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Meeting Commencement and Pledge of Allegiance (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:02:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting commenced with Chair Jennifer Schaeffner calling the meeting to order at 6:04 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by an unidentified speaker, as attendees rose to honor the flag.
Commendations and Agenda Adjustments (Link: 00:02:00 – 00:04:00)
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Schaeffner noted the absence of the student representative due to a performance and opened the floor for commendations. Committee Member Brian Ota commended the boys and girls track coaches, Nolan Ramo and Will Her, for their community spirit. The track teams had come together to purchase a new bike for an alumnus, Nicolay, who had been seen walking after his bike broke. The committee unanimously voted to send a note of gratitude to the coaches and student athletes involved.
Presentation by Brown School Third Graders (Link: 00:04:00 – 00:07:00)
The meeting agenda was adjusted to allow third graders from the Brown School Leadership Council to present before public comments. Principal Mary Maxfield and School Counselor Clara introduced the students, highlighting their achievements and leadership roles. The students were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and present their activities and goals as part of the Leadership Council.
Leadership Council Presentation (Link: 00:07:00 – 00:17:00)
The third graders from the Brown School Leadership Council detailed their election process, goals, and activities. They emphasized their commitment to making the school a better place through teamwork, being role models, and fostering a culture of kindness and justice. The students shared their experiences in leading community meetings and engaging in projects like the Kindness and Justice Wall, which promotes inclusivity and respect.
Committee and Superintendent Remarks (Link: 00:17:00 – 00:22:00)
Committee members, including Alison Taylor and Brian Ota, expressed their admiration for the students’ presentation and leadership. Interim Superintendent John Robidoux praised the initiative as a realization of the district’s goal to amplify student voice. Schaeffner and Taylor commended the students for their public speaking skills and leadership qualities, noting the significance of their contributions to the school community.
Presentation of Certificates and Recess (Link: 00:22:00 – 00:30:00)
Certificates of recognition were awarded to the student leaders, acknowledging their efforts and achievements. Schaeffner called for a brief recess to allow for photographs and informal interactions, expressing particular admiration for the Kindness and Justice Wall initiative.
Public Comment Session (Link: 00:30:00 – 00:36:00)
The meeting resumed with a public comment session. Kira Kay, a resident of Pickwick Road, voiced concerns about a proposed policy perceived as exclusionary and out of step with community values. She questioned the necessity of the policy and its alignment with the district’s mission. Another speaker, identified as a junior at Marblehead High School, argued against a policy banning flags, emphasizing the importance of flags as symbols of identity and culture. The student advocated for a culture of respect and understanding rather than restriction.
Continued Public Comment on Flag Policy (Link: 00:36:00 – 00:48:00)
The public comment session continued with several speakers addressing the proposed flag policy. An unidentified speaker highlighted a survey conducted among high school students, revealing that 103 out of 109 respondents supported having a voice in flag policies. The speaker urged the committee to consider student input in their decision-making process. Margaret Clark of 29 Members Street expressed her concerns about the policy, questioning the necessity of such restrictions and the potential legal implications. Clark argued that the policy could stifle school spirit and community engagement, citing the example of a football team wanting to display a banner for a championship win. Renee Ramirez, a retired clinical social worker, shared personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of symbols and expressions of identity for children. Ramirez urged the committee to consider the broader implications of the policy on student development and inclusivity. Brett Steen, a lawyer from Darryl Road, critiqued the proposed policy from a legal perspective, arguing that it misinterprets First Amendment law and could expose the town to legal challenges. Steen suggested that the policy could inadvertently suppress protected speech and urged the committee to reconsider its approach.
Extension of Public Comment Session (Link: 00:48:00 – 01:03:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner noted that the public comment session had exceeded its 15-minute limit, reaching 22 minutes. A motion was made and seconded to extend the session by an additional 10 minutes to accommodate more speakers. The motion passed with a roll call vote, allowing four more individuals to speak. Kathleen Zedegren of 23 Devereaux in Marblehead read a statement expressing disappointment with the proposed flag policy. Zedegren emphasized the importance of allowing students to explore diverse ideas and warned against the dangers of censorship in education. Angus, a parent of an eighth grader, criticized the policy as a result of political objectives rather than educational considerations. Angus argued that the policy could politicize the school committee and lead to unintended consequences, urging the committee to focus on improving education rather than restricting expression.
