At the April 28th School Committee meeting there was discussion of the Pollard Middle School Schematic Design update, the Needham High School Improvement plan, a presentation on Artificial Intelligence use in the schools and Town Meeting Preparation.
Public Comment
A student from the NHS Hindu Student Organization came to provide a summary of what their organization has done through the year. They spoke because they were unable to make it to the April 4th meeting.
School Committee Comments
School Committee Members thanked outgoing Chair Mike O’Brien for his hard work over the last year and welcomed SC Chair Alisa Skatrud and Vice Chair Michael Greis to their new roles.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Pollard Middle School Schematic Design Update
Hank Haff & Meryl Nistler from the Needham’s Building and Design Dept and representatives from Bond Construction Company presented an update on the Pollard Middle School Schematic Design.
- Bond Construction Company will be the contractor for the Pollard Middle School and presented the latest floor plan for the school.
- Notable changes include:
- Only the 6th grade wing will be done in Phase 2
- Buses will enter from Dedham Ave and exit onto Harris Ave.
- Increased parking
- Preserved more trees on the Eastern Side of the School
- Timeline/Milestones for submissions:
- Plan is to have geothermal wells located under Warner Field at DeFazio for the new Pollard as this is the most efficient and lowest cost option. They will be drilling a test geothermal well later this week to verify the thermal capacity.
Needham High School Improvement Plan
Aaron Sicotte, NHS Principal, along with NHS Students presented about the NHS School Improvement Plan, focusing on three broad goals and seven objectives.
- Students provided examples how SEL is used within their classrooms
- Students described their experience using Universal Design Learning (UDL) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT)
School Committee asked questions and engaged in discussion.
AI In Needham Public Schools
Chris Gosselin, Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation, along with NPS Technology Integration Specialists and NPS students presented on Artificial Intelligence use in Needham schools. Guidelines for use in NPS are available here.
- Generative AI looks at patterns in data and generates content that mimics human communication.
- Key messages are using AI as a thoughtful partner in learning.
- Students are also taught AI literacy which is the knowledge and skills that enable humans to critically understand, evaluate, and use AI systems and tools to safely and ethically participate in an increasingly digital world.
- At Broadmeadow they have piloted a 5th grade AI Summit to introduce AI to students.
- At the high school, the AI Committee (teachers & administrators) is working to develop a school wide AI philosophy supported by professional development opportunities and clear usage guidelines.
- Teachers are undergoing training to identify student AI use and how to use AI for themselves.
- High school students also shared perspectives and concerns with the use of AI in the classroom and for projects/homework.
School Committee asked questions and engaged in discussion.
Town Meeting Preparation
School Committee prepares for 5 warrant articles related to public schools:
- Pollard Zoning Article (Page 36)
- Article 13: The Operating Budget (Page 30)
- Article 25: Cash Capital (page 47)
- CPA Article 20: Eliot School Grounds Renovation (Page 44)
- Article 28: High School HVAC (Page 51)
- The 2026 May Town Warrant can be viewed here.
ACTION ITEMS
The School Committee votes to withdraw from Massachusetts School Choice Program 7-0-0.
The next School Committee Meeting will be May 12, 2026.