Click Below for Additional Meeting Resources:
Meeting Commencement and Pledge of Allegiance (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:01:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM on June 5. Chair Jennifer Schaeffner welcomed attendees and initiated the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commendations and Recognitions (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:02:00)
Committee Member Alison Taylor commended Garrett Kapovich for his professionalism and efforts in organizing senior activities. Taylor also acknowledged the Anti-Defamation League’s recognition of the committee’s work on an anti-Semitism proclamation.
Tribute to Mr. Dave Fleming (Link: 00:02:00 – 00:03:00)
Chair Schaeffner paid tribute to the late Mr. Dave Fleming, a beloved social studies teacher at Marblehead Junior High School. Schaeffner shared memories of Mr. Fleming’s contributions to the school, including his involvement in outdoor education programs.
Public Comments on Anti-Semitism Proclamation (Link: 00:03:00 – 00:16:00)
Several community members, including Kristen Binder, Karen Malcolm, and Sarah Ladian, expressed gratitude to the committee members who supported the anti-Semitism proclamation. They highlighted the importance of rejecting anti-Semitic materials in educational settings and commended the committee for their stance. Carl Goodman, a long-time resident, also voiced his appreciation for the committee’s decision.
Mental Health Awareness and Support (Link: 00:16:00 – 00:20:00)
Jonathan Hill, an educator and parent, addressed the committee regarding the urgent need for mental health support in schools. He emphasized the importance of hiring school social workers to address students’ emotional and social challenges and urged the committee to prioritize mental health initiatives.
Student Representative Commendation and Updates (Link: 00:20:00 – 00:26:00)
Chair Schaeffner commended Ella, the outgoing student representative, for her dedication and contributions over the past year. Ella provided updates on senior week activities, including graduation, prom, and scholarship awards. She also introduced Will Cruikshank as the incoming student representative for the next academic year.
Superintendent’s District Updates (Link: 00:26:00 – 00:30:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux expressed gratitude for his contract renewal and shared his excitement about continuing his work in Marblehead. He recounted his visit to the sixth graders at Borndale and mentioned the experiential learning opportunities provided. Robidoux also highlighted the recent student-athlete signing day, listing the names and future colleges of the athletes who will continue their sports careers in college.
Senior Projects and Graduation Plans (Link: 00:30:00 – 00:35:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux shared updates on recent senior projects and upcoming graduation plans. He noted the success of the senior projects presented on May 30 and praised the efforts of students and staff involved. Robidoux also highlighted the Brown Fun Run and the Piers Culture Feast, which were well-attended community events. He extended early congratulations to the graduating seniors and listed the colleges and universities they will be attending, including prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, Yale University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. Robidoux also acknowledged the contributions of Ella, the outgoing student representative, and welcomed Will Cruikshank as the new student representative.
Approval of Bills and Financial Updates (Link: 00:35:00 – 00:37:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner moved to approve a schedule of bills totaling $796,263.30. The motion was seconded and approved by the committee members, including Al Williams and Alison Taylor. Schaeffner then introduced Michael Pfifferling, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, to provide a financial update.
Fiscal Year Budget and Capital Projects (Link: 00:37:00 – 00:43:00)
Michael Pfifferling reported on the district’s financial status, noting that $36.8 million of the budget had been expended, with an additional $8 million encumbered. He discussed the challenges of managing payroll during the busy month of June and outlined plans for addressing budgetary needs not initially included in the budget. Pfifferling and Robidoux are considering prepaying special education tuitions for the next year. Schaeffner and Pfifferling also discussed the possibility of fulfilling capital projects that were initially removed from the budget due to a $2 million shortfall in town projections.
Collaboration on Capital Projects and Scoreboard Funding (Link: 00:43:00 – 00:45:00)
Schaeffner praised the collaboration between the school district and the town’s departments in managing capital projects, specifically highlighting the efforts to keep costs down for the Performing Arts Center seating and the scoreboard. Pfifferling noted the cooperation with the town’s light department to assist with the installation of the new scoreboard, emphasizing the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to maximize resources for the benefit of students.
Youth Risk Survey Results (Link: 00:45:00 – 00:57:00)
Gina Hart, a clinical social worker at Marblehead High School, presented the results of the annual Youth Risk Survey. The survey, which assesses substance use and health among students, showed decreases in anxiety and depression rates. The survey also highlighted areas of concern, such as the prevalence of psychotic experiences and suicidal thoughts among students. Hart and Robidoux discussed the need for ongoing support and programming to address these issues and improve student well-being.
