Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, MA

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Committee will meet to accept routine reports, approve donations totaling $8,835, and vote on purchasing a $75,000 chipper funded by tuition revenue. Members will also authorize five-year copier lease agreements and approve several job descriptions including school bus driver and bilingual family liaison.

• Accept donations: Carpentry ($3,500), SkillsUSA ($225), Field/Farm/Grounds ($860), Delivery ($2,000)
• Approve $75,000 chipper purchase for Capital Planning Subcommittee
• Authorize five-year copier lease agreements for FY27
• Approve job descriptions: School Bus Driver, Bilingual Family Liaison, Assistant Head Coach, Head Coach
• Approve FY26-FY27 School Committee/Subcommittee meeting calendar

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore School Committee will vote on accepting three grants totaling over $1 million, awarding a school bus transportation contract, and approving changes to the 2026-2027 student handbook attendance policy. The meeting also includes routine approvals of warrants, minutes, and the treasurer's report, as well as discussion of a veterinary clinic lease and summer projects.

• Acceptance of grants: LRIG New England Marsha Paul Education Grant ($2,500), MassCEC Climate-Critical Workforce Training Grant ($800,000), and Anonymous ($200,000)
• Award of Bid 2027-01 for school bus transportation to Salter Transportation, Inc. at an estimated annual cost of $307,700
• Approval of changes to the 2026-2027 Handbook Attendance Policy
• Approval of an out-of-state/overnight field trip for the Spring Track & Field team to Nike Nationals (June 16-22, 2026)
• Award of RFP 2026-05 for lease and management of the veterinary clinic to Bob Tapscott, BP Vet, Inc.

Personnel Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Personnel Subcommittee will meet to approve the April 9, 2026 meeting minutes and four new job descriptions. The meeting will also receive updates on new hires, resignations, and retirements.

• Approve April 9, 2026 tentative meeting minutes
• Approve School Bus Driver job description
• Approve Bilingual Family Liaison job description
• Approve Assistant Head Coach job description
• Approve Head Coach job description

Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Finance Subcommittee will consider accepting over $1 million in grants and donations, including an $800,000 MassCEC workforce training grant. They will also vote on awarding a $307,700 school bus transportation contract to Salter Transportation and a veterinary clinic lease to Bob Tapscott. Other items include approving April 2026 financial statements and the FY 2025 student activity account report.

• Accept $800,000 MassCEC Climate-Critical Workforce Training Grant
• Award RFP for lease and management of veterinary clinic to Bob Tapscott, BP Vet, Inc.
• Award school bus transportation bid to Salter Transportation for $307,700 annually
• Accept $2,500 LRIG Education Grant and $200,000 anonymous donation
• Review FY 2027 budget update and summer projects

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore School Committee will vote on changing the funding source for the 598 Maple Street project from HUD to capital operating funds due to a required second environmental review. The committee will also consider accepting grants, donations, and scholarships, approving field trips, and setting the FY 2027 agricultural tuition rate.

• Vote to change funding source for 598 Maple Street from HUD to capital operating budget
• Acceptance of $1,111.11 grant from Christina Frei Fund
• Donations totaling $4,261.16 for Biotechnology, Culinary Arts, and Automotive Technology
• Scholarship donations: CVS $6,000 and North Shore Garden Club $500
• Out-of-state field trips to New England Dragway, Coppal House Farm, and SkillsUSA National Conference

Admissions Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District's Admissions Subcommittee is meeting to discuss an update on anticipated enrollment for 2030 and information on 2029 Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) placements. The committee will also vote to approve the minutes from its April 2, 2026 meeting.

• 2030 Anticipated Enrollment Update (discussion)
• 2029 CTAE Placement (information item)
• Approval of April 2, 2026 meeting minutes

Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District Finance Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and take action on several financial items. Key decisions include recommending the purchase of 598 Maple Street for $915,000 and allocating $50,000 to support the Angell Veterinary Clinic. The subcommittee will also accept grants and donations, review financial reports, and approve funding for the Marine Corps ROTC program.

• Recommend purchase of 598 Maple Street for $915,000, funded by stabilization ($150,000), Ch. 74 tuition ($315,000), and capital operating budget ($450,000)
• Allocate $50,000 from Ch 74 Tuition Revolving Fund to support MSPCA Angell Animal Clinic through June 30, 2026
• Accept grants: Christina Frei Fund ($1,111.11)
• Accept donations: Biotechnology ($621.16), Culinary Arts ($20.00), Automotive Technology ($3,620.00)
• Accept scholarship donations: CVS ($6,000 for 6 scholarships), North Shore Garden Club of MA ($500)

The Finance Subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the purchase of 598 Maple Street for $915,000, funded from stabilization, Chapter 74 tuition, and the capital operating budget. They also approved several grants, donations, and financial reports, and allocated $50,000 to support the Angell Veterinary Clinic through June 30, 2026. All votes were unanimous with no opposition.

