School Committee Newsletter
January 28, 2026
Please welcome Paul Montanus, who was appointed a member of the School Committee to fill a recent vacancy.
Elementary School Building Project Update
With funding for the Feasibility Study approved, Ipswich has entered the early stages of the process with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The School Building Committee is working with the MSBA to review enrollment trends, confirm educational priorities, and prepare for the selection of professional consultants.
This phase focuses on data collection, alignment with MSBA requirements, and early community engagement. All School Building Committee meetings are open to the public, with agendas and materials posted on the Town website in advance. The next School Building Committee meeting is tentatively planned for Thursday, March 12th.
Paine Grant Committee Membership
The School Committee invites 1) an Elementary Parent, 2) a Secondary Parent, and 3) an At-Large Community Representative to fill three vacant positions on the Paine Grant Committee. The Committee will meet in the coming months to review grant applications seeking funding through the Feoffees Grant Program, and to make recommendations on grant awards to the School Committee. Ipswich residents who are interested in serving are asked to complete the Paine Grant Committee Member Application and send it to Dianna Freehan, School Committee Liaison to the Paine Grant Committee, 1 Lord Square, Ipswich, MA 01938, or to dfreehan@ipsk12.net. Applications are due on Tuesday, February 10th; the School Committee will appoint members on Thursday, February 26th.
Budget Planning for the 2026–2027 School Year
The School Committee has begun the budget planning process for the 2026–2027 school year. This work is in its early stages and includes a careful review of district needs and priorities in close collaboration with the Superintendent and administrative team.
As in prior years, the School Committee has built in time for town boards and community members to review the proposed budget, ask questions, and provide feedback before it is finalized and voted on at Town Meeting in May. A draft budget is expected to be shared in early February.
The current budget timeline is available on the district website.
Activities and Accomplishments
- The School Committee reviewed and approved updates to 12 district policies. The District Policy Manual can be reviewed here
- The School Committee reviewed and approved fields trips for DECA, Model UN, and the Engineering Projects Racing Team
- The School Committee reviewed and approved the 504 Manual for the district
Upcoming District Events
- Wednesday, February 4th - School Committee Meeting - 7 PM in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
- Thursday, February 5th - School Committee Meeting - 7 PM in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
- Thursday, February 12th - School Committee Meeting and Budget Hearing- 7 PM in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
- Monday, February 16th to Friday, February 20th - February Break, No School Thursday, February 26th - School Committee Meeting - 7 PM in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
The Ipswich School Committee values input from the community. To contact The Ipswich School Committee, you may speak at “Citizen Queries” towards the beginning of every meeting, or email school_committee@ipsk12.net.
Continue to stay up to date on district events and school committee news by following Ipswich School Committee on Facebook and Instagram.