Dear Friends and Colleagues, 

This is the first of a series of letters wherein I will try and explain the role of a School Committee member and its particular nuances in Lexington. There is no ‘handbook’ or curriculum on how to be one. You learn on the job.

There are three major responsibilities for any School Committee member:

  1. Supervise the annual budget: In 2018, about $130 million, and in 2026, about $145 million sourced from real estate taxes primarily. About 80% is salaries and compensation, the rest is expenses, etc.
  2. Set policy: These are the rules, values codified in the policies of the school system. The majority are articulations of state laws or state education board requirements. Though, Lexington has some local flavors such as a plastic bottle for sale ban in schools, and this one: https://z2policy.ctspublish.com/masc/browse/lexingtonset/lexington/KCBC
  3. Supervise the Superintendent: The Superintendent role is akin to the CEO of a company with a contract of usually three years. Lexington has a six year contract with the Superintendent.

And then there is my favorite responsibility which is attending the Lexington High School Graduation, an annual joyful experience. Just being in the stadium with a cohort of over 550 seniors and their families, cheering for the culmination of their 13-year educational journey is an amazing thrill. 

That is the one thing I will miss most. 

Best,

Deepika Sawhney

(Vice Chair of School Committee till March 2025, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member)

Resources:

Budget: https://www.lexingtonma.gov/363/Annual-Budgets (2026 budget creation ongoing)

Policy:  https://z2policy.ctspublish.com/masc/browse/lexingtonset/lexington/root

Superintendent: https://profiles.doe.mass.edu/statereport/educatorcontracts.aspx (original not current)

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