• Approved purchase of 598 Maple Street for $915,000 (unanimous)
• Accepted grants totaling $1,111.11 from Christina Frei Fund (unanimous)
• Accepted donations totaling $4,241.16 from Biotechnology, Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology (unanimous)
• Accepted scholarship donations of $6,000 from CVS and $500 from North Shore Garden Club (unanimous)
• Accepted March 2026 financial reports and placed on file for audit (unanimous)
• Approved recommended changes for Student Activities account (unanimous)
• Allocated $50,000 from Chapter 74 Tuition Revolving Fund to Angell Veterinary Clinic (unanimous)
• Approved funding sources for Marine Corps ROTC program (50% Instructional Retirement, 50% Chapter 74) (unanimous)

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore School Committee will vote on several financial items including a 5-year bus lease for $321,316.45, moving $395,386 in excess funds to capital projects, and accepting a $15,000 grant. They will also consider approving the 2026-2027 employee and student handbooks, field trips, and a decision not to participate in school choice for the upcoming year.

• 5-year lease purchase agreement for two 2026 77-passenger diesel buses at $64,263.29 annually ($321,316.45 total)
• Move $395,386 in excess and deficiency funds to Capital Projects for infrastructure
• Approve 2026-2027 Employee Handbook and Student Handbook
• Vote on not participating in school choice for 2026-2027 school year
• Approve overnight/out-of-state field trips for DECA (Atlanta, GA) and SkillsUSA (Marlborough, MA)

The committee approved a 5-year lease for two buses at $64,263.29 annually, moved $395,386 in excess funds to capital projects, and accepted a new Marine Corps ROTC elective program. Several field trips and grants were also approved. The committee discussed but did not vote on a $50,000 bleacher purchase, deferring it to a subcommittee meeting.

• Approved 5-year bus lease for 2 diesel buses at $64,263.29/year (unanimous)
• Moved $395,386 excess and deficiency funds to capital projects (unanimous)
• Approved district not participating in school choice for 2026-2027 (unanimous)
• Accepted $15,000 Dirty Hands Project grant (unanimous)
• Approved overnight DECA field trip to Atlanta, GA (unanimous)
• Approved out-of-state Automotive Program trip to New England Dragway (unanimous)
• Approved overnight SkillsUSA state competition trip (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-2027 Employee and Student Handbooks (unanimous)

Personnel Subcommittee Meeting

The Personnel Subcommittee of the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District will meet to approve meeting minutes and receive updates on new hires, resignations, retirements, and discharges. No votes on policy or budget are scheduled.

• Approve February 12, 2026 Personnel Subcommittee meeting minutes
• Review list of new hires as of April 9, 2026
• Review list of resignations, retirements, and discharges

Alternative Energy Sources Subcommittee Meeting

The Alternative Energy Sources Subcommittee will meet to discuss the biodigester project and consider approving minutes from the December 2025 meeting. No votes on the biodigester are scheduled; it is listed as a discussion item.

• Discussion of the Biodigester Project
• Approval of December 11, 2025 meeting minutes

Admissions Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Admissions Subcommittee will meet to receive an update on admissions for the Class of 2030 and discuss partnership admissions. The meeting also includes approval of the March 5, 2026 meeting minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Class of 2030 Admissions Update
• Partnership Admissions discussion
• Approval of March 5, 2026 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for May 7, 2026

The subcommittee received an update on Class of 2030 admissions, with current enrollment at 546 students against a 560-seat capacity. Officials discussed special education trends, resource needs, and potential mid-year budget reallocations. No formal votes were taken on admissions policy; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved March 5, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:08 AM (unanimous)

Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Finance Subcommittee will vote on a five-year bus lease for two new buses costing $321,316.45, and on moving $395,386 in excess and deficiency funds to capital projects. They will also consider accepting grants and donations, approving financial reports, and recommending the district not participate in school choice for 2026-2027.

