The monthly Java with John event at the Acton Senior Center featured a double shot of espresso. Both John Mangiaratti, Acton’s Town Manager, and Peter Light, the Superintendent of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, shared updates and expressed gratitude to the community.
Mangiaratti opened the meeting with thanks to event organizers and staff, followed by announcements about holiday schedules, community sign-ins, and town statistics. He also discussed highlights from the recent Special Town Meeting, including the preservation of Weatherbee Conservation Land, approval of union contracts, and a new veteran exemption.
Additionally, he provided updates on town infrastructure projects, such as a proposed $40 million Public Works facility and road improvements, particularly in Kelley’s Corner and other areas.
Mangiaratti emphasized the importance of community feedback and addressed questions about town developments. He acknowledged challenges with project costs but expressed optimism about future improvements, including enhanced accessibility and traffic flow.
Education Updates:
Light highlighted the accomplishments of the Acton-Boxborough School District and community partnerships. He introduced the Acton-Boxborough Resource Center, supported by state funding and the United Way, which has provided significant aid, including gifts for 71 families and over 440 winter coats. The Superintendent also praised the Senior Reads program, encouraging more seniors to volunteer as readers in elementary schools.
Regarding the district’s budget, Light explained efforts by an elementary budget task force, formed in response to community feedback about costs associated with the school choice program. The task force, comprising educators, administrators, and community members, including budget skeptics, is analyzing financial data to ensure efficiency and transparency.
The Superintendent discussed the findings of a consultant-led evaluation of the district’s elementary school choice model. Contrary to expectations that the program might incur significant costs, the analysis revealed it actually saves $500,000 to $700,000 annually. Staffing efficiencies and state transportation reimbursements offset the program’s costs, making it fiscally advantageous to maintain the current approach.
Light noted that any structural budget changes would likely focus on personnel and healthcare costs, which continue to rise rapidly. Despite these challenges, the school committee aims to cap spending increases at 3% next year, necessitating $2 million in budget reductions. Light likened the current fiscal environment to the 2008-2009 financial crisis, emphasizing the need for long-term adjustments.
The Superintendent also highlighted ongoing efforts to shape the future of education in the district, introducing the “Vision of a Graduate” initiative. This community-driven process seeks input on the skills, knowledge, and habits students should develop. Surveys are open for residents to share their perspectives, underscoring the district’s commitment to collaborative planning.
Sustainability efforts were another focus, with the district securing grants for four electric school buses and continuing its investment in solar energy and battery storage at several schools. These projects not only support environmental goals but also contribute to cost savings. Light mentioned plans to expand these initiatives cautiously, ensuring safety and economic feasibility.
On school facilities, Light reported that the school committee paused plans to renovate Conant School to reassess resources and enrollment trends. Closing schools or reducing classroom space remains unlikely due to the need for specialized education programs, which save costs and provide local services for students with special needs.
The Superintendent promoted the Acton-Boxborough Resource Center, which offers donated clothing and other resources to residents in need. Donations of new and gently used items are accepted year-round, reflecting the community’s dedication to sustainability and mutual support.
Light addressed the state’s recent decision to remove MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. While this move was supported statewide, Acton and Boxborough voters opposed it. Despite this, the district must now develop local competency determinations for math, English, and science to replace the previous MCAS benchmarks. This change adds administrative burdens, including tracking student progress and reporting to the state. Light explained that MCAS tests would still be administered as they affect school accountability ratings. However, this shift is expected to increase costs rather than reduce them.
The Superintendent also encouraged participation in the Senior Reads program, which fosters intergenerational engagement by having senior citizens read to elementary school students. He praised the positive feedback from participants, emphasizing its impact on community connections.
Town Projects and Initiatives:
Mangiaratti shared updates on key infrastructure and development projects. Kelley’s Corner improvements remain on track, with an anticipated completion in the next year. Stop & Shop recently reopened with a modernized facility, and additional retail and restaurant spaces are being developed, including the Luna Mexican restaurant and Velvet Vine café. The Acton Food Pantry is relocating to a newly renovated space near the train station, offering better accessibility and expanded services.
Significant grant funding supports many initiatives, such as $750,000 for the renovation of 17 Woodbury Lane into a community event space and federal and state funds for a solar energy project on the Grace property, expected to be operational by 2025. The town is also moving forward with a dog park and advancing plans for affordable housing at McManus Manor.
Community Events and Programs:
Mangiaratti highlighted the success of the Acton 250 Committee’s efforts to celebrate the town’s history with cultural events, including walking tours, murals, and collaborations with local breweries. Additionally, NARA Park, which recently turned 25, will host a summer concert series featuring tribute bands for Taylor Swift and Elton John.
The meeting concluded with holiday wishes and gratitude for community engagement, with both leaders expressing optimism for the town’s future and appreciation for the collaboration that supports Acton’s progress.
Residents of the community can watch the entire 45-minute long event on Acton TV at “Java with John – December 20th, 2024.”