeting.

• Review of ARHS and ARMS student handbooks for SY26–27
• Discussion of student belonging and bullying prevention procedures
• Review of FY26 year-end revenues and expenditures
• Follow-up on the formation of a five-member Regional Student Advisory Committee
• Review of the FY28 capital planning process

Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee

The Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet virtually on September 21, 2026. The meeting includes discussions regarding the SY25-26 evaluation process, software usability, and potential goals for SY26-27.

• Review of SY25-26 evaluation process and tool
• Discussion of potential evaluation timeline
• Review of potential goals for SY26-27

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, an executive session on collective bargaining and litigation, and consent agenda items. The main business includes possible votes on a revised ARMS/Chestnut Street Academy calendar with make-up days, new positions and supplemental pay, superintendent evaluation goals, and adoption of committee goals from a retreat. The committee will also begin initial discussion of FY28 budget guidelines and priorities.

• Possible vote on revised ARMS / Chestnut Street Academy 2026-27 calendar including three make-up days
• Possible vote on new positions and supplemental compensation requests
• Possible vote on SY26-27 Superintendent Evaluation Goals
• Initial discussion of FY28 Regional budget guidelines, priorities, and timeline
• Executive session on collective bargaining/litigation (Unit A grievance, ULP charge MUP-26-11966, Magee/Cunningham/Dykes/Santos litigations)

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Retreat

Regional Budget & Audit Subcommittee

The Regional Budget & Audit Subcommittee will discuss funding for World Language and transportation. Members will also prepare to develop budget priorities and review the upcoming operating and capital budget cycle calendar.

• Presentation regarding funding for World Language
• Presentation regarding funding for transportation
• Review of upcoming operating and capital budget cycle calendar
• Discussion on new fee groups for athletics for SY27-28
• Preparation for development of RSC budget priorities

Amherst School Committee Meeting

The Amherst School Committee is meeting to review the end-of-year FY26 financial report, discuss safety and well-being policies, and take action on superintendent goals and evaluation. The agenda also includes updates from district leadership and groundwork for a superintendent search.

• Quarter 4 and end-of-year FY26 financial report
• Discussion of safety and well-being, including physical restraint procedures
• Action on superintendent SY26-27 goals and post-evaluation plan
• Discussion of superintendent search groundwork
• Warrant reports with payables and payroll from July through September 2026

Joint Policy Subcommittee ARPS

The Joint Policy Subcommittee of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District will review Section B policies on governance and operations, comparing them against MASC model policies and Massachusetts law. They will also discuss possible new policies and review the 2026–2027 student and employee handbooks for potential revisions.

• Review of MASC model policies not in ARPS manual, including BDD (School Committee–Superintendent Relationship) and BE (School Committee Meetings)
• Systematic review of existing Section B policies for alignment with MASC model language and state law
• Discussion of CHCA policy on approval of handbooks and directives
• Review of 2026–2027 ARHS and ARMS Student and Family Handbooks
• Discussion of employee handbook and School Committee approval authority

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will meet to discuss the ARMS roof replacement project, including recent water intrusion and corrective actions, and to hear updates from school leaders. The committee will also consider establishing a subcommittee for the superintendent transition and search process, and review student handbooks and discipline approaches. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and warrants, plus a possible executive session on collective bargaining or litigation.

• ARMS roof replacement project update with OPM, contractor, and architect
• Discussion and possible vote on Superintendent Transition and Search Process Subcommittee
• Review of SY26–27 student handbooks, discipline, and bullying prevention
• Superintendent's opening of school report, including volunteer pause update
• Regional staffing and vacancy update

Joint Meeting of Pelham, Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees and Union 26

Pelham School Committee

Amherst School Committee Retreat

Joint meeting of Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26

This is a joint meeting of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees and Union 26. The agenda contains only a call to order and a single item: a vote to enter executive session to discuss an individual's reputation, character, or health, or discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee, with no plan to return to open session. No other business is listed.

