Long Form Summary School Committee: Key Discussions on School Safety, Equity, and Academic Standards

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:01:00)
The meeting of the Marblehead School Committee was called to order by Chair Jennifer Schaeffner at 6:04 PM. Following a brief technical pause, Schaeffner welcomed attendees both online and in person. She then invited Brian Ota, Committee Member, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moment of Silence and Accommodations (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:04:00)
Chair Schaeffner requested a moment of silence in memory of Libby Moore, a former principal and guidance counselor who recently passed away. Schaeffner highlighted Moore’s long career and contributions to the Marblehead community. The committee approved sending a letter of condolence to Moore’s family on behalf of the School Committee. Sarah Fox recognized Tyler Erp for receiving his Eagle Court of Honor, noting his successful Eagle Scout project, which involved fundraising for a greenhouse at Marblehead High School.

Public Comment (Link: 00:04:00 – 00:04:00)
The Chair opened the floor for public comments, first addressing those present in the room. No comments were made. Schaeffner then checked for online participants wishing to speak, but no hands were raised.

Student Representative Update (Link: 00:04:00 – 00:05:00)
Ellen Benedetta, the student representative, provided updates on school activities. She reported that classes had resumed smoothly after the break. Upcoming events included the senior show on January 12, the varsity girls’ basketball game at TD Garden, auditions for the musical “Hades Town,” and deadlines for yearbook dedications and college applications.

District Updates from the Superintendent (Link: 00:05:00 – 00:11:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux shared several updates, including the establishment of a joint committee for school safety, which includes union members and administrators. The committee’s first meeting focused on collaboration to support students and staff. Robidoux also mentioned the formation of a joint labor committee to review and update the educator evaluation process. He provided an update on the independent investigation regarding antisemitism, noting delays due to various factors, including the timing of school reopening and legal consultations. Robidoux expressed hope for a report soon. Additionally, he discussed plans for a new committee aimed at combating discrimination, particularly antisemitism, and emphasized the importance of proactive measures in education.

Athletics and Academic Achievements (Link: 00:11:00 – 00:16:00)
Robidoux shared updates on the Marblehead High School athletics program, reporting current records for various sports teams. He highlighted the upcoming game for the girls’ basketball team at TD Garden and mentioned training opportunities for coaches. He also celebrated the achievements of students in the District 6 DECA competitions, where Marblehead High School students performed well, with several qualifying for the state conference. Robidoux acknowledged the contributions of the Magic Hat organization, which has donated over $2 million to Marblehead Public Schools over the past 20 years.

Consent Agenda and Meeting Minutes (Link: 00:16:00 – 00:19:00)
The Chair moved on to the consent agenda, noting that the schedule of bills was tabled for the next meeting. Schaeffner then presented draft minutes from the December 5 and December 19, 2024 meetings for approval. The committee voted to approve the minutes from December 5, with all members in favor. Schaeffner addressed a correction needed in the December 19 minutes regarding attendance, confirming that one member was not present. The committee then voted to approve the amended minutes.

MCAS Data Presentation (Link: 00:19:00 – 00:32:00)
Lisamarie Ippolito presented an overview of MCAS data, focusing on high-needs learners. She explained the purpose of the MCAS, which evaluates academic performance and helps tailor instruction based on student needs. Ippolito provided data on the number of students who took the MCAS in various subjects and broke down the high-needs categories, including students with disabilities, English language learners, and low-income students. Ippolito noted that many high-needs students were on the cusp of meeting expectations. She also compared Marblehead’s performance to state averages, indicating areas of improvement and ongoing challenges.

MCAS Data Presentation Continued (Link: 00:32:00 – 00:54:00)
Assistant Superintendent Ippolito continued her presentation on the MCAS data, focusing on high-needs groups. She highlighted improvements in special education, noting that Marblehead’s performance in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science technology showed a positive trend compared to state averages. Ippolito emphasized that while there is still work to be done, the data indicates that students are moving from the “not meeting” category to “partially meeting” and “meeting” categories. Ippolito pointed out that in 2024, math for grade 10 would be an area of focus, as the scores were similar to the state, raising questions about the alignment of test questions with curriculum standards. She expressed optimism about the alignment of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with educational standards, which is contributing to better outcomes for students. Ippolito also presented data on low-income students, noting a decrease in the number of students not meeting expectations in ELA and math from 2023 to 2024. She attributed this improvement to the implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and new curriculum updates, particularly the “Wit and Wisdom” program, which supports high-needs students. Ippolito provided comparisons with similar districts, using a public website to show demographic alignments and performance outcomes. She noted that Marblehead’s enrollment and percentages of low-income students, students with disabilities, and English language learners were comparable to those of other districts.

Student Growth Percentiles (Link: 00:54:00 – 01:00:00)
Ippolito explained the concept of Student Growth Percentiles (SGP), which measures a student’s progress on MCAS compared to peers with similar performance histories. She presented data showing that Marblehead’s SGP scores for ELA and math for grades 3 through 8 were within the desired growth range of 40 to 60, with Marblehead achieving the highest SGP in some categories. However, she noted a decline in the SGP for grade 10 ELA, which fell to 33.6 in 2024, slightly below the average growth measure. Ippolito acknowledged the need for further investigation into the reasons behind this decline, particularly in comparison to the growth seen in grades 3 through 8.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement (Link: 01:00:00 – 01:10:00)
Ippolito outlined several challenges, including a significant number of students in the “partially meeting” category who are close to meeting expectations. She emphasized the importance of targeting these students through MTSS and explicit instruction. Ippolito noted that while grades 3 through 8 showed strong performance, the grade 10 subgroup’s growth needed further analysis. She highlighted the performance of high-needs students in answering select response questions, constructed response questions, and essays across all language domains. Ippolito reported that 8th-grade high-needs students outperformed their peers in math, with the exception of real-world mathematical word problems in geometry. Ippolito discussed the impact of student support services on enhancing performance, emphasizing the need for individualized interventions and the importance of professional development for staff. She announced that the district had received a letter from the Department of Education approving compliance in all six areas of a corrective action plan, which was ahead of schedule. Committee Member Sarah Fox expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Ippolito and her team.

Competency Determination Discussion (Link: 01:10:00 – 01:19:00)
The discussion on competency determination began with Interim Superintendent John Robidoux explaining the importance of meeting graduation requirements alongside passing specific courses. He emphasized that students must complete essential courses, such as algebra and geometry, to demonstrate competency. Robidoux noted that the MCAS should serve as a measure of competency, allowing for a clearer understanding of what students need to achieve. Committee Member Alison Taylor expressed a desire to see two different competency determinations: one for the current year, which has unique challenges, and another for future years where standards could be raised. Robidoux agreed that this could be a viable approach moving forward. Member Al Williams also suggested that the requirements for graduation should be clearly defined, indicating that students must pass more than just English 9 and 10 to demonstrate competency. Robidoux acknowledged this point and stated that the operationalization of these requirements would be addressed in future discussions. The conversation continued with Committee Member Sarah Fox highlighting the need for students who have not passed required courses to receive support to help them meet graduation standards. Robidoux reiterated the importance of aligning competency determination with state requirements and ensuring that students are adequately prepared by the end of 10th grade.

Transfer Students and Competency (Link: 01:19:00 – 01:25:00)
The committee then shifted focus to the challenges faced by transfer students, particularly those entering the high school from other districts or states. Robidoux explained that guidance counselors and the principal review transcripts to determine how previous courses align with Marblehead’s graduation standards. He noted that while this process can be complex, it is essential for ensuring that students can still graduate on time. Taylor raised concerns about how competency would be assessed for students transferring in during their senior year, particularly regarding the MCAS. Robidoux acknowledged that this situation would require careful consideration and individualized assessments. The discussion also touched on the definition of a passing grade and whether it should be raised in the future. Robidoux confirmed that the current passing grade is a 1.06, but the committee agreed that this is an area that needs further exploration. Additionally, the committee discussed the MCAS Alternative (MCAS Alt) assessment and its implications for students seeking diplomas. Robidoux clarified that while the MCAS Alt remains unchanged, it would be reviewed alongside existing competency determinations to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Chair Schaeffner requested to add relevant materials to the Dropbox for committee members to review, indicating that further discussions on these topics would take place in future meetings.

Calendar Discussion (Link: 01:25:00 – 01:36:00)
The committee engaged in a discussion regarding the school calendar, particularly the return date after the winter break and the scheduling of professional development (PD) days. Committee Member Alison Taylor raised concerns about returning on January 2nd, suggesting that attendance might be low due to the holiday season. She noted that in previous years, there had been discussions about not returning on the day after New Year’s Day. Taylor also pointed out that the half-day scheduled for November 3rd, followed by a day off for parent conferences, might lead to low attendance as some families may take extended time off. Robidoux acknowledged the feedback and mentioned that they would revisit the calendar based on input from principals and committee members. He noted the importance of balancing the needs of families with the operational aspects of the school calendar. Taylor suggested that moving the PD day to October 3rd could provide families with a four-day weekend instead of a three-day weekend, which might be more beneficial. The committee discussed the potential for a more fluid calendar that avoids frequent interruptions in the school week.

Professional Development Days and Parent Conferences (Link: 01:36:00 – 01:42:00)
The conversation shifted to the structure of professional development days and parent conferences. Robidoux mentioned the need for meaningful PD days and the possibility of revamping the current model for parent-teacher conferences. He noted that the existing model may not provide sufficient time for discussions between parents and teachers. Committee Member Brian Ota suggested that the district could explore a hybrid model for conferences, incorporating both in-person and virtual options to accommodate working parents. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that conferences are productive and beneficial for both parents and educators. The committee agreed to further explore options for improving the conference model and to consider utilizing November 4th as a full PD day if they could find alternative solutions for parent conferences. Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira expressed enthusiasm for the discussions and the potential for innovative approaches to enhance the educational experience for students and families. The committee agreed to gather more input from educators and to revisit the calendar and conference structure in future meetings.

Discussion on Property Management (Link: 01:42:00 – 01:50:00)
The committee began a discussion regarding the management of the Coffin School property, with a focus on the historical context and future recommendations. A member noted that the Select Board would likely make a recommendation at the upcoming town meeting regarding the property in question. The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding past decisions related to similar properties to inform future actions. Interim Superintendent Robidoux suggested that maintaining the property was not cost-effective for the school district, suggesting that the decision to return the property to the town was already made. The discussion included considerations for the future use of the property, with suggestions for transforming it into an outdoor classroom or community space.

Placeholder for Proposition 1/2 Override (Link: 01:50:00 – 01:57:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner introduced a motion for a placeholder for a Proposition ½ override, which would aim to supplement the school department’s operating budget beginning in fiscal year 2026. She explained that this motion was necessary to meet the deadline for submitting articles to the Select Board by January 31st. Committee Member Alison Taylor clarified that this placeholder was not a commitment to a specific budget amount but rather a necessary step to keep options open for future discussions. The committee discussed the implications of passing such a motion, noting that while it could provide additional funding for the schools, it would not guarantee ongoing financial support in subsequent years. The committee agreed that the placeholder was essential for maintaining flexibility in budget discussions and ensuring that the school department’s needs were considered during town meetings.

Debt Exclusion Override Motion (Link: 01:57:00 – 01:59:00)
Following the discussion on the Proposition 2½ override, Schaeffner introduced a motion regarding a debt exclusion override for capital expenses related to the school department. This motion aimed to raise and appropriate funds for remodeling, reconstructing, and making extraordinary repairs to existing school buildings, as well as purchasing necessary equipment. Schaeffner clarified that this motion was a placeholder and would not specifically target the high school project currently under consideration. The committee discussed the importance of having this placeholder in place to address potential capital needs in the future. The committee voted in favor of the motion.

Superintendent Status Preliminary Discussion (Link: 01:59:00 – 02:11:00)
Schaeffner then transitioned to a preliminary discussion regarding the status of the Interim Superintendent, John Robidoux. She noted the need to consider the possibility of transitioning Robidoux from an interim role to a permanent position. Robidoux suggested a timeline for potentially making this transition effective July 1, 2025, and emphasized the need for a formal evaluation process to assess his performance. Committee members discussed the importance of community and staff feedback in the evaluation process, agreeing that a structured approach would be beneficial. They also acknowledged the need for a mid-cycle evaluation to ensure that all parties were aligned on goals and expectations. The committee agreed to explore the formation of a subcommittee to develop a framework for the evaluation process, ensuring that it would be fair and comprehensive.

Evaluation Process Workshop Discussion (Link: 02:11:00 – 02:14:00)
The committee discussed the potential for a workshop to outline the evaluation process for Interim Superintendent John Robidoux. A member suggested that the same committee that previously assisted with the evaluation could help develop a robust process for assessing Robidoux’s performance. The idea was to involve community members and students in the evaluation process to ensure transparency and inclusivity. Another member emphasized the importance of conducting the workshop within the next four weeks to establish a timeline for gathering community feedback and completing the evaluation. The committee agreed that the workshop would focus on determining the evaluation process rather than evaluating Robidoux’s performance at that time.

Scheduling the Workshop (Link: 02:14:00 – 02:15:00)
The committee discussed scheduling the workshop, with members expressing a desire to ensure that it would be well-organized and productive. They considered reaching out to Alicia for assistance in facilitating the workshop. The consensus was to find a suitable time and date that would accommodate all members and allow for thorough discussion.

Subcommittee Liaison Updates (Link: 02:15:00 – 02:20:00)
The committee moved on to subcommittee liaison updates. A member reported on the recent budget meeting, where they outlined a rough budget calendar. They noted that the Finance Committee (FinCom) is aiming for a warrant hearing on April 7th, which necessitates that the school district’s budget be finalized beforehand. The committee tentatively scheduled their budget hearing for March 6th and proposed a budget workshop on February 3rd. The member also mentioned the intention to hold a budget forum in the second week of February to facilitate community discussions about the budget. This forum would allow for open dialogue and feedback from community members, which could be incorporated into the final budget proposal.

Communication Subcommittee Update (Link: 02:20:00 – 02:22:00)
Another member provided an update from the Communication Subcommittee, highlighting a recent meeting with Marblehead TV. They discussed potential topics for programming, including the budget, and expressed interest in creating a primer to inform the community about the budget process. The member also mentioned plans to launch a newsletter in January to keep the community informed about school activities and initiatives.

METCO Program Update (Link: 02:22:00 – 02:26:00)
The committee then received an update on the METCO program from John Robidoux, Interim Superintendent. He reported that he meets weekly with Katie, the METCO director, to discuss ongoing initiatives and opportunities for students. He highlighted recent activities, including holiday events for students and ongoing enrollment discussions. Robidoux noted that there are some grade levels that may be nearing capacity, which could impact enrollment. Robidoux also mentioned the possibility of inviting Millie, an operations staff member, to provide insights on the METCO program in a future meeting. The committee expressed interest in attending a METCO meeting to gather more information and engage with parents about the program. The meeting continued with discussions on various topics, including the importance of community engagement and transparency in school operations.