Cumberland School Committee 7/16/2026

The Cumberland School Committee held a meeting on July 16, 2026, focusing on several key agenda items including policy updates, personnel announcements, construction progress, and budgetary decisions. Significant discussion centered on the proposed amendments to the A7 transgender and non-binary student policy, with extensive public comment expressing concerns about student safety and parental rights. The committee ultimately voted to reject the amendments to the A7 policy, maintaining protections for transgender and non-binary students. Additionally, the committee approved multiple handbooks for the 2026-2027 school year, with an amendment related to locker assignments and backpack policies at the high school. Budget-related actions included approval of an unbudgeted kindergarten classroom opening at BF Norton and authorization of agreements for school psychology and social worker internships, as well as tutoring services for hospitalized students. The committee also approved payment of bills totaling approximately $1.5 million and several resolutions discussed in the fiscal subcommittee. No executive session was held during this meeting.