I am delighted to share an update on the progress being made on one of the 3-year goals in our BPS Strategic Plan 2024-2027 —our Vision of a Graduate/Learner. This effort reflects our commitment to defining the essential competencies we want for every student by the time they graduate. These conversations began several years ago when the BMHS building project was underway. The initiative was put on hiatus during COVID and has now resumed this year with the intention of bringing forward a Vision of a Graduate/Learner to the Belmont community. Built collaboratively with a design team that includes voices from all corners of our community - BPS staff, parents and guardians, community members, and students - we are engaging in meaningful discussions about the skills and knowledge our students need to succeed in their future careers, educational pursuits, and as contributing members of society.
Striving for Academic Excellence and Equity for All Students
The Vision of a Graduate/Learner serves as a framework for our instructional practice, guiding the focus of teaching and learning toward key competencies that matter. The framework influences instructional design, ensuring that each student encounters meaningful opportunities to develop the skills and understanding that align with our shared vision.
At the heart of this vision lies a commitment to excellence and high standards for every student. High standards go well beyond the simple acquisition of facts or the quick completion of tasks. Instead, they demand a depth of understanding and the ability to think critically and independently. We envision a learning environment that fosters not only the mastery of essential knowledge but also the capability to apply that knowledge thoughtfully and creatively in a range of contexts. We aim for our students to develop and express their own informed perspectives and to take ownership of their learning journeys.
Equally vital to this vision is the development of social and emotional skills. We are committed to helping our students build positive, collaborative relationships with appreciation for the richness of diversity in cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. Our hope is to cultivate a community in which students learn to engage with others respectfully and with understanding, thereby preparing them to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world with integrity and compassion.
Optimizing Resources to Ensure Success
Our shared Vision of a Graduate/Learner is a promise to every student in our district. Anchored in our equity work, it underscores our responsibility to provide every learner with the resources, guidance, and support necessary to engage deeply in their learning. For our most vulnerable students, this commitment is especially profound; it is through equitable access to rigorous, meaningful education that we uphold our mission of high standards and create pathways to opportunity. We are steadfast in our belief that all students deserve the support needed to realize their fullest potential.
With this guiding purpose at the forefront, we embark on budget season with a focus on crafting a draft FY26 budget that prioritizes and supports the learning, growth, and development of our students. At the second Town Summit on October 23, I shared an overview of the anticipated needs for FY26, noting that our resource needs will likely surpass projected revenues. The initial draft of the budget will be presented at the December 3rd School Committee meeting, where we will discuss proposed increases, reallocations, and potential reductions. The budget process is iterative, and we will go through a revisioning process over the next few months, gathering feedback, which will lead to a budget for FY26. Upholding an investment-centered approach and aligning with our strategic plan remain critical, enabling us to optimize resources and enhance programs and opportunities for our students.
You can follow the budget process on our website and through the School Committee meetings.
Finally, check us out on Facebook (Belmont Public Schools), X (@BelmontSchools), and by downloading the Belmont Public Schools MA phone app for all the latest happenings at BPS.
I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable break next week!