School Committee Newsletter
June 23, 2025
Letter from the Chair, on Behalf of the Ipswich School Committee
This year has been both productive and inspiring for the School Committee and our District. Together, we’ve made meaningful progress on several key initiatives:
Successfully negotiated contracts with all Collective Bargaining Units
Gained acceptance into the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) pipeline to address our aging elementary school facilities
Passed our FY26 budget at Town Meeting despite unprecedented financial constraints, ensuring our commitment to core educational values remains strong
Our Superintendent received a proficient evaluation rating, reflecting steady leadership
Completed updates to all required District policies
Most importantly, the impact of this work is visible where it matters most—our students. We've witnessed students flourish under the guidance of dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff. They've excelled in academics and extracurriculars, and exemplified empathy, integrity, and leadership—earning "No Place for Hate" designations in all four schools.
A heartfelt thank you to the Class of 2025 for leading by example this past year. Congratulations on your graduation—we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.
As we enter the summer months, the School Committee will take a brief pause from our regular bi-monthly evening meetings and monthly newsletters. We’ll return this fall as a seasoned and energized team, ready to build on the momentum we’ve created and continue working toward the best outcomes for the students and the Town of Ipswich.
Wishing you a summer filled with rest, curiosity, and continued growth.
Best,
Dianna Freehan, Chair
Jen Donahue, Vice Chair
Jenny Connolly
Kate Eliot
Mat Perry
Haley Rist
Sasha Sopic
Congratulations to the Spring Traverso-Weatherall Innovation Grant Recipients
The Traverso-Weatherall Innovation Grants (TWIG) are awarded on a bi-annual basis, spring and fall, to current Ipswich Public Schools faculty and staff. These funds are dedicated to the pursuit of innovation in education for the benefit of all Ipswich Public Schools students. They are named in honor of Edmund Traverso and Robert Weatherall, whose diligent discovery and passionate persistence made the Feoffees funds and their benefits possible. We are excited to announce that this spring the recipients of the Traverso-Weatherall Innovation Grants totaled $153,985. Congratulations to the grant recipients and thank you for your dedication to innovation in education for all of the school children of Ipswich.
Language Arts Intervention (Grades 9-11)
Roots, Rivers & Ropes: Building Community Through Outdoor Learning (Grade 7)
After School Library Homework Hub (Grades 6-12)
After School Transportation to Ipswich YMCA and Teen Center (Grades 6-8)
Bringing Books to Life (Kindergarten)
Athletic Coaches Professional Development (Grades 9-12)
Curiosity in Context: Enriching Wit & Wisdom (Grade K-5)
Diversifying Kindergarten Libraries (Kindergarten)
Expanding Knowledge Through Reading: Enriching Wit & Wisdom (Grades 4-5)
Expanding Knowledge Through Reading: Enriching Wit & Wisdom (K-3)
Empowering Students through Responsive Classroom Design (Grade 6)
Grammarly EDU (Year Two) (Grades 9-12)
Greenhouse for Growth: Cultivating Sustainability and Learning (Grades 6-8)
Growing Hearts and Minds: Enhancing Social-Emotional Learning (Pre-K, K, Grade 1)
IHS Guitar Class Innovation (Grades 9-12)
IMS: Making Sense of Abstract Concepts Using 3D Molecular Designs (Grades 6-8)
Pages in Play: Bringing Books to Life Through Purposeful Play (K)
Powering the Percussion: Growing Symphony Orchestra (Grades 6-12)
Flexible Seating & Makerspace in Science (Grade 6)
Strengthening Minds, Hearts, and Futures IMS Therapeutic Classroom (Grades 6-8)
Transforming Learning Spaces: Flexible Collaborative Furniture (Grade 1)
World Language After School Enrichment Program (K-5)
Ipswich Elementary School Building Project: July Kickoff
Exciting progress is on the horizon for the Elementary School Building Project. This July, we will formally enter the Eligibility Period with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), a major milestone in the plan to build a consolidated community elementary school at the current Doyon site. The Eligibility Period is a 270-day phase that helps determine if the school district is ready to manage and fund a new school building project. The School Building Committee will be formed during the Eligibility Period.
We have started publishing resources and updates on the district website to promote community awareness. With the July kickoff, we will have much more to share when we are back from summer break.
Activities and Accomplishments
We welcomed the new Student Representative to the School Committee, Jack Machaiek.
We received a Technology Department Update from the District Director of Technology and the Digital Learning Specialist.
We received a presentation from the Wellness Committee, and unanimously approved the District Wellness Policy.
We received a presentation from the Feoffees Committee, and unanimously approved the Feoffees’ Distribution Policy.
We reviewed our 2024-2025 goals, noting progress on all.
Please note: “Community Discussions” which have been held ahead of regular School Committee meetings will resume in the Fall.
Graduation took place on June 1st on the Ipswich Middle/High School Turf Field. Congratulations to the Graduates of 2025!
The Ipswich School Committee values input from the community. To contact The Ipswich School Committee, you may speak at “Public Comment” 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.