Final Public Comments and Committee Response (Link: 01:03:00 – 01:08:00)
Jeannie Lamkin, another resident, echoed previous concerns about the policy’s impact on student development. Lamkin emphasized the need for students to engage with diverse perspectives and learn to navigate complex social issues. Committee Member Sarah Fox clarified that no committee member had made statements regarding specific flags in school buildings. Fox stated that public comments would be addressed during the appropriate agenda item discussion. Lamkin urged the committee to consider the long-term implications of their decision and to trust in the students’ ability to engage with the world around them.
Continued Public Comment on Flag Policy (Link: 01:08:00 – 01:11:00)
Henry Glassman of Mohawk Road expressed his admiration for the leadership qualities demonstrated by the third graders earlier in the meeting. Glassman highlighted the importance of teamwork, collaboration, justice, and inclusion, urging the committee to consider a flag policy created by high school students, which had undergone legal review. He encouraged the committee to adopt the students’ version of the policy instead of the proposed subcommittee policy. Following Glassman’s remarks, Megan Calvin of 7 Sapphire Ave raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposed flag policy on curriculum and student projects, sharing a personal anecdote about her first grader’s homework project. Calvin emphasized the importance of listening to student leaders and acting in their perceived best interests.
Superintendent’s District Updates (Link: 01:11:00 – 01:22:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux provided updates on various district activities and achievements. He announced upcoming performances of “Hadestown” on April 11th, 12th, and 13th, and congratulated Nate Assa for his sixth-place finish in the 5000-meter race at the New Balance National Indoor Track and Field Competition. Robidoux also highlighted the selection of IFA Sullivan’s documentary for screening at the Salem Film Festival and mentioned several upcoming musical concerts and community events. He discussed the METCO program’s success and ongoing advocacy efforts for funding, as well as the participation of district leaders in the Women’s Educational Leadership Network Conference. Robidoux shared personal experiences, including receiving persuasive letters from high school students and participating in a webinar on anti-Semitism, emphasizing the district’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Discussion on Antisemitism Investigation and Reports (Link: 01:22:00 – 01:30:00)
The committee discussed the anticipated report on an investigation into antisemitism within the district. An unidentified speaker expressed eagerness to see the report’s findings, noting the investigation’s origins in faculty disagreements over flags and subsequent claims of antisemitism. Robidoux clarified that the investigation primarily focused on personnel issues and was not intended to assess the district’s overall stance on antisemitism. He assured the committee that an executive summary would be presented at the next meeting. The discussion also touched on the Academic Discoveries report concerning special education, with Robidoux explaining the process of reviewing and addressing inaccuracies in the report.
Approval of FY26 Budget (Link: 01:30:00 – 01:35:00)
The committee moved to approve the FY26 Marblehead School District budget, totaling $49,120,285. An unidentified speaker noted the increase in town revenue projections, which allowed for a level services budget. The speaker urged the public to review relevant minutes from the Finance Committee and Select Board meetings. The budget was approved with a roll call vote, with all present members voting in favor.
Approval of DECA Career Development Conference Trip (Link: 01:35:00 – 01:40:00)
The Marblehead School Committee approved an overnight trip for the DECA Career Development Conference. The trip, which will take place from April 25 to April 30, 2025, is set to be held at Disney World. A business teacher from Marblehead High School presented the proposal, highlighting that fundraising efforts and a generous grant have reduced costs for students, who will only need to cover airfare. The committee unanimously approved the trip, with members expressing their support and wishing the students good luck.
Discussion on Proposed Flag and Banner Policy (Link: 01:40:00 – 02:04:00)
The committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the proposed policy on flags and banners, known as Policy IMDb. Committee Member Sarah Fox, who is part of the subcommittee working on the policy, provided an update on the process. Fox explained that the policy is based on legal advice from the district’s attorney, John Foskett, and is informed by current Supreme Court law and practices in other districts. The policy aims to address what constitutes government speech within school buildings. Committee members expressed varying opinions on the policy. One member emphasized the importance of including student voice in the decision-making process, suggesting that high school students and administration should be involved in proposing flags for consideration. Another member highlighted the support the current proposal has received from the public, while acknowledging the controversy surrounding the issue. Interim Superintendent John Robidoux shared his perspective, emphasizing the need for educational relevance in flags and banners displayed in schools. Robidoux advocated for a policy that aligns with the district’s values and curriculum, while also considering student input. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for further discussion to address potential unintended consequences. The committee recognized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all students and discussed the broader implications of the policy on the school community.