• 5-year lease purchase for two 2026 77-passenger diesel buses at $64,263.29/year ($321,316.45 total)
• Transfer of $395,386 in excess and deficiency funds to Capital Projects for infrastructure
• Recommendation not to participate in school choice for 2026-2027 school year
• Acceptance of $15,000 Dirty Hands Project grant and $939 in donations (Dental Assisting, Cosmetology)
• Purchase of two sets of permanent bleachers for up to $50,000 from rental revolving fund

The Finance Subcommittee approved a 5-year lease for two diesel buses at $64,263 annually, moved $395,386 in excess funds to capital projects, and voted not to participate in School Choice for 2026-2027. They also accepted grants and donations, approved a prior-year invoice, and authorized up to $50,000 for permanent bleachers. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 5-year lease for two 77-passenger diesel buses at $64,263/year (unanimous)
• Moved $395,386 in excess and deficiency funds to Capital Projects for infrastructure (unanimous)
• Approved not participating in School Choice for 2026-2027 (unanimous)
• Accepted $15,000 Dirty Hands Project grant for Ty's Trail (unanimous)
• Accepted $709 dental assisting and $230 cosmetology donations (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $496.16 to Town of Saugus Police for prior-year detail work (unanimous)
• Accepted FY2025 audit reports (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two sets of permanent bleachers up to $50,000 from Rental Revolving Fund (unanimous)

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District Policy Subcommittee will meet to consider approving the 2026-2027 Employee Handbook, Student Handbook, and Program of Studies. The subcommittee will also discuss a proposed bylaw amendment to include weighted votes for agricultural non-member community students and review a residency protocol.

• Approve 2026-2027 Employee Handbook
• Approve 2026-2027 Student Handbook
• Approve 2026-2027 Program of Studies
• Recommend approval of bylaw amendment to include weighted votes for agricultural non-member community students
• Discussion of residency protocol

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore School Committee will hold a public hearing and roll-call vote to finalize the preliminary FY2026-2027 budget. The committee will also vote on accepting over $328,000 in grants, approving several out-of-state field trips, and adopting new job descriptions for groundskeeper and academic teacher. Routine items include the treasurer's report, warrants, and meeting minutes.

• Public hearing and roll-call vote to finalize the preliminary FY2026-2027 budget
• Acceptance of grants totaling $328,717.57 (GE/AMTEP $134,553.68, MHNSWB $90,964.89, Financial Education Innovation Fund $3,200, CTE Frameworks $75,000, CTE Partnership $25,000)
• Approval of out-of-state field trips: Natural & Environmental Sciences to Nashua, NH (4/9); Drama Club to New York, NY (4/24-25); Camp Sunshine in Casco, ME (7/13-17); Engineering Interns for reclaimed wood
• Approval of Groundskeeper and Academic Teacher job descriptions
• Statement of Interest vote to allow submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)

Admissions Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Admissions Subcommittee will meet to discuss updates on admissions for the Class of 2030 and transfer admissions, as well as a residency review procedure. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Approval of February 5, 2026 meeting minutes
• Class of 2030 admissions update
• Residency review procedure discussion
• Transfer admissions update

Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Finance Subcommittee will consider approving minutes, accepting multiple grants totaling $328,718.57 and a $900 donation, and voting on a Statement of Interest to submit to the MSBA. They will also discuss financial statements for January 2026 and receive an update on 598 Maple Street.

• Acceptance of GE/AMTEP grant for $134,553.68
• Acceptance of MHNSWB grant for $90,964.89
• Acceptance of CTE Frameworks grant for $75,000
• Acceptance of Automotive Technology donation for $900
• Vote to allow Superintendent-Director to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Committee meets to discuss routine items including approval of meeting minutes and treasurer’s report, and to vote on the FY 2027 preliminary budget of $43,134,188. The committee will also consider purchasing the property at 598 Maple Street in Danvers for up to $1,000,000 for transportation, facilities, and office space. Several out-of-state field trips for student programs are on the agenda for approval.

• Vote to approve FY 2027 preliminary budget: $43,134,188
• Vote to purchase 598 Maple Street, Danvers for $1,000,000 for transportation/facilities use
• Accept donations: MIT Cambridge Real Estate, LLC - $20,000; Cosmetology Products - $3,000
• Vote to approve out-of-state field trips for Livestock Showing group (3/5-3/6), DECA (3/12-3/14), Arboriculture Program (3/17), and Ski & Snowboard Club (3/21)
• Approve Superintendent-Director’s Mid-cycle Review

Personnel Subcommittee Meeting

The Personnel Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes from November 2025, receive updates on new hires and resignations/retirements/discharges, and vote on job descriptions for a Groundskeeper and an Academic Teacher. A memo on district substitute compensation and data will also be presented for information.

