Canton's School Committee will take up a climate action plan, new library book policies and the district's capital spending priorities when it meets Thursday, Nov. 5.
The agenda, posted Nov. 2 on the town's website, lists five new-business items.
Climate plan gets first hearing
Members of Canton's Climate Action Committee will present the town's Climate Action Plan and Decarbonization Roadmap along with a Zero-Emissions Vehicle First policy. The agenda allots 25 minutes for the presentation, labeled a first read.
Freedom to Read policies
A policy subcommittee will introduce four library and instructional-resource policies for a first read. The policies align Canton Public Schools with the state's Freedom to Read law, which Gov. Maura Healey signed Aug. 10.
That law requires school districts to adopt written policies for selecting library materials and reviewing challenges. It bars removing books based on personal, political or religious views, according to a state announcement. The law also protects librarians and school employees from professional discipline or employment consequences for selecting materials in good faith.
The Massachusetts Association of School Committees drafted model versions of the four policies in consultation with Massachusetts Library System staff. One existing policy, IJ-R on reconsideration of instructional resources, is being eliminated under the new law. Three others cover library materials selection, library resources and a new process for challenging library materials.
Budget, handbook vote and UDL overview
Superintendent Derek Folan and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Brian Lynch will present the FY28 capital budget recommendations for a second read. The agenda does not detail specific projects or dollar amounts.
Assistant Superintendent Sarah Shaw and Interim Student Services Director Heidi Black will ask the committee to vote on handbook updates tied to a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Integrated Monitoring Review. That is the only scheduled vote.
Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Deborah Rooney will present an overview of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), described on the agenda as a key element of the district's professional development plans and goals.
Student report and public comment
Hansen School student Murugi Nyaga will deliver a student report on school happenings.
Residents can sign up for public comment during the meeting. Individual comments are capped at five minutes. The meeting will be live-streamed on Canton Community TV via Comcast channels 6 and 1070, Verizon channel 41 and HD 2143, and at CantonCommunityTv.org.
The committee's next open session is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19.