• Executive session under MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21, Purpose 1
• No return to open session planned
• Meeting held in person at ARHS Library, 21 Mattoon Street, Amherst

Amherst School Committee

The Amherst School Committee will discuss and potentially act on creating a new Dual Language and Multilingual Education Liaison position, and will hear a report from Attorney Sankey on his investigation into caregiver reports about restraint and seclusion in the district. The meeting also includes public comment and planning for a retreat.

• New position: Dual Language and Multilingual Education Liaison (action/discussion)
• Attorney Sankey report on restraint and seclusion investigation
• Public comment period
• Agenda planning for retreat on 8/29/26

Pelham School Committee Retreat

This is a retreat meeting of the Pelham School Committee with no specific decisions or proposals listed. The agenda consists only of a call to order, a retreat session, future agenda planning, and adjournment.

• Retreat session (no details provided)
• Future agenda planning

Joint meeting of Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees

The Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees are holding a joint virtual meeting. The primary purpose is to discuss and vote on staffing vacancies and position approvals for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Vote on SY26-27 Staffing Vacancies and Position Approval
• Review of Dual Language and Multilingual Education Liaison job title
• Review of Technology-Engineering Teacher (MS) position

Joint meeting of Union 26 and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee - Executive Session

The Union 26 and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees will hold a joint executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel regarding Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman. The chair will declare that an open meeting may harm the committee's negotiating position. The committees will not return to open session.

• Motion to enter executive session under G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(2) for strategy sessions on superintendent negotiations
• Discussion concerns nonunion personnel negotiations with Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman
• No public session will follow the executive session

Amherst School Committee, Hybrid Meeting

The Amherst School Committee will discuss and vote on the summative evaluation of the superintendent for FY26. The committee will also consider revising a previous motion to align with a joint committee action, and plan a retreat to improve communication between the School Committee and administration.

• Summative Evaluation Report for the Superintendent FY26 (action/discussion)
• Revise motion(s) from May 7 meeting to align with JKAA approved at Joint School Committee meeting on June 17, 2026
• Plan School Committee retreat to refine communication between committee and administration

Joint meeting of Amherst, Pelham, Union 26 and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee - Executive Session

This is a joint executive session of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees. The committees will meet in closed session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining with the Amherst-Pelham Education Association (APEA) and to conduct negotiations with nonunion personnel, including the superintendent. The session will also address the reputation, character, or discipline of individuals. The committees do not intend to return to open session.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with APEA (Policy ACAA)
• Strategy sessions for negotiations with nonunion personnel (Superintendent)
• Discussion of reputation, character, or discipline of an individual

Joint meeting of Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The joint meeting of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees will consider and vote on the SY25-26 Summative Evaluation Report for the Superintendent. The agenda also includes a vote on Policy ACAA, a presentation of the annual Wellness Report, and public comment. The meeting is primarily focused on the superintendent's performance evaluation and policy approval.

• Vote on SY25-26 Summative Evaluation Report for the Superintendent by Pelham School Committee
• Vote on SY25-26 Summative Evaluation Report for the Superintendent by Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
• Vote to approve Policy ACAA
• Presentation of SY25-26 Wellness Report
• Public comment period

Amherst School Committee, Virtual Meeting

The Amherst School Committee will vote on the FY27 budget and discuss relinquishing the South Amherst Campus School. They will also consider a funding request for Crocker Farm playground renovations and a pilot community volunteer program for math and reading help.

• Vote on Amherst School District FY27 Budget
• Discussion and action on relinquishing South Amherst Campus School
• CPAC funding request for Crocker Farm playground replacement or renovation
• Discussion of a pilot Community Volunteer Program for student help in math and reading

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will discuss and possibly vote on transferring funds to the Regional Transportation Reimbursement Fund and approving the FY27 fee schedule. Members will also receive an audit review, hear a presentation on school climate data, and discuss MSBA project funding. The meeting includes introduction of a new high school principal and setting goals for the 2026-27 school year.

• Possible vote to transfer funds to the Regional Transportation Reimbursement Fund
• Discuss and possible vote on the FY27 Fee Schedule
• Receive and discuss audit review for the district
• Presentation on Regional School Climate Data Collection & Analysis Plan
• Discussion of MSBA Project Funding

Joint meeting of Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 - POSTPONED from 6/10/26, Hybrid Meeting

This joint meeting of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees and Union 26, postponed from June 10, will vote on appointing a Director of Student Services and on multiple policies (second read). They will also discuss a Student Bill of Rights and receive the superintendent's evaluation artifacts. The meeting includes public comment, consent agenda items, and a possible executive session.

• Vote to appoint Director of Student Services
• Second read and potential vote on 15 policies including Drug-Free Workplace, Professional Staff Salary Schedules, Background Checks, and Physical Restraint and Behavior Support (JKAA)
• Discussion of Student Bill of Rights
• Presentation of SY25-26 Superintendent's Artifacts (evaluation materials)
• Consent agenda: approve minutes, warrants, gifts/donations

Amherst School Committee, Hybrid Meeting

The Amherst School Committee will discuss and take action on the FY27 budget, including a 3.85% spending scenario and potential restorations. They will also vote on relinquishing Wildwood Elementary School to the town starting Fall 2027. Other items include a funding request for Crocker Farm playground, an update on the Caminantes Dual Language Program, and a review of the i-Ready program.

• FY27 budget discussion with 3.85% scenario and restoration options
• Action to relinquish Wildwood Elementary School to town starting Fall 2027
• CPAC funding request for Crocker Farm playground replacement or renovation
• Caminantes Dual Language Program overview and possible working group reconvening
• i-Ready program update including screen time and privacy concerns

Regional Budget & Audit Subcommittee

The Regional Budget & Audit Subcommittee will discuss athletics program data and proposed revisions to the fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting also includes public comment, approval of prior minutes, and future agenda planning.

• Review athletics program data (discussion)
• Discuss revisions to fee schedule (discussion)
• Public comment on budget or audit matters
• Approve minutes from previous meeting

The subcommittee reviewed athletics cost data and recommended a 2% increase in athletics fees to the full Regional School Committee, but did not approve a final fee schedule. They also recommended a new $5 fee for transcripts requested by former students, with no increase for current students. No public comment was received, and the minutes from May 15 were approved 3-0.

• Approved minutes of May 15 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended 2% increase in athletics fees to full Regional School Committee
• Recommended new $5 fee for transcripts for former students, no increase for current students
• Agreed to begin in-depth exploration of budget expense categories

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Joint with Union 26

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 will hold a joint meeting. The committee plans to enter executive session to discuss negotiations with Superintendent Dr. E Xiomara Herman, with no intent to return to open session. The meeting also includes reorganization of Union 26.

• Executive session for contract negotiations with Superintendent Dr. E Xiomara Herman
• Reorganization of Union 26
• No return to open session planned after executive session

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 held a joint open session on June 10, 2026. After opening, both bodies unanimously voted to enter executive session for collective bargaining with the superintendent, with no intent to return to open session. No other substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for negotiations with Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman (unanimous)
• Union 26 approved same motion to enter executive session (unanimous)

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will hold an in-person meeting at the ARHS Library on June 9, 2026. The agenda includes routine procedural items such as opening, public comment, and closing, as well as discussions on subcommittee assignments, professional leave adjustments, draft student handbooks, annual goals, and the Special Education Advisory Council’s report. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Review of draft student handbooks for ARMS and high school (2026-27)
• Discussion of School Committee Goals & Objectives for SY26-27
• Presentation of SEAC Annual Report
• Request for Approval to Adjust Professional Leave
• Approval of minutes and consent agenda items (warrants, gifts/donations)

The Committee elected William Sherr as chair and Bridget Hynes as vice chair for the upcoming year. Subcommittee assignments were reviewed and updated, and a request to adjust an approved professional leave was discussed but not voted on, with the superintendent to bring back a revised proposal.

• Elected William Sherr as RSC chair (6-3)
• Elected Bridget Hynes as RSC vice chair (6-3)
• Approved subcommittee assignments as reviewed
• Tabled professional leave adjustment request; superintendent to bring revised proposal

Joint Policy Subcommittee ARPS

The Joint Policy Subcommittee of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District will discuss edits to 12 personnel policies after first readings, including recruiting, hiring, background checks, and salary schedules. They will also discuss policies JKAA, KB, BEEA, BEC, JICFB, and JICFC. The meeting includes public comment and planning for future items.

• Review of 12 personnel policies: GCE, GCF, GDA, ADDA, ADDA-R, GBGE, GCG, GCIA, GDB, GBEC, GCA, GCBA, GCBC
• Discussion of Policy JKAA (draft submitted 2/23 and 2nd draft 3/21/26)
• Discussion of Policy KB (with update suggestion)
• Discussion of Policy BEEA
• Discussion of Policy BEC

Amherst School Committee, Virtual Meeting

The Amherst School Committee will open with a call to order and enter executive session to discuss real-estate negotiations for Chestnut Street Academy and collective-bargaining strategy with APEA/JKAA. No substantive decisions are scheduled; the meeting is expected to adjourn after the closed portion.

Pelham School Committee

The Pelham School Committee will discuss the Superintendent's presentation on the Pelham Elementary Program Review, including behavioral data, learning updates, and next steps. The committee will also review the student handbook and receive updates on the Pelham Elementary School Futures Committee and a recent State of the Districts Summit.

• Superintendent's presentation on Pelham Program Review with behavioral data and learning updates
• Review of Pelham Student Handbook for 2025-2026
• Update on Pelham Elementary School Futures Committee
• Discussion of school committee goals
• Warrant report and approval of minutes on consent agenda

Joint Policy Subcommittee ARPS Stakeholder Feedback Session on Draft Policy JKAA (STAFF)

The Joint Policy Subcommittee of the Amherst Regional Public Schools is holding a stakeholder feedback session on proposed revisions to draft Policy JKAA. The meeting will include a review of the policy language, staff feedback and discussion, and public comment. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Review of proposed revisions to draft Policy JKAA
• Staff feedback and discussion on the draft policy
• Identification of themes and potential revisions for further consideration
• Public comment period

Joint Policy Subcommittee ARPS Stakeholder Feedback Session on Draft Policy JKAA (Caregivers/Parents/Guardians)

The ARPS Joint Policy Subcommittee is holding a stakeholder feedback session on draft Policy JKAA (Caregivers/Parents/Guardians). The meeting is intended to gather comments from caregivers, parents, and guardians on proposed policy language and implementation, not to discuss individual student matters. The subcommittee will then review feedback and identify possible revisions for future consideration.

• Stakeholder feedback session on draft Policy JKAA (Caregivers/Parents/Guardians)
• Review of proposed policy language and implementation considerations
• Public comment opportunity for caregivers/parents/guardians
• Subcommittee discussion to identify potential revisions

School Equity Advisory Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District's School Equity Advisory Committee is meeting in person at Groff Park. The agenda includes planning a community building event/student celebration, discussing caregiver concerns, and future event planning. The meeting will also approve minutes and plan future agendas.

• Community Building Event / Student Celebration (information item)
• Caregiver Concerns discussion
• Future Event Planning
• Approve Minutes
• Future Agenda Planning

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will discuss and vote on several items, including accepting a gift from the ARHS Cross Country Fund, approving the SY26-27 fee schedule, and a pilot advanced Spanish course at ARMS. The committee will also review the third-quarter budget update, student handbooks for next year, and set goals for the upcoming school year. The meeting opens with public comment and an executive session on collective bargaining.

• Vote to accept a gift from the ARHS Cross Country Fund
• Vote to approve the SY26-27 fee schedule
• Presentation and vote on an ARMS Advanced Spanish Course Pilot
• Review of the 3Q26 budget update
• Discussion of school committee goals and objectives for SY26-27

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining (APEA Stipends) or litigation. The committee also received updates on hiring for Student Support Services Director and High School Principal, regional school choice, and the iReady lawsuit. No substantive decisions were made in open session; the meeting was largely procedural and informational.

• Entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy (unanimous roll call vote)