Weston School Committee Advances Fire Station Review, Votes on Two Curriculum Policies

WESTON — November 17, 2025 — Weston School Committee unanimously approved a competency determination policy and its consent agenda Monday, while holding lengthy discussions on a proposed $35 million fire station at the middle school campus, a transportation department hemorrhaging money, and a draft district strategic plan. Select Board member Tom Palmer and Fire Chief Justin Woodside presented the fire station concept, which would replace the South Avenue station and renovate the Town Center station for a combined estimated cost of up to $45 million, with a formal motion for the committee's conditional support expected at the December 1 meeting. Superintendent Dr. Zalewski reported that transportation expenditures have risen 45 percent over three years, from $1.27 million in FY22 to $1.83 million in FY25, driven by driver attrition — including six departures in FY26's first quarter alone — five buses currently out of service, and persistent budget overruns on METCO, late runs, and athletics. A career technical education policy required by DESE was tabled after members questioned whether the district could honestly commit to CTE pathways it currently cannot provide, with no consortium membership and no access to Minuteman Regional.