Summary

Lowell School Committee reviews FY26 financial reports, advances School Site Council policy work, and highlights Acera EI STEAM partnership

LowellMay 6, 20263 min read

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The Lowell School Committee met May 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chamber. Members present: Mr. Bahou, Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi, Mayor Gitschier, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin (on Zoom) and Ms. McFadden. The meeting included a Spotlight on Excellence featuring Acera EI, routine approvals of previous meeting minutes, motions directing the superintendent on School Site Councils and guidance staffing, referral of a Strategic Plan item to a subcommittee, and presentation/acceptance of FY26 Quarter 3 budget and grants reports. The scheduled public hearing on Inter-District School Choice was withdrawn to May 20, 2026.

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Budget & TaxEducation

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Key decisions

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Approved and placed on file the minutes of meetings held April 1, April 8, April 15, and April 22, 2026 (motion passed 7-0).
Approved Permission to Enter for May 6, 2026 (motion passed 7-0).
Motion to suspend the rules to consider Agenda item 10.3 (Final FY27 Approval for Budget) and take it out of order passed (7-0); the minutes do not state the final outcome of the FY27 budget approval.
Public Hearing on the Inter-District School Choice Program was withdrawn and rescheduled for the May 20, 2026 School Committee agenda.
Spotlight on Excellence: Acera EI partnership in Lowell Public Schools highlighted STEAM initiatives, improved attendance, and strong STEAM night participation (presenters: Mr. Anderson, Principal of McAuliffe School; Mr. Morneau, Assistant Principal of the STEM Academy).
Approved motion directing the superintendent to develop or refine a district-wide policy and standardized procedures for School Site Councils consistent with M.G.L. c.71, §59C and DESE requirements; ensure accountability and periodic reporting to the School Committee (motion by Ms. McFadden, passed 7-0).
Approved motion requesting a report on how an LHS enrollment counselor will share process knowledge if reassigned to Daley School as a guidance counselor (motion by Ms. DelRossi, passed 7-0).
Approved motion requesting a report identifying which schools, if any, recite the Pledge of Allegiance during morning announcements (motion by Ms. DelRossi, passed 7-0).
Referred Strategic Plan Initiatives — Literacy and Lesson Plans (agenda item 9.1) to the Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee for further discussion (motion passed 7-0).
Accepted the School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee report as a report of progress, noting decreased chronic absenteeism and increased daily attendance (motion passed 7-0).
Accepted the FY26 Quarter 3 (Q3) Summary Budget Report and FY26 Q3 Grants Report as reports of progress; presentations included updated reporting formats, spending trend summaries, grant compliance reminders, and deadlines to expend or encumber grant funds (motions passed 7-0).

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School Committee Meeting on May 06, 2026

May 6, 2026, 12:00 AMcompleted

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