Amherst-Pelham Regional School District public meetings in 2021
30 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is reviewing new course proposals for ARHS and receiving an update on ESSER III funds usage. The committee will also discuss policy reviews regarding administrative structure and translation services.
- Approval of new courses at ARHS
- ESSER III funds spending update
- Review of policies CC (Administrative Structure) and CI (Filling Administrative Vacancies)
- Consideration of new policy IHBEB on translation and interpretation services
- Discussion regarding Land Acknowledgment presentation
Negotiating Subcommittee of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Negotiating Subcommittee of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting to enter executive session for collective bargaining with three employee units (teachers, clerical staff, and paraeducators). The subcommittee will discuss strategy and conduct negotiations behind closed doors, with no return to open session planned. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, executive session, and adjournment.
- Executive session under G.L. c. 30A, Section 21(a)(2) and (3) for collective bargaining
- Bargaining with Amherst-Pelham Education Association Unit A (Teachers)
- Bargaining with Amherst-Pelham Education Association Unit B (Clerical employees)
- Bargaining with Amherst-Pelham Education Association Unit C (Paraeducators)
- No return to open session after executive session
Regional School Committee Meeting/Budget Forum
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is holding a budget forum for fiscal year 2023. The meeting includes a presentation on the budget and public comments, followed by adjournment. No votes on the budget are scheduled.
- Presentation on FY23 Regional Budget
- Budget Basics FAQ document attached
- Public comments period
- Motion to adjourn
School Equity Advisory Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District's School Equity Advisory Committee is meeting virtually to approve minutes from November 17, 2021, and to receive updates on equity initiatives, restorative justice, and School Committee activities. The committee will also discuss its goals and future agenda items. The agenda includes procedural items and information updates, with a focus on aligning committee goals with measurable outcomes.
- Approve minutes of November 17, 2021
- Equity update
- Restorative Justice update
- School Committee update
- Discussion of goals and next steps
Pelham School Committee
The Pelham School Committee met virtually on December 15, 2021, and approved a motion not to open the preschool in fiscal year 2023. The committee also discussed updates on ESSER spending, the 6th grade move to ARMS, and other business. The meeting included public comment and approval of prior minutes.
- Motion approved not to open the preschool in FY23
- ESSER III funds spending update presented
- 6th grade move to ARMS update: review of educational program and financial implications
- Discussion of gym rental for school space
- Principal search and capital planning updates
Amherst School Committee
The Amherst School Committee is meeting to discuss and act on several items, including a request from the Amherst Town Council to negotiate a new regional agreement, an update on the school building project, and a discussion on moving 6th grade to ARMS. The committee will also receive reports on safety, ESSER funding, class sizes, and warrants, and will vote on accepting gifts.
- Discussion on negotiating a new regional agreement per Amherst Town Council request
- Joint update with School Building Committee on Fort River project
- Discussion of 6th grade move to ARMS process
- Report on ESSER III funding plan
- Class size report for Fall 2021
POSTPONED 4 Towns Meeting & Special Meeting of the Regional School Committee & Amherst School Committee
The Regional School Committee and Amherst School Committee will hold a special meeting to review preliminary FY23 revenue and expense projections. The committees will also receive information regarding assessment method options and the preliminary FY23 capital plan proposal.
- Preliminary FY23 revenue and expense projections
- Assessment method options
- Preliminary FY23 capital plan proposal and related debt
Amherst School Committee Meeting/Budget Forum
The Amherst School Committee is meeting virtually for a budget forum focused on the FY23 budget of the Amherst Public Schools. The agenda includes a brief presentation on the budget followed by public comment, and concludes with a motion to adjourn. The meeting is primarily informational and procedural, with no votes on budget items scheduled.
- Presentation and public comment on the FY23 Amherst Public Schools budget
- Attachments include Budget Basics FAQ and FY23 Budget Forum presentation
- Motion to adjourn (approved)
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Meeting
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting to take action on several items, including approving a one-year extension of the APAA contract with a 1% cost-of-living increase, approving the 2022-2023 school calendar, and setting a timeline for implementing the staff vaccine mandate. The committee will also discuss the FY23 budget, enrollment updates, and the reorganization of the School Equity Task Force. Public comments are accepted via email or voicemail by 3:00 PM on December 7, 2021.
- Approved 1-year APAA contract extension for 2021-2022 with 1% cost-of-living increase
- Approved 2022-2023 school calendar
- Set timeline for staff vaccine mandate implementation (Policy GBEF)
- Discussed FY23 budget next steps after 4-town meeting
- Approved high school student handbook
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss several policy reviews, including administrative structure and vacancy procedures. The committee will also review a new draft policy regarding translation and interpretation services.
