December 19, 2025

At the heart of public education lies a fundamental purpose: schools exist so that every student can learn, grow, and develop into their fullest selves. This belief guides everything we do. It prompts us to reflect on why we are here, what our work is meant to accomplish, and how, together as a community, we can best support the learning and well-being of the young people entrusted to us.

While we share this common purpose, each member of our community approaches it from different perspectives:

Parents and guardians wonder how their child will experience school—how they will succeed, what supports will be available, and how families can partner in that journey.

Teachers ask how they can advance the learning of every student in their care, and what resources they need to do that work well.

School and district leaders consider how to build the systems that support staff, strengthen partnerships with families, and ensure that every student has access to rich, meaningful, and effective learning experiences.

Students— at the center of everything we do—ask their own essential questions:  Do I feel seen and valued here? What opportunities are available to me? How can I be successful?

School experiences are often shaped by small, everyday moments—figuring out where you fit, learning what is expected, and navigating days that go well alongside days that do not. Many of us recognize these moments from our own school experiences. Along the way, there are adults who notice, who encourage, and who help open doors to new understanding. There are also challenges that, over time, teach students how to navigate setbacks. These experiences—often unremarkable in the moment—are the ones that stay with us long after we leave school. Our students are living their version of that journey right now. That is why our work together matters so deeply.

As a community, we share a commitment to preparing young people for futures in which they can thrive and contribute meaningfully. This work includes not only supporting students day to day, but also making thoughtful decisions about how we allocate our resources. This month, we presented the first draft of the FY27 budget on December 2 (FY27 Draft 1 Memo and Presentation) and a revised draft on December 16 (FY27 Draft 2 Memo and Presentation). As our latest draft still exceeds the Town’s allocation for the schools, we will bring forth a budget that fits into this allocation in January. Throughout this process, we remain grounded in our strategic plan—using it as our anchor as we direct resources to the areas of greatest need. We reaffirm our shared values and our commitment to a system where all students are supported, challenged, and able to flourish.

This holiday season offers us a moment to pause, express gratitude, and reflect on both all we have accomplished and all the important work still ahead. I am continually grateful to be part of this effort and to serve a community as strong, dedicated, and collaborative as ours.