Butler Elementary Principal Search
The search for a permanent principal at Butler Elementary School is continuing, said Superintendent Jill Geiser. After not selecting a finalist from the initial pool of applicants, the school’s screening committee reposted the position.
Beth Nolan has been serving as the interim Butler principal since July, with her contract set to expire on June 30.
Prior to Nolan’s appointment by Superintendent Jill Geiser, the district conducted a search for a permanent principal. However, after one finalist withdrew from consideration in early July, the district pivoted to an interim position.
Chenery Improvement Plan
Chenery Upper Elementary School Principal Laura Smith presented the school’s annual improvement plan and handbook to the School Committee for approval.
The plan used school data, parent feedback, and other sources to create goals and guidelines for administrators and educators for the 2026-27 school year. The goals focus on academic excellence and equity, social-emotional well-being, and family and community communication, said Smith.
School Climate Survey
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) Director Darnell Thigpen Williams presented an update on the district’s School Climate Survey, along with several members of the survey committee.
According to Superintendent Jill Geiser, the survey is still in the pilot phase, meaning it was administered to a smaller sample of students who provided feedback on potential questions and wording. The full survey is expected to be implemented next year and will measure students’ experience in school, from the social environment to equity and fairness in learning. The survey is expected to be done annually to inform school improvements and professional development.
“I think this will lead to a continuous improvement cycle,” Williams said.
Electronics Policy
The School Committee unanimously voted to adopt a district-wide electronics policy.
The policy states that school restrictions on devices will be based on the policies outlined in each school’s handbook. The committee also considered another version of the policy, which would have iimposed stricter restrictions on where students could have their electronic devices during the day. The alternate version was voted down 4-2.
The policy applies to all personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and gaming devices. Students who have a disability or medical condition that requires a phone or other personal electronic device may have an accommodation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, or health plan, according to the policy.
Town Meeting Warrant
The School Committee voted unanimously for “unfavorable action” on Town Meeting warrant article 17. The article calls for increasing the base amount on which an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) can be granted to eligible retirees and beneficiaries of the Belmont Retirement System.
Committee members cited concerns about fiscal responsibility and the viability of the pension system as a whole as the primary reason for not supporting the article.
The Select Board also voted against supporting the article.