• Approve November 12, 2025, Personnel Subcommittee meeting minutes
• Review list of new hires as of February 26, 2026
• Review resignations, retirements, and discharges
• Vote to approve Groundskeeper job description
• Vote to approve Academic Teacher job description

Special Policy Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District's Special Policy Subcommittee will meet on February 10, 2026. The main action item is a vote to recommend approval of updated bylaws to the full school committee.

• Vote to recommend approval of updated bylaws

Admissions Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Admissions Subcommittee will meet to discuss the ENSATS Live Lottery and consider approving the January 22, 2026 meeting minutes. The meeting is largely procedural, with no votes on specific admissions policies or dollar amounts listed.

• Discussion of ENSATS Live Lottery
• Approval of January 22, 2026 meeting minutes

Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Finance Subcommittee will consider recommending approval of a $43.1 million preliminary budget for FY2027 and a $1 million property purchase at 598 Maple Street for transportation and facilities. They will also vote on accepting two donations totaling $23,000 and approving the December 2025 meeting minutes. No changes are proposed to the student activity procedures manual.

• Recommend approval of FY2027 preliminary budget for $43,134,188
• Authorize purchase of 598 Maple Street, Danvers for up to $1,000,000 (funded by HUD grant, Foundation donation, and Ch 74 tuition)
• Accept $20,000 donation from MIT Cambridge Real Estate, LLC
• Accept $3,000 donation of cosmetology products
• Approve December 2025 financial statements and student activity report

Special Admissions Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School's Special Admissions Subcommittee will meet to vote on a recommendation for the FY25-26 admissions allocation. The subcommittee will choose between three proposals for distributing seats among member communities. The administration recommends Proposal 3, which sets minimum targets based on each community's Grade 8 population, and proposes capping total Grade 9 enrollment at 427 students for three years. The subcommittee will also vote to approve minutes from its January 20, 2026 meeting.

• Vote on recommendation for Admissions Allocation Procedure for the Class of 2030 (Proposal 3 recommended).
• Proposal 3 sets community minimums based on Grade 8 population, with a total of 427 seats.
• Proposal 1 sets minimums on three-year historical enrollment; Proposal 2 sets maximums on K-12 population.
• Administration recommends capping Grade 9 enrollment at 427 students for the next three years.
• Approval of January 20, 2026 Admissions Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.

School Committee Meeting

The Essex North Shore School Committee will vote on a new Admissions Allocation Procedure for the 2025-2026 school year. The Superintendent recommends Proposal 3, which sets community minimums based on each community's Grade 8 population, and proposes capping Grade 9 enrollment at 427 students for three years. The committee will also elect officers, appoint a treasurer and recording secretary, and accept grants and donations.

• Vote on Admissions Allocation Procedure with three proposals; Superintendent recommends Proposal 3 based on Grade 8 population
• Proposal to cap Grade 9 enrollment at 427 students for three years
• Election of School Committee Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary
• Acceptance of grants totaling $5,000 and donations valued at $46,799
• Approval of out-of-state field trips for FFA Horse Evaluation Team (Salt Lake City) and Ski and Snowboard Club (New Hampshire)

Admissions Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Admissions Subcommittee will meet to discuss proposed changes to admissions allocation procedures for FY25-26, including agricultural seat allocation and a live lottery procedure update. The group will also approve prior meeting minutes and hear updates from local superintendents and mayors.

• Approval of December 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of proposed admissions allocation procedure based on school-aged children report
• Update on live lottery procedure from Director Goldstein
• Review of DESE letter regarding agricultural admissions at ENSATS

Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Finance Subcommittee will consider accepting a $5,000 grant and $46,249 in donations, including a $20,000 donation from Douglas Drane. They will also vote on a $280 prior-year invoice for a substitute nurse and recommend purchasing a Temco T-5 washer cabinet ($12,500) and a vertical bandsaw ($13,000) for the metals department. Additionally, they will receive a geothermal project update and discuss the 2027 budget.

• Accept $5,000 grant from ECCF/Toby E. Claus Charitable Family Foundation
• Accept donations totaling $46,249 including $20,000 from Douglas Drane
• Approve $280 payment to a substitute nurse from March 2025
• Recommend purchase of Temco T-5 washer cabinet for $12,500 and vertical bandsaw for $13,000
• Discussion of FY 2027 budget update