Youth Risk Survey Analysis Continued (Link: 00:57:00 – 01:09:00)
An unidentified speaker continued the presentation on the Youth Risk Survey, focusing on various aspects of student well-being and substance use. The speaker highlighted a downward trend in negative body image perceptions among students, although 37% still reported negative feelings. Disordered eating and experiences of discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other personal identities were also discussed. The speaker noted that 67% of sexually diverse students and 50% of gender-diverse students were above the risk threshold for anxiety and depression. The presentation also covered substance use, with data showing that alcohol use among students was higher than in other schools, while nicotine and cannabis use were similar. The speaker emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues, particularly during graduation celebrations. The survey also revealed that many students began using substances before age 15, with 7% starting as early as elementary school. The presentation concluded with a discussion on impaired driving, peer perceptions of substance use, and the impact of social media on mental health.
Social Media and Mental Health Initiatives (Link: 01:09:00 – 01:14:00)
The discussion shifted to the role of social media in students’ lives, with a focus on both positive and negative impacts. The speaker noted that platforms like Snapchat and Instagram were widely used, with students recognizing both the benefits and drawbacks of social media. The school had implemented Project Reboot to address these issues, providing presentations to students and families. The speaker emphasized the importance of ongoing conversations and focus groups to better understand students’ experiences and needs. The school also presented the survey data to faculty and collaborated with local authorities to address social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health support. The speaker highlighted the district’s commitment to supporting students through a multi-tiered system of support and the adoption of a new SEL curriculum.
Science Curriculum Review and Recommendations (Link: 01:14:00 – 01:27:00)
Julia Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, introduced Angie Graziano and Emily Perez, instructional coaches, to present the science curriculum review. Ferreira outlined the district’s curriculum review process, which occurs every six years for each content area. The review focused on equitable opportunities and outcomes for students, aligning with state standards and high-quality instructional materials. The committee recommended adopting Mystery Science as the primary science curriculum for grades K-4, with an implementation plan that includes professional development for educators. The estimated cost for the curriculum update is $200,000, which is within the budget. The presentation emphasized the importance of providing all necessary materials to ensure effective implementation and avoid resource sharing among classrooms.
Science Curriculum for Grades 5-8 (Link: 01:27:00 – 01:30:00)
An unidentified speaker presented the new science curriculum for grades 5-8, highlighting the adoption of McGraw Hill’s Inspire Science. This curriculum is domain-based, with sixth grade focusing on earth and space science, seventh grade on life science, and eighth grade on physical science. The curriculum includes an online learning platform, Actively Learn, and a textbook component. For engineering in grades 7 and 8, the committee recommended No Adam, a program previously piloted in the district. The speaker emphasized the alignment of the curriculum with Massachusetts standards and the collaborative effort involved in its selection.
High School Science Curriculum Updates (Link: 01:30:00 – 01:35:00)
The discussion continued with updates on the high school science curriculum. The speaker noted the need to update outdated biology materials and emphasized the importance of aligning Advanced Placement (AP) courses with College Board requirements. The proposed updates include digital components to enhance accessibility and differentiation for all learners. The estimated cost for these updates is $82,000, with plans for professional development to support educators in implementing the new curriculum.
Professional Development and Curriculum Implementation (Link: 01:35:00 – 01:39:00)
The speaker outlined plans for professional development to ensure a smooth transition to the new curriculum. Training sessions are scheduled for educators, with stipends provided for those involved in differentiating the curriculum. The implementation plan includes a gradual rollout for grades K-4, allowing educators time to adapt. The speaker assured the committee that the process has been intentional and well-planned, addressing past issues with curriculum implementation.
Lab Components and Student Preparedness (Link: 01:39:00 – 01:48:00)
The discussion shifted to the importance of lab components in science education. Concerns were raised about the lack of dedicated lab blocks and the impact on students’ preparedness for college-level science courses. The speaker acknowledged the need for data collection to assess the effectiveness of current lab practices and committed to reporting back to the committee. The curriculum includes online resources to supplement hands-on lab experiences, providing students with additional support.
