Arlington School Committee Votes 7-0 to Approve Model UN Overnight Conference Trip

ARLINGTON -- January 22, 2026, Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a Model UN overnight trip and heard warnings that a failed override could shrink record music enrollment. The 7-0 roll-call vote cleared an overnight stay at the Boston University conference at the Copley Marriott for AHS Model UN students, with faculty advisor Graham Dimmock noting that a former AHS student leader now co-organizes the BU conference. Performing Arts Director Jing-Wei reported all-time high elementary instrumental enrollment of 915 students in grades three through five, up from 475 in the last fee-charging year of 2021-22, and said she worries families "may not feel comfortable joining the program" if an override fails and fees return. CFO Chris Schweitzer disclosed an 85 percent year-over-year surge in special education transportation costs through October, with a conservative budget placeholder in place, while confirming the district retains its full special education stabilization fund of approximately $820,000. The community budget forum, previously set for late January, has been rescheduled to February 24 to follow the governor's budget release and the Select Board's February 9 vote.