Sturbridge School Committee Accepts $54,950 Science Grant, Adopts Two Policies

School Committee · Meeting of June 4, 2026

Sturbridge School Committee accepts $54,950 grant for new science curriculum, hears pesticide concerns. The committee voted unanimously to accept the three-year grant from the 1-8 Foundation, funding a "phenomenon based" science model for Burgess Elementary School sixth graders, with all grade levels required to adopt it within three years. The Burgess Elementary School principal recognized four retiring staff, Lynn Longbottom, Jo-Lynn Parenteau, Lynn Menard and Barbara Coho, for a combined 143 years of service.

During public comment, parent Seth Mancer of 148 Cedar Street said the school's pest-control plan permits Roundup Pro and other chemicals with "no alternative listed," arguing "we're compliant with EPA-approved chemicals" but "we can and we ought to do better." The committee also adopted a revised commemoration policy requiring a public hearing before rescinding a memorial, and voted 6-0 by roll call to enter executive session over collective bargaining and litigation strategy.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,591 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of June 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.