Committee approves Montessori school in 4-2 vote
The Reading School Committee approved Mulberry Forest Montessori School as an accredited private school in a 4-2 vote, over objections tied to busing and special education costs.
School Committee · Meeting of August 27, 2026
READING — The Reading School Committee approved Mulberry Forest Montessori School as an accredited private school in a 4-2 vote, over objections tied to busing and special education costs. Members Thomas Wise and Sarah McLaughlin voted no, citing unresolved questions under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76 over transportation obligations and a proportional-share special education funding requirement comparable to the "over $10,000" the district already pays Austin Preparatory School. Wise also cited unaddressed concerns about an advisory board member he named only as James.
Chair Shawn Brandt said "we've got a special education reserve fund for a reason" in backing approval. The committee separately adopted a Protect Act compliance policy, 6-0, ahead of a state Sept. 1 deadline, and approved revised high school handbook rules raising the National Honor Society GPA threshold to 3.75.
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Source: the School Committee meeting of August 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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