The School Committee on Thursday heard about the work of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council and preliminary themes Superintendent Evan Bishop is identifying as he communicates with staff, students and community members during his first few months holding the position.

SEPAC chair Jen Halliday and vice chair Melissa Scherer gave an overview of their organization, with Halliday noting parents of children with special needs have “a new layer of challenges” to address and a daunting system to navigate.

She said special education parents can feel isolated, so SEPAC creates “a safe, casual space to share the good and bad with no judgment.”

Halliday explained that Hopkinton has 621 students with an individualized education program (IEP) and 260 students on 504 (provides accommodations for students with disabilities in schools) as well as 35 students receiving out-of-district services.

She noted the goal of SEPAC is to strengthen and deepen trust between parents and administrators and provide workshops and resources to support parents and develop a sense of inclusion for both students and parents.

Scherer described some of the activities held by SEPAC such as monthly coffee chats, a first day of school breakfast and seasonal/holiday events.

She also talked about educational seminars and Project SHARK (SEPAC Helps Add Resources for Kids). The initiative helps provide supplies and other items to enhance classrooms.

Halliday said SEPAC continues to seek more parents and volunteers to get involved.

“It makes a huge difference to have someone to talk to [who understands],” Halliday said.

Superintendent identifies themes he is hearing

In his superintendent’s report, Evan Bishop highlighted trends and themes he is seeing so far on his “listening tour” with staff, students and community members.

“Building off a lot of strengths,” he said, these include giving attention to students’ stress levels and health and well-being, elementary literacy, student supports and the growing complexity of student needs, enrollment growth and space considerations, budget pressures, school safety measures, and student behavior belonging in the day-to-day learning experience.

Bishop said he would present his findings to the committee next March.

HVAC design/engineering approved

The committee voted to use existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) district-wide articles for the design and engineering for the high school geothermal water-to-water heat pump project up to $900,000 as presented by CMTA.

According to Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich, having the design/engineering completed opens the district’s ability to apply for a Green Community grant in the fall of 2026.

In 2027, the district can seek funds from the Massachusetts School Building Authority accelerated repair program, Rothermich said.

Another vote by the board ended with member Nancy Cavanaugh appointed as its representative to the Charter Review Committee and Charter Review Committee Selection Panel.