Approval of Science Curriculum (Link: 01:48:00 – 01:52:00)
The committee moved to approve the proposed science curriculum for grades K-12. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The speaker expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort involved in the curriculum review process and highlighted the excitement among educators about the new materials.
Operating Protocols and Policy Adoption (Link: 02:01:00 – 02:09:00)
The meeting resumed with a discussion on operating protocols. A draft protocol was presented for approval, with committee members expressing a desire for a more concise version. The committee approved the protocol with a vote. The discussion then moved to policy adoption, focusing on updating policies to align with Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) recommendations. The committee reviewed policies one by one, with a focus on ensuring compliance with state statutes.
Policy on Therapy and Service Animals (Link: 02:09:00 – 02:14:00)
The Marblehead School Committee discussed the adoption of policies regarding therapy and service animals in schools. An unidentified speaker highlighted the importance of having a policy that encourages the use of therapy animals, which have been beneficial during times of crisis. Another unidentified speaker explained that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) policy allows building principals to work with agencies to ensure health and safety standards are met when therapy animals are brought into schools. The committee approved the updated policy on service animals, which aligns with state and federal laws, ensuring non-discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Homeschooling Policy Update (Link: 02:14:00 – 02:17:00)
The committee reviewed the MASC version of the homeschooling policy, which differs from the existing policy by not awarding high school diplomas to homeschooled students. An unidentified speaker clarified that while homeschooled students can access extracurricular activities, the district cannot align with performance standards for diploma issuance. The committee approved the adoption of the updated MASC policy on homeschooling.
Development and Dissemination of Procedures (Link: 02:17:00 – 02:19:00)
The committee moved to approve the MASC policy on the development and dissemination of procedures, which involves striking a paragraph from the existing policy. The updated policy outlines the procedures that will take place in the school district, ensuring alignment with current standards.
Instructional Materials and Student Progress Reports (Link: 02:19:00 – 02:23:00)
The committee approved the updated MASC policy on instructional materials, which includes cross-references to other policies. The discussion then shifted to student progress reports, with an unidentified speaker explaining that the updated policy clarifies the issuance of periodic evaluations. The committee approved the adoption of the updated policy on student progress reports.
Teaching Controversial Issues (Link: 02:23:00 – 02:27:00)
The committee discussed the policy on teaching controversial issues, which includes a cross-reference to resource persons. An unidentified speaker raised a question about determining what constitutes a controversial issue. Another unidentified speaker explained that it is generally a collaborative decision at the school level involving teacher leaders and principals. The policy emphasizes that teachers must refrain from expressing partisan positions and must align discussions with course objectives.
Recess Policy and Contractual Considerations (Link: 02:27:00 – 02:46:00)
The committee discussed the recess policy, with an unidentified speaker noting that the recommendation is for grades K-3 to have two recesses and grades 4-6 to have one longer recess. Concerns were raised about the policy potentially conflicting with the existing contract, which provides for a second morning recess at the elementary level. The committee acknowledged the need to ensure that any policy changes align with contractual obligations and discussed the possibility of amending the contract if necessary.
Correspondence and Acknowledgments (Link: 02:46:00 – 02:49:00)
An unidentified speaker addressed the Marblehead School Committee, reading two letters into the record. The first letter, dated May 20, was from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of New England. The ADL expressed gratitude for the committee’s resolution against anti-Semitism, highlighting the importance of creating an educational environment free from discrimination. The letter referenced a recent shooting at a Jewish museum, underscoring the significance of the committee’s stance in promoting safety and inclusivity for Jewish students. The ADL commended the committee’s leadership in combating bias and fostering a just society. The second letter was from the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA), dated June 4. CAMERA expressed appreciation for the committee’s decision to scrutinize educational materials for bias, particularly in light of rising anti-Semitism. The letter referenced recent attacks on Jewish individuals and emphasized the importance of maintaining educational integrity. CAMERA praised the committee for supporting critical thinking and standing against the inclusion of biased content in classrooms. The organization offered its support to the committee in addressing these issues and commended their leadership. The speaker concluded by noting that all five membership departments were involved in the decision-making process, emphasizing the collective effort in addressing these concerns.
All About Town provides all information in a good faith effort to improve community engagement and awareness. However, text is generated by artificial intelligence, and we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information provided herein. Use of the site and reliance on any information on the site is solely at each individual’s own risk.