School committee approves state grants, FY27 budget calendar and creates executive director post for innovation schools

The Springfield School Committee voted to approve several state grants and administrative items during its meeting.

The committee approved an expenditure of $28,859 from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a student health grant intended to expand gardening and early‑childhood classroom integration. Superintendent Dr. Denault described plans to use the funds to build on existing student gardens and early‑childhood capacity. After a subcommittee review there was a motion and roll‑call approval; the chair announced the matter passed.

A second item, a $550,000 Fair Share earmarked grant (FC 2517), was approved to support multilingual learners, arts expansion and targeted school supports. Dr. Denault noted the funds will support several schools, including Trusted Accelerated Middle School, Dorman Elementary, Indian Orchard and Bollin Elementary. The committee thanked state legislators and noted subcommittee review and prioritization criteria tied to technology readiness in selected buildings.

The committee also approved a separate $510,000 allocation (FC 2517) to create audio‑visual infrastructure to increase translation and communication capacity, replace end‑of‑life fire‑alarm equipment and fund ADA accessibility improvements at specified schools. The superintendent said the funds will be used for AV pilots and state‑of‑the‑art alarm upgrades and accessibility work.

On budgeting, the committee adopted the FY27 budget calendar presented by the superintendent and vice chair Naylor, who noted a public input session scheduled for March 4 and expanded budget displays planned across libraries, community centers and the district website.

Finally, the committee approved a new position, executive director of innovation schools, intended to support the return of eight Empowerment Zone schools to district management and to safeguard autonomies and other provisions the schools have enjoyed. The superintendent described the role as essential to maintain conditions during the transition.

All votes in these items were taken by roll call; the clerk recorded members present and 'yes' votes with Miss Hurst absent on the recorded roll calls. No amendments to the grants or calendar were recorded on the meeting floor.