School Committee Newsletter
April 29, 2025
Budget Planning for the 2025/2026 School Year Continues
The Ipswich School Committee has finalized the 2025/2026 school budget, totaling $40.9M. The School Committee held an additional review of the budget with the Finance Committee and Select Board again at the April 5th Tri-Board meeting.
Both the Finance Committee and Select Board voted unanimously to support the budget. Next, the town will vote to approve the budget at the Annual Town Meeting in May. We encourage you to review the complete 2025/2026 budget on the Ipswich Public Schools website.
Our long-term planning remains on track, and we still anticipate that the 2022 operational override will sustain the schools through the 2027/2028 school year, lasting six years and exceeding our original five-year goal.
Ipswich Elementary School Building Update
This July, the School Committee will officially begin the Eligibility Phase of the school building process in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). As we prepare for a consolidated community school at the site of the Paul F. Doyon school we recently defined our guiding principles:
Prioritize Educational Excellence
Address the Limitations of Our Current Elementary Schools
Ensure Financial Responsibility
Deliver Benefits to the Community and Environment
Maintain an Open and Transparent Process
As part of the standard MSBA process we will evaluate the model school program. We will continue sharing regular updates with the community as we move forward.
The New NORESCO Project
Following the Fall 2024 Special Town Meeting, the Select Board reviewed community feedback and made key adjustments to the proposed NORESCO energy efficiency project. The new plan focuses on addressing essential maintenance needs in our schools and at Town Hall.
One-third of the project would directly benefit our school buildings, supporting long-term infrastructure improvements that help create safer, more efficient learning environments. The revised proposal removes costly items like the solar carport and elementary school LED upgrades.
This project will cost $4.6M, and approximately 80% of the project cost will be covered by energy savings and grant funding. Ipswich will also appreciate guaranteed reductions in energy use.
One of the most significant changes in this proposal is the project will be funded within the existing town budget, meaning no tax increase will be required. The updated proposal will be presented for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, and will also appear on the Town Election ballot on Tuesday, May 20.
No Place for Hate: Upholding Respect in Our Schools
The Ipswich Public Schools District is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students and staff. As part of this, we are participating in the No Place for Hate initiative — a national program that empowers schools to take a stand against bullying and hate in all forms. Our teachers use age-appropriate conversations to talk with students about respect, empathy, and inclusion.
You can join us in reinforcing this message at home. Talk with your child about the importance of kindness, the power of words, and how to stand up for others. When schools and families work together, we can shape a community that truly reflects the values we want our children to carry forward. To learn more about the No Place for Hate initiative, visit adl.org/no-place-for-hate
New Opportunity for Community Discussion with the School Committee
In April, we launched Community Discussions — a new opportunity for Ipswich residents to engage directly and in-person with School Committee members. We held our first two sessions in April and were encouraged by the thoughtful conversations.
We are continuing our Community Discussions before the School Committee meeting on May 15th from 6:30 to 6:50pm outside of the Middle/High School Ensemble Room.
Activities and Accomplishments
- Recognized Dr. Blake for 2025 Massachusetts Music Educators Association School Administrator Award recipient for his outstanding support of the arts in Ipswich
- Formed an Athletics Working Group to set a vision for our athletic programs
- Discussed an update on the Curriculum Review Cycle
- Reviewed recommendations from the Comprehensive Health Committee
- Voted to support key Town Warrant Articles related to education
Upcoming District Events
- Thursday May 15th - School Committee Meeting. 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online.
- Monday May 26th - Labor Day, no school
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.