School Committee Approves Pilot DC Trip for Eighth-Graders

In this report: Key decisions · Full report · Sources

What happened

The School Committee voted 3-0-2 to approve a pilot eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., through vendor Close Up at about $1,340 per student, with two members abstaining over cost and equity concerns. The district released outcomes showing it earned the state's highest accountability rating, held by 39 of roughly 400 districts, but low-income students' math proficiency in one fourth-grade cohort sat at 11 percent and most achievement gaps remained largely unchanged over five years. The committee also took first reads on revised bullying and new teen-dating-violence policies without voting.

Key decisions

• ● Pilot eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. The committee approved a pilot eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., through vendor Close Up for the 2026-27 school year, with base costs of about $1,340 per student plus roughly $75 for travel insurance. Two members abstained due to cost and equity concerns, and the committee did not commit to establishing universal access or permanent funding beyond the pilot year. (Vote 3-0-2). Read case details
• 📜 Bullying prevention and teen dating violence policy first read. The committee took a first read of revised language for the bullying prevention policy (JICFB) and a new teen dating violence policy (JFCV), with no vote. Superintendent Homan clarified that investigators must interview the target and accused, and agreed to work with counsel to ensure both families are informed of their rights. Read case details
• 👤 Deputy superintendent departure and replacement search. Superintendent Homan announced that Dr. Ford Walker will depart at the end of the school year and that she will begin a search for a new deputy superintendent. Read case details
• 👤 Katie Kahn appointment to Envision Arlington. The committee approved Superintendent Homan's appointment of Katie Kahn to Envision Arlington. Kahn had been involved in the town's recent override campaign and has strategic-planning experience. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details

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Full meeting report

The complete, section-by-section account of the meeting, 3,188 words, for members.

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