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Opening and Pledge of Allegiance (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:00:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge was led by members of the committee and attendees, setting a respectful tone for the proceedings.
Commendations and Public Comments (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:03:00)
Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair of the School Committee, began by acknowledging the presence of Glover students, expressing excitement and pride in their participation. She invited public comments, during which Mr. Cantor raised concerns about federal funding and the sharing of information by the committee. Schaeffner assured that these topics would be addressed later in the meeting.
Student Representative Update (Link: 00:03:00 – 00:04:00)
The student representative, Elle, provided updates on various school activities. Highlights included the school play “The Sleepwalker” participating in a drama festival, the boys’ hockey team preparing for a playoff game, and the commencement of spring sports. Elle also mentioned the seniors’ scholarship meeting and the class auction organized by the class of 2026.
Student Spotlight: Glover School Presentation (Link: 00:04:00 – 00:13:00)
Frank Kowalski, Principal of Glover Elementary School, introduced a student spotlight presentation focused on neurographic art. Maggie Dobbin, an art educator, explained the integration of Wayfinder principles into art lessons, emphasizing stress relief and creativity. Students demonstrated the neurographic art process, highlighting its benefits in managing stress and enhancing focus.
Superintendent’s District Update (Link: 00:13:00 – 00:15:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux provided a brief district update, noting the continuation of student spotlights and the alignment of school improvement plans with district goals. He also mentioned the implementation of learning walks to enhance instructional practices and foster collaboration among educators.
Naming of the Athletic Complex (Link: 00:15:00 – 00:21:00)
The committee voted on naming the Marblehead High School athletic complex after Alexander W. Kulovich Jr. The motion was unanimously approved, with committee members expressing admiration for Kulovich’s contributions to the district. The decision followed a week of heartfelt testimonials from former students, colleagues, and community members.
Remarks by Alexander W. Kulovich Jr. (Link: 00:21:00 – 00:25:00)
Alexander W. Kulovich Jr. expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the support of colleagues, coaches, parents, and student-athletes during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of student involvement in extracurricular activities and credited his success to the collaborative efforts of the Marblehead community.
Family Acknowledgment and Remarks (Link: 00:25:00 – 00:29:00)
Joe Kulovich, representing the Kulovich family, thanked the committee for honoring their request to name the athletic complex after his father. He highlighted Alexander Kulovich Jr.’s character and contributions to the community. The meeting continued with a financial update, as attendees expressed appreciation for the evening’s focus on student achievements and community recognition.
Family Acknowledgment and Closing Remarks (Link: 00:25:00 – 00:29:00)
Joe Kulovich, representing the Kulovich family, thanked the committee for naming the athletic complex after his father. He highlighted Alexander Kulovich Jr.’s character and contributions to the community. The meeting continued with a financial update, as attendees expressed appreciation for the evening’s focus on student achievements and community recognition.
Financial Update and Budget Projections (Link: 00:29:00 – 00:31:00)
Michael Pfifferling, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, presented the financial update for the end of February. He reported that $23.9 million of the budget had been expended, with an additional $20 million encumbered, primarily for salaries. The unexpended balance at the end of February was $2.89 million. Pfifferling projected the possibility of prepaying $900,000 in out-of-district tuitions, similar to the previous year, pending committee approval. He noted that utilities, special education, and salaries were tracking as expected.
Questions on Financial Matters (Link: 00:31:00 – 00:34:00)
Sarah Fox, Committee Member, inquired about potential impacts of rising natural gas prices on the budget. Pfifferling explained that the district has a contract with National Grid and another supplier, ensuring stability in utility costs. He detailed the current expenditures and balances for gas and electricity, expressing confidence in the budget’s ability to cover these costs through the end of the fiscal year. Fox also asked about the prepayment of tuitions and the status of the Munis conversion. Pfifferling indicated that discussions on prepayments would occur closer to the fiscal year’s end and confirmed that the Munis conversion was on track, with a go-live date for accounts payable and general ledger set for July 1.
Salary and Special Education Budget Concerns (Link: 00:34:00 – 00:36:00)
An unidentified speaker addressed concerns about salary lines running at a deficit, explaining that the increase was due to elevating special education instructional aides to a tutor wage. The speaker also noted that out-of-district tuitions were higher than budgeted due to previous commitments not accounted for. Efforts were being made to apply for extraordinary relief through the circuit breaker to address these unforeseen expenses.
Superintendent’s Goals and District Improvement Plan (Link: 00:37:00 – 00:55:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux provided an update on his goals and the district improvement plan. He outlined three main goals: establishing a consistent district-wide culture, developing a comprehensive district improvement plan, and ensuring student voice in teaching and learning. Robidoux detailed the progress made in each area, including communication efforts, the development of a more robust district improvement plan, and initiatives to incorporate student feedback. He emphasized the importance of a transparent and inclusive process, involving input from staff, students, and the community. Robidoux anticipated presenting the final district improvement plan to the committee by October, aligning with the current plan’s timeline.
Subcommittee and Liaison Updates (Link: 00:55:00 – 00:57:00)
The meeting continued with updates from various subcommittees and liaisons. An unidentified speaker mentioned that the finance liaisons had met with the Finance Committee (Fincom) to discuss budget projections and prepayments. The communication subcommittee is working on a survey to assess the reception of the school community newsletter and exploring ways to enhance public interaction. The Safety Advisory Committee and CPACs are scheduled to meet later in the month.
Social Media and Federal Funding Concerns (Link: 00:57:00 – 01:01:00)
The committee discussed the establishment of a School Committee Facebook page, with Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair, noting the challenges faced in setting it up. The page, facilitated by Stephen M. Kwiatek, Director of Educational Technology, aims to provide updates and information to the community. Concerns about federal funding were also addressed, with Sarah Fox, Committee Member, and Interim Superintendent John Robidoux discussing the current status and potential impacts. They emphasized the importance of awaiting guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Education before making any decisions.
Policy Subcommittee and Superintendent Evaluation (Link: 01:01:00 – 01:03:00)
The Policy Subcommittee, chaired by an unidentified speaker, is scheduled to meet to discuss the FLAG policy and school committee operating protocols. The meeting will include input from Alicia Mallon of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). Additionally, the committee will meet to develop the superintendent evaluation process, ensuring a structured approach to reviewing the superintendent’s performance later in the spring.
Closing Remarks and Announcements (Link: 01:03:00 – 01:04:00)
The meeting concluded with closing remarks and announcements. An unidentified speaker shared the unfortunate news of the boys’ hockey team losing their game, while acknowledging their efforts and achievements. The committee expressed pride in the team’s performance and thanked Sarah Fox for her contributions.
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Frank Kowalski is the principal of Glover not Dan Richard’s. Maggie does such tremendous art projects with the kids! She is so creative.
Thank you so much for pointing that out! I made the fix.