School Committee approves Title IX, wellness, building-use policy updates

LINCOLN — October 24, 2024 — Lincoln School Committee hears nearly 24% of students are on IEPs and unanimously approves policy updates. Administrator of Special Education Lisa Berard told the Oct. 24 meeting that 121 Lincoln-campus and 137 Hanscom-campus students are on individualized education programs, with the Lincoln rate at 23.93 percent — above the state average. New in-district therapeutic programs have cut Hanscom out-of-district placements to 26 from a budgeted 35, though one tuition line is already $22,000 over budget on placements costing more than $100,000 per student. METCO Director Marika Hamilton reported 86 students enrolled against a 91-student cap and 11 lottery applications for 2025-26. The committee unanimously approved second-read updates to its Title IX, wellness, and building-use policies, "pending" finalization of highlighted Title IX language with district counsel.