Clarification on Student Survey and Flag Policy Discussion (Link: 02:04:00 – 02:11:00)
The Marblehead School Committee continued its discussion on the proposed flag policy, with a focus on clarifying the student survey process. An unidentified speaker addressed a misunderstanding regarding the distribution of survey results, noting that not all committee members had received them. The survey, which was distributed to approximately 942 students, garnered 109 responses, with 37 students providing detailed narratives. The survey was disseminated through student government channels and social media platforms. The committee discussed the importance of student input and the mechanisms through which feedback was collected. Committee members revisited the legal implications of the proposed flag policy, emphasizing the distinction between government speech and individual free speech. The committee’s legal counsel advised that any policy regarding flags or banners in public school buildings would constitute government speech, subject to legal scrutiny. The committee acknowledged the need for further legal clarification to ensure compliance with existing case law and to mitigate potential legal risks.
Legal Counsel and Policy Development (Link: 02:11:00 – 02:17:00)
The committee deliberated on the role of the superintendent and the school committee in the flag policy decision-making process. An unidentified speaker highlighted the importance of adhering to legal counsel’s advice to avoid potential litigation. The committee discussed the possibility of the superintendent acting as a conduit for student and community input, while the final decision-making authority would rest with the school committee. The committee expressed a desire for further clarification from legal counsel regarding the superintendent’s role in the policy development process.
Superintendent Evaluation Timeline (Link: 02:17:00 – 02:30:00)
The committee shifted its focus to the timeline for the superintendent evaluation process. Chair Jennifer Schaeffner outlined a proposed schedule, which included a workshop on May 8 to develop the composite evaluation, followed by a regular business meeting on May 15 to discuss the evaluation. The committee planned to send out surveys to staff, administrators, parents, and community members in mid-April, with a deadline for responses set for early May. The survey results would inform the evaluation process, and the committee aimed to finalize the evaluation by the end of May. Committee Member Sarah Fox proposed an alternative timeline, suggesting that the workshop be held on May 15, with the evaluation discussion taking place at a subsequent meeting. The committee agreed to finalize the timeline after receiving input from the survey subcommittee, which was scheduled to meet the following day. The committee planned to publish the finalized timeline for public awareness.
Superintendent Evaluation and Meeting Schedule (Link: 02:30:00 – 02:31:00)
The Marblehead School Committee discussed the timeline for the superintendent evaluation process. An unidentified speaker suggested that the committee might vote to approve the composite evaluation, allowing time for community input. The committee considered scheduling a meeting on May 22, which is not a regularly scheduled meeting, to potentially vote on moving forward with a new contract. Another unidentified speaker expressed no preference between meeting dates, emphasizing the importance of distributing the composite evaluation and survey to gather community feedback. The committee acknowledged the busy schedule in May, including the town meeting, and prepared for a potentially long week.
Subcommittee and Liaison Updates (Link: 02:31:00 – 02:37:00)
The meeting proceeded with updates from various subcommittees and liaisons. An unidentified speaker reported on the communications subcommittee, highlighting the completion of the March school committee newsletter. The newsletter reached over a thousand readers, prompting the inclusion of a short survey to gather feedback on its effectiveness. The subcommittee is exploring additional communication methods, such as informal meetings with parents and a town hall-style event, to engage the community. Another speaker expressed willingness to pilot the idea of two committee members meeting informally with community members, ensuring compliance with subcommittee regulations. The finance liaisons provided an update on their joint meeting with the Finance Committee, focusing on the use of revolving funds to balance the budget and avoid staff or service reductions.
Policy Subcommittee and Future Initiatives (Link: 02:37:00 – 02:39:00)
The policy subcommittee reported progress on the operating protocol, with suggestions from Alicia Mallon being incorporated. The subcommittee is considering implementing weekly coffee meetings with two school committee members, similar to practices in other districts. The committee discussed the potential benefