Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, MA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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)

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

The joint meeting of the Pelham, Amherst, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees will vote on the APEA Unit B contract for 2025-2028 and discuss district start times. They will also review superintendent goals, the strategic plan, and several policies for first and second readings. The meeting begins with executive sessions for collective bargaining strategy.

• Vote on APEA Unit B Contract 2025-2028
• Discussion of district start times
• Second read and potential vote on policies GCJ, GBEA, and BE
• First read of 15 policies including drug-free workplace, staff hiring, and parent involvement
• First read of policy JKAA on physical restraint and behavior support

Amherst School Committee, Hybrid Meeting

The Amherst School Committee will discuss and vote on relinquishing Wildwood Elementary School to the Town starting Fall 2027. Other action items include approving gifts, reviewing school choice, and discussing the ASC Finance Committee. The committee will also receive updates on the K-6 restructuring, student safety "Blue Rooms," Chestnut Street Academy integration, and school start times.

• Vote to relinquish Wildwood Elementary School to the Town starting Fall 2027
• Discussion and possible action on School Choice
• Update on K-6 Restructuring
• Discussion on Student Safety and Wellbeing: "Blue Rooms"
• Discussion on Chestnut Street Academy integration (schedule, space, staffing)

The committee discussed but did not finalize decisions on two major items: whether to accept new school choice students for FY27 and whether to relinquish Wildwood Elementary School to the town. A motion to stop admitting new choice students was made but the outcome was not recorded. A motion to relinquish Wildwood by September 15 was withdrawn after a proposed amendment was rejected; the topic will be revisited on June 16. The committee accepted three gifts totaling approximately $856.30 and reviewed the Q3 financial report, noting the district is in good health.

• Accepted $856.30 in gifts: $10 to Crocker Farm Principal Discretion Fund, $300 to Wildwood Camp Scholarship Fund, $546.30 to Fort River Stop & Shop Rewards Student Activities Fund (unanimous)
• Motion to relinquish Wildwood Elementary to the Town of Amherst as of September 15 withdrawn; topic tabled to June 16 meeting
• Motion to not admit new school choice students for FY27 made; outcome not recorded in minutes
• Agreed to place reflection/blue rooms design and oversight on a future agenda for fuller discussion
• Acknowledged two Amherst Educational Foundation grants: ~$9,000 for Amethyst Brook AIMS/Building Blocks makeover, $750 for Wildwood Decodable Cosmic Books (no vote required)

Amherst School Committee Public Hearing on School Choice

The Amherst School Committee is holding a public hearing to receive community input on school choice for the 2026-27 school year. The meeting includes a public comment period where residents can speak or submit written comments. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Public hearing on school choice for the 2026-27 school year
• Public comment period with 3-minute speaking limit per person
• Comments can be submitted by email, voicemail, or text before 3:00 PM on May 19

Joint Policy Subcommittee ARPS

The Joint Policy Subcommittee of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees will meet to review and discuss multiple school district policies. Items include policies on professional teacher status, staff ethics, school committee meetings, and several others before second readings. The subcommittee will also discuss legal reviews for policies on staff recruiting, hiring, background checks, and workplace violence before first readings.

• Discuss before 2nd reads: GCJ (Professional Teacher Status), GBEA (Staff Ethics and Conflict of Interest), BE (School Committee Meetings)
• Discuss legal review before 1st reads: GCE (Professional Staff Recruiting), GCF (Professional Staff Hiring), ADDA (Background Checks), GBGE (Violence in the Workplace)
• Discuss Policy JKAA (student-related policy, draft provided)
• Discuss Policy KB (policy provided)
• Discuss Policies BEE, BEEA, BEC, JICFB, and JICFC

Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee

The Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to discuss draft goals for the superintendent for the 2026-2027 school year. The meeting will also include approval of previous minutes and planning for future meetings.

• Discuss SY26/27 Goals with a draft document attached
• Approve minutes from prior meeting
• Future meeting agenda planning

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Retreat - Districts Summit

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting for a retreat that includes a State of the Districts Summit. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed for a vote.

• State of the Districts Summit as an information item

Regional Budget & Audit Subcommittee

The Regional Budget & Audit Subcommittee will discuss the completed FY25 audit, review proposed fee schedules for FY27, and consider potential changes to the next budget book. Members will also assess whether any action by the Regional School Committee is needed on the FY27 budget. Public comment on budget or audit matters is accepted via email or during the meeting.

• Discuss FY25 audit (attached reports: SAR, GL, FS)
• Review FY27 fee schedules
• Potential changes to the next budget book
• Status of FY27 budget and any needed RSC action

The subcommittee reviewed the FY25 audit, which found no material findings but one significant deficiency in federal grant allocation. Members expressed support for hiring a grant manager to handle federal and other grants, a position that existed in the past. The committee also reviewed draft FY27 fee schedules and discussed improvements to the budget book. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes of April 13, 2026 (3-0-0)
• Discussed FY25 audit: no material findings, one significant deficiency in IDEA grant allocation
• Expressed support for hiring a grant manager position (no formal vote)
• Reviewed draft FY27 fee schedules for activities, athletics, instruments, meals (no formal vote)
• Discussed potential changes to budget book, including charts and narrative format (no formal vote)
• Noted FY27 budget approved by three towns, no further action needed

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will discuss the integration of Chestnut Street Academy into Amherst Regional Middle School, including implementation and placement. The committee will also begin updating the regional agreement, vote on a treasurer appointment, and set goals for the 2026-27 school year. A consent agenda includes approval of minutes, warrants, and gifts.

• Discussion on integration of Chestnut Street Academy into ARMS
• Start of regional agreement update conversation
• Vote to appoint Treasurer
• Setting School Committee and subcommittee goals for SY26-27
• Consent agenda: approve minutes, warrants, gifts

The Committee voted unanimously to appoint Kristen Yezierski as Treasurer, effective June 1, 2026, with a transition period through August. Members also discussed the integration of Chestnut Street Academy into Amherst Regional Middle School, hearing that the building has capacity for 145 additional students without impacting regional students. No votes were taken on the integration plan.

• Appointed Kristen Yezierski as Treasurer effective June 1, 2026 (unanimous)

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Joint with Union 26

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will meet jointly with Union 26 on May 7, 2026. The only substantive item is a vote to enter executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with Superintendent Dr. E Xiomara Herman. No other business is listed.

• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy regarding Superintendent Dr. E Xiomara Herman

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee held a joint meeting with Union 26 but took no action in open session. The only substantive action was a unanimous vote to enter executive session for collective bargaining with the superintendent. No other decisions were made.

• Entered executive session for superintendent contract negotiations (unanimous)

Amherst School Committee, Hybrid Meeting, RESCHEDULED

The Amherst School Committee will hold a hybrid meeting on May 7, 2026, to discuss and potentially vote on updates to policies regarding physical restraint and behavior support, as well as review student safety measures. The meeting includes procedural items, a review of selected policies, and discussions on seclusion room practices at local elementary schools.

• Vote on updated Physical Restraint and Behavior Support Policy JKAA (zero-use version proposed)
• Discussion of restraint/seclusion practices at Fort River Elementary and Amethyst Brook Elementary
• Review of school committee policies including nondiscrimination and powers/duties
• Approval of meeting minutes from prior sessions

The Amherst School Committee voted 4-0 to adopt a statement from SEPAC and a parent calling for a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach to special education, and to support related requests for policy and superintendent goals. The committee also reviewed seclusion room conditions at Fort River Elementary and design issues at the new Amethyst Brook school, but took no formal action on those facilities. The meeting included extensive discussion of Policy JKAA (physical restraint and seclusion) but no vote on the policy itself.

• Adopted SEPAC/Shores statement on student safety and neuroaffirming path forward (4-0)
• Supported three requests elevating neuroaffirming pedagogy to superintendent and committees (4-0)
• No action taken on Policy JKAA revision (second read only)
• No action taken on seclusion room design at Amethyst Brook (discussion only)

Pelham School Committee

The Pelham School Committee meets to discuss and vote on policy changes, receive district updates, and review personnel evaluations. Items include second readings of staff policies, a vote to relabel a fingerprinting policy, and updates on bullying prevention and the elementary school futures committee.

• Vote to relabel policy GBEB Fingerprinting to ADDA Fingerprinting
• Approve SY25-26 Superintendent Evaluation Tool
• Second readings of 11 personnel policies including staff conduct and evaluations
• Update on Bullying Prevention Implementation Plan with draft documents
• FY26 Q3 update and Superintendent's Update with attached memos