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Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:00:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting commenced at 6:02 PM, with Chair Jennifer Schaeffner welcoming attendees and confirming that the meeting was being live streamed.
Commendations (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:03:00)
Chair Schaeffner moved on to the commendations segment of the meeting. John Robidoux, Interim Superintendent, commended Lisa Vineyard and Melissa Aquaviva from the administration office for their hard work during recent personnel shifts. He acknowledged their efforts in maintaining smooth operations within the office. Following this, Sarah Fox expressed her desire to recognize Jeff St. George, a long-serving member of the facilities subcommittee who recently passed away. Fox highlighted St. George’s dedication to the Marblehead Public Schools, noting his involvement in various initiatives, including the Gerry feasibility study and the development of the Bell Organic Garden.
Public Comment (Link: 00:03:00 – 00:06:00)
The meeting then transitioned to public comment. A participant, identified as Mary McCarriston, spoke about the importance of flags in schools, emphasizing that they represent identity and acceptance. They urged the committee to consider the perspectives of students regarding the display of flags, particularly in light of the diverse world they inhabit. Following her comments, Michael Kalpin raised a concern regarding the high school roof replacement project. He questioned the rationale behind financing a new roof with a 30-year bond when the current roof had only lasted 20 years. Kalpin sought clarification on the materials and expected lifespan of the new roof. Chair Schaeffner acknowledged Kalpin’s concerns and mentioned that the agenda included an update on the roof project later in the meeting. She offered to connect with Kalpin offline to discuss his questions further.
Student Representative Update (Link: 00:08:00 – 00:10:00)
Ella Bennedetto, the student representative, provided updates on various school activities. She announced that senior project folders were available in the main office, with signatures due by February 14th. Ella also mentioned two senior nights for the swim and dive team and the gymnastics team, as well as a Best Buddies pizza dinner scheduled for Friday. Additionally, she highlighted the boys’ hockey team’s ranking of third in the MIAA power rankings and noted that two acapella groups, Jewel Tones and Luminescence, would be competing in the New England Voices competition. Ella concluded her update by mentioning the upcoming Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy tests, which would be hosted by Marblehead High School in April 2025.
District Updates (Link: 00:10:00 – 00:15:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux began his district updates by thanking the facilities and maintenance crew for their efforts in managing snowfalls. He acknowledged the challenges of weather-related school closures and emphasized his commitment to prioritizing safety for students and staff. Robidoux announced that upcoming school committee meetings would feature spotlights on how schools incorporate student voice into their operations. He expressed excitement about showcasing the positive initiatives taking place within the schools. He also discussed the importance of collaboration between schools and families during this time of year, particularly in addressing academic and social-emotional issues. Robidoux provided an update on budget discussions, highlighting the unprecedented collaboration with the town and the efforts of Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Michael Pfifferling in this regard. Robidoux concluded his update with an athletic report, noting the performance of various sports teams, including the boys’ hockey team, girls’ hockey team, and others. He also shared accomplishments from the performing arts department, including participation in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Senior District Festival and upcoming productions by the drama club.
Consent Action and DECA Overnight Trip Approval (Link: 00:15:00 – 00:22:00)
The committee moved on to consent action and agenda items, beginning with a request for approval of the DECA overnight trip. Julia Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, introduced Paul Gleeson, the new DECA advisor, who provided details about the upcoming state conference in Boston. Gleeson shared that approximately 60 students qualified for the state conference, which would take place from February 27th to March 1st. He explained the process for hotel accommodations and reassured the committee that students would be rooming with their chosen peers. Committee members inquired about provisions for students who may struggle with the cost of attending the conference. Gleeson confirmed that there are procedures in place to assist students financially, and Robidoux offered to support any necessary conversations regarding equity in funding. The committee then voted unanimously to approve the DECA overnight trip, with the motion moved by Sarah Fox and seconded by Alison Taylor.
Approval of Scheduled Bills (Link: 00:22:00 – 00:23:00)
The next item on the agenda was the approval of the previous month’s payment schedule. Chair Jennifer Schaeffner requested a motion to approve the scheduled bills totaling $748,330.97. Al Williams moved to approve the bills, and Sarah Fox seconded the motion. A roll call vote was conducted, with all members voting in favor, resulting in a unanimous approval of the bills.
Meeting Minutes (Link: 00:23:00 – 00:24:00)
Following the approval of the bills, Schaeffner noted that the meeting minutes from January 9, 2025, were not received in time for review. She indicated that the minutes would be tabled until the next meeting.