- Review of Policy CC-Administrative Structure
- Review of Policy CI-Filling Administrative Vacancies
- New Policy Review: Translations and Interpretation Services
- MASC Reference Policy Review: Section D-Fiscal Policies
- Policy Manual Review 2021/22
4 Towns Meeting & Special Meeting of the Regional School Committee
The Regional School Committee is holding a 4 Towns Meeting and Special Meeting to discuss budget basics and assessment methods. The committee will also hear town-by-town reports on financial constraints and preferred assessment methods.
- Discussion of budget basics and assessment methods
- Town by town sharing of financial constraints and preferred assessment method
- Guidance for Finance Director regarding assessment methods
Pelham School Committee
The Pelham School Committee met to approve previous meeting minutes and the Superintendent's goals for the 2021-2022 school year. The committee also held discussions regarding 6th grade transition to middle school, preschool for FY23, and vaccines for students aged 5-11.
- Approval of Superintendent Goals for the 2021-2022 school year
- Discussion regarding 6th Grade to Middle School transition
- Discussion regarding Preschool in FY23
- Discussion regarding vaccines for students 5-11 years old
- Motion to accept gifts
School Equity Advisory Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District's School Equity Advisory Committee is meeting virtually. The agenda includes updates on equity, the School Committee, and restorative justice, followed by discussions on the committee's structure and goals. The meeting is largely procedural and informational, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.
- Equity update
- School Committee update
- Restorative Justice update
- Discussion of committee structure/organization
- Discussion of committee goals
Amherst School Committee
The Amherst School Committee is meeting virtually to receive updates on the school building project, safety and health, and budget reports for FY21 Q4 and FY22 Q1. They will also discuss planning for the FY23 budget and the engagement process for moving 6th grade to ARMS, and vote on superintendent goals and accepting gifts.
- Update from School Building Committee on educational plan development and timeline
- Safety & Health Updates related to COVID
- FY21 4th Quarter Budget report
- FY22 1st Quarter Budget report
- Vote to approve Superintendent goals for 2021-2022
Joint Meeting of the Town Council, Finance Committee, School Committee, and Library Trustees
This is a joint special meeting of the Town Council, Finance Committee, School Committee, and Library Trustees. The main item is a presentation and discussion of updated financial indicators. No public comment will be taken, and the meeting is expected to adjourn after the discussion.
- Update on financial indicators (presentation and discussion)
- No public comment at this special meeting
- Vote to adjourn
Copy of Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting virtually to consider entering executive session for collective bargaining and litigation strategy with APEA, and to approve minutes. The agenda also includes public comments, superintendent and chair updates, future agenda planning, a warrant report, and accepting gifts. Most items are procedural or informational.
- Motion to convene into executive session for collective bargaining and APEA litigation strategy
- Public comments accepted via email, voicemail, or text by 3:00 PM
- Motion to approve minutes
- Warrant report
- Motion to accept gifts
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting virtually to discuss renewing ARHS accreditation through NEASC, review FY21 Q4 and FY22 Q1 budget actuals, and plan the FY23 budget process. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes, accepting gifts, and public comments.
- Discussion of NEASC accreditation renewal for ARHS
- Review of FY2020/2021 Q4 budget actuals
- Review of FY2021/2022 Q1 budget actuals
- Discussion of proposed FY23 budget development process
- Motion to accept gifts (approved)
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee met to vote on several district items. The committee approved moving 6th grade students to Amherst Regional Middle School starting in 2023 and ratified the UFCW contract.
- Approved 6th grade students to attend ARMS in Fall 2023
- Approved Superintendent Goals for the 2021-2022 school year
- Ratified the UFCW contract
- Approved acceptance of district gifts
- Approved October 12, 2021 meeting minutes
SETF
The Social-Emotional Task Force (SETF) of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District is meeting virtually to discuss ongoing business, including updates on restorative justice, working groups (website, newsletter, racial equity audit), and a retreat date. The agenda is largely procedural and informational, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
- Restorative Justice Update
- Working Groups: Website, Newsletter, Racial Equity Audit
- Retreat Date discussion
- Food Menu and Petition discussion
- Future Agenda Items
Pelham School Committee
The Pelham School Committee will review the FY21 fourth quarter and FY22 first quarter budget reports. The committee will also discuss updates regarding the 6th grade move to ARMS and the Superintendent's goals for 2021-2022.
- Review of FY21 4th Quarter Budget Report
- Review of FY22 1st Quarter Budget Report
- Discussion on 6th Grade Move to ARMS Update
- Discussion on Superintendent Goals 2021-2022
- Motion to accept gifts
Budget Subcommittee Meeting
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Budget Subcommittee is meeting to discuss developing a Frequently Asked Questions document about the budget process, and to plan schedules and topics for four town meetings and public forums related to the FY23 budget. The meeting is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no votes on specific budget amounts or contracts.
- Develop a FAQ document on the budget and budget process
- Schedule and agenda topics for 4 Towns Meetings for FY23
- Schedule and agenda topics for Public Forums for FY23
- Discussion of topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance
- Motion to adjourn
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
The Policy Subcommittee of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee will meet virtually to approve minutes from September 20, 2021, and discuss the review of the district policy manual, planning which policies to propose for updates. The meeting is largely procedural and discussion-focused, with no specific policy changes or votes listed on the agenda.
- Approve minutes of September 20, 2021
- Discuss review of District policy manual and plan for proposing policy updates
- Future meeting and agenda planning
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting to consider several action items, including a possible vote to allow 6th grade students to attend Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) in Fall 2023, subject to a future space rental agreement. The committee will also discuss COVID-19 pooled testing with National Guard support, the budget process, superintendent goals, the 2022-2023 school calendar, and approve a vendor policy and gifts. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and public comments.
- Possible vote to approve 6th grade students attending ARMS in Fall 2023
- Discussion of pooled COVID testing and Massachusetts National Guard support
- Discussion of 2022-2023 school year calendar (Sept. 1 start draft)
- Vote to approve vendor policy (2nd read)
- Motion to accept gifts
Amherst School Committee
The Amherst School Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on moving 6th grade students to Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) starting in the 2023-2024 school year, pending approval by the regional committee. The committee also reviews updates on safety, health, budget development, and superintendent goals, and accepts gifts.
- Vote to move 6th grade to ARMS for 2023-24 (approved 4-0)
- Discussion of budget development process
- Review of superintendent goals for 2021-2022
- Safety and health updates
- Acceptance of gifts
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on COVID-19 vaccine requirements. They approved a motion to mandate the vaccine for all staff, and discussed a timeline for adding the vaccine to student requirements. The agenda also includes updates on a possible 6th grade move to ARMS, superintendent goals, and a new vendor diversity policy.
- Vote to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for all staff (approved)
- Discussion on timeline for adding COVID-19 vaccination to student required vaccines
- Informational update on possible 6th grade move to ARMS
- 1st read of Diversity of Vendors Policy
- Motion to accept gifts
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on several items, including a possible COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all staff, contract extensions for the APEA and UFCW unions, and guidance for superintendent goals. The committee will also hear public comments and accept gifts.
- Possible vote to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for all staff
- Vote to extend APEA contract for another year
- Vote to extend UFCW contract
- Discussion on student vaccine mandate timeline
- Motion to accept gifts
Amherst School Committee Meetings
The Amherst School Committee is meeting virtually to discuss a possible move of 6th grade students to Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS), including a presentation and public forum. The committee will also review superintendent goals, enrollment data, and accept gifts. The meeting includes routine procedural items like approving minutes and adjourning.
- Presentation and forum on possible 6th grade move to ARMS
- Discussion of superintendent goals for 2021-22 school year
- Review of student enrollment data including Caminantes program
- Motion to accept gifts (AMH gifts previously sent, new gifts, and grant)
- Approval of minutes from August 31, 2021
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss two draft policies: one on COVID-19 vaccines for staff and another on contracting with vendors committed to cultural diversity. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from May and June 2021 and planning for future meetings.
- Discussion of draft policy on COVID-19 vaccines for staff
- Discussion of draft policy on contracting with vendors committed to cultural diversity
- Approve minutes of May 27, 2021 and June 14, 2021
Pelham School Committee
The Pelham School Committee is meeting to consider a possible vote to mandate the COVID vaccine for all staff, along with other business. They will also discuss a possible 6th grade move to ARMS, technology at Pelham School, and decide on in-person or remote future meetings. The agenda includes procedural items like approving minutes and accepting gifts.
- Possible vote to mandate COVID vaccine for all staff
- Discussion of possible 6th grade move to ARMS
- Possible vote on in-person or remote future committee meetings
- ESSER III funds presentation and stakeholder feedback
- Motion to accept gifts (approved)
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is meeting virtually to consider possible votes on COVID-19 vaccine mandates for staff and students, and to discuss updates on health and safety protocols. The agenda also includes discussions on stimulus fund spending, audit reports, the 2022-2023 budget process, and superintendent goals. The committee will also decide whether future meetings will be in-person or remote.
- Possible vote to mandate vaccine for staff
- Possible vote for vaccine mandate for students
- Update on Covid Health and Safety
- Stimulus Fund Engagement & Spending Plan (ESSER III)
- Review of Audit Reports & 2022-2023 Budget process