Ashburnham-Westminster School Committee Rescinds Six Policies in Housekeeping Vote

WINCHENDON — April 30, 2026 — Ashburnham-Westminster School Committee rescinds six district policies and amends three others in a housekeeping sweep. The committee voted unanimously at its April 30 meeting at Oakmont Regional High School to rescind policies covering free and reduced-price meal eligibility, food service meal charges, transportation services, and classroom observation confidentiality agreements, then voted 6-0 by roll call to amend policies governing new school committee member orientation, building and grounds security, and student transportation in private vehicles. A committee member identified as Lara described the amendments as "essentially housekeeping," including replacing the phrase "key management" with "access management" in door-related language. The district is awaiting a response from AFSCME to open negotiations on the only remaining open collective bargaining agreement, covering clerical staff, custodians, and food service workers. The lead teacher of the STAR special education program at the West school, Regina Whittier, will return to the Stepping Stones program at Briggs, with the district partnering with Director of People Services Jen Ramsdell to hire a replacement.