Competency Determination for Graduating Students (Link: 00:24:00 – 00:31:00)
The committee then moved on to discuss the competency determination for graduating students. John Robidoux, Interim Superintendent, introduced the proposal regarding the requirements for the graduating class of 2025, particularly in light of the changes to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Robidoux explained that students who have not yet earned their competency determinations through MCAS can meet the requirements through specific courses and grades, including English 9 and 10, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, and an additional lab science course. Robidoux also mentioned that students who do not meet these requirements could develop a portfolio to demonstrate competency. He emphasized that further discussions would take place in the spring to address future years’ requirements. Committee members expressed the need for clarity regarding the years affected by the proposal and the importance of ensuring that the requirements for incoming freshmen are robust. A motion was made by Sarah Fox to approve the competency determination proposal, which was seconded by Brian Ota. A roll call vote was conducted, and the proposal was unanimously approved.
2025-2026 School Calendar Discussion (Link: 00:31:00 – 00:52:00)
The committee then shifted focus to the proposed school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year. Robidoux acknowledged Julia Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, for her work in developing the calendar based on feedback from staff and administrators. The proposed calendar included two professional development days at the beginning of the school year, with students starting on August 27th. Robidoux outlined several changes from the previous draft, including adjustments to the start and end dates of the school year, the scheduling of parent-teacher conferences, and the incorporation of snow days. He noted that the last day of school would be June 17th, contingent on no snow days. Committee members raised concerns about starting school before Labor Day, citing the potential impact on students and families. Sarah Fox expressed her preference for a later start date, while Alison Taylor echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for continuity for students and families. Robidoux acknowledged the concerns but reiterated the importance of the proposed calendar for continuity and professional development. He suggested moving forward with the proposal and putting it to a vote. However, Fox made a motion to table the calendar discussion until the February meeting to allow for community feedback, which was seconded by Taylor. A roll call vote was conducted, resulting in a majority in favor of tabling the calendar discussion for further consideration.
Discussion on Staggered Start for Pre-K and Kindergarten (Link: 00:52:00 – 00:53:00)
During the meeting, Brian Ota raised a question regarding the proposed staggered start for Pre-K and Kindergarten students on the first day of school. He expressed concerns about the chaos that often ensues in lower elementary schools on that day, particularly for first-time Pre-K students. Ota suggested that delaying the start time for Pre-K students by an hour could alleviate some of the tension in the parking lot as parents drop off their children. Interim Superintendent John Robidoux acknowledged the concern and agreed that it was a situation worth revisiting. He indicated that the administration would consider the possibility of a delayed start to help manage the influx of students.
Marblehead High School Roof Update (Link: 00:53:00 – 01:03:00)
The committee then moved on to an update regarding the Marblehead High School roof. Michael Pfifferling, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, provided insights from recent facility meetings, highlighting the roof as a significant topic of discussion. He explained that the initial bond of $5,360,000 was approved for the project, which primarily involved replacing the rubber surface of the roof. However, upon further inspection by the project manager and design team, it was discovered that the existing HVAC systems were nearing the end of their lifespan and utilized outdated refrigerants that are no longer manufactured. Pfifferling outlined two options: one would involve replacing the HVAC systems with new equipment using current refrigerants, while the other would entail reinstalling the old systems, which would likely only last an additional two to three years. He noted that the deterioration of the HVAC units was exacerbated by the coastal environment, leading to rust and frost issues. Pfifferling emphasized the importance of addressing both the roof and HVAC systems simultaneously to avoid future complications and additional costs. He recommended pursuing an additional debt exclusion of $8,610,000 to cover the HVAC portion of the project, which would be presented to the town meeting for approval.
Community Concerns and Transparency (Link: 01:03:00 – 01:22:00)
Following the roof update, committee members discussed community concerns regarding the project and the need for transparency. Alison Taylor emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the timeline and reasons for the increased costs associated with the roof project. She acknowledged that the original estimate did not account for a comprehensive feasibility study, which would have provided a more accurate assessment of the roof’s condition and the necessary repairs. Committee members expressed the need to be upfront about the missteps that led to the current situation, including the lack of detailed inspections prior to the initial bonding request. Taylor reiterated that the increase in costs was not solely due to inflation but also due to the expanded scope of the project, which now includes significant HVAC upgrades. The committee agreed on the necessity of transparent communication with the community to foster understanding and support for the upcoming funding requests.
Subcommittee and Liaison Updates (Link: 01:22:00 – 01:23:00)
The meeting then transitioned to subcommittee and liaison updates. Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair, mentioned ongoing efforts to update the school committee’s webpage, specifically regarding the organization of press coverage and communications. Ota raised concerns about the presence of media articles on the committee’s website, suggesting that it may not be necessary to include external media coverage when the committee has its own press releases. Schaeffner agreed to discuss the matter further with the relevant parties to ensure that the website accurately reflects the committee’s communications and archives.
Subcommittee Communication and Newsletter Update (Link: 01:23:00 – 01:24:00)
The discussion resumed with a focus on communication strategies among subcommittees. A committee member proposed the creation of a communication sub-newsletter, which would be approved by the Chair before release. This initiative aimed to enhance communication regarding subcommittee activities. The member indicated that they had already reached out to subcommittee members for contributions to the newsletter.
Facilities Update (Link: 01:24:00 – 01:30:00)
The committee then moved on to a facilities update. Sarah Fox reported on several minor issues, including a light fixture at Village School that was being repaired and a light in the front parking lot that was under review due to safety concerns. She also mentioned ongoing discussions about safety measures at Brown School, specifically the need for a crosswalk and stop sign at the exit of the drop-off line onto Dartmouth Road. Fox noted that this request had been raised by staff members during a previous meeting and was part of the site plan approval process. The committee discussed the importance of addressing these safety concerns, particularly for walkers and bikers in the area. Fox emphasized that the approval for the crosswalk and stop sign was part of the original site plan, and there was confusion regarding why it had not been implemented. The committee agreed on the need for further discussions with the town’s highway department to resolve the issue.
Budget Update (Link: 01:30:00 – 01:31:00)
Following the facilities update, Fox noted that there had not been any new budget developments since the last meeting. She indicated that the committee would likely have a budget meeting in the near future to continue discussions on financial planning.
Policy Update (Link: 01:31:00 – 01:39:00)
Jenn Schaeffner, Chair, provided an update on policy matters. She reported that the policy subcommittee had met recently and outlined the work ahead, including the review of school community goals and protocols. Schaeffner mentioned that they were in the process of scheduling a meeting with Alicia, the field representative, to assist with the policy review. The committee also discussed the flag policy, which had not been addressed since the fall. Shaeffner indicated that there was a desire for additional input from students and the community regarding the policy. To facilitate this, the committee planned to schedule a student forum and a community forum, with the student forum tentatively set for February 13th. The discussion also touched on the possibility of conducting the student forum during the school day, but it was noted that the administration preferred to hold it after school to avoid disrupting the existing schedule. The committee acknowledged the importance of ensuring that all students had the opportunity to participate and provide feedback. The discussion included the implications of a recent Supreme Judicial Court case regarding flag policies, which involved the complexities of free speech and representation in school settings. The committee recognized the need to consider these legal precedents as they moved forward with their policy discussions.
Flag Policy Discussion (Link: 01:39:00 – 01:46:00)
The discussion on the flag policy continued, with committee members addressing the implications of a recent Supreme Judicial Court case that necessitated the establishment of a policy regarding flags displayed on school property. A committee member noted that the town had passed a flag policy approximately five months prior, which excluded schools from its provisions, thereby requiring the school committee to create a separate policy. This situation was described as a predicament, as the town’s policy left schools without clear guidelines. Another committee member emphasized the need for a policy that reflects the community’s values and the diverse identities of students. They acknowledged that the committee had received requests for a flag policy, indicating a community interest in the matter. The conversation highlighted the importance of ensuring that any policy developed would address the concerns of students and the broader community. The committee discussed the necessity of crafting a policy that would not only comply with legal requirements but also resonate with the student body. Members expressed the need for clarity on the process and timeline for developing the policy, as well as the importance of gathering input from students and community members.
Clarification on Policy Requests (Link: 01:46:00 – 01:48:00)
The committee then sought clarification on the nature of requests for a flag policy. One member inquired whether the request had come from an administrator or if it was a broader community initiative. It was noted that the request originated from a previous administrator, which led to the current discussions. Members expressed the need for a clear understanding of when a policy is required and when it is not. The conversation underscored the importance of community engagement in the policy-making process, with members agreeing that it was essential to communicate to the community that the committee was moving forward with crafting a flag policy rather than debating its necessity.
Safety Committee Update (Link: 01:48:00 – 01:51:00)
John Robidoux provided an update on the safety committee, noting that they had not met in February due to vacation schedules but planned to reconvene in March. He indicated that discussions would focus on the inventory and operational status of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the district. Robidoux expressed a desire to work with the town to ensure that AEDs were connected to the dispatch system, allowing for immediate access in emergencies. He highlighted the importance of safety measures and indicated that further discussions would take place in the upcoming safety committee meeting.
New Business: Immigration Policy Discussion (Link: 01:51:00 – 01:55:00)
The meeting then transitioned to new business, where Brian Ota raised concerns regarding potential immigration enforcement actions in schools. He referenced recent incidents in Boston Public Schools involving immigration officers and suggested that it would be prudent for the committee to develop guidelines for teachers and principals on how to respond if such situations arose in Marblehead. John Robidoux, Interim Superintendent, acknowledged the concern and stated that the district would address the issue by establishing protocols for handling visits from law enforcement, including immigration agents. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that staff members are prepared to manage such situations appropriately. Robidoux also agreed to consult with the district’s legal counsel to obtain specific guidance on how to handle these scenarios, particularly regarding the rights of students and the legal requirements for allowing entry into school buildings. The committee agreed on the necessity of having a clear plan in place to ensure the safety and rights of students, and Robidoux committed to providing updates on the matter as discussions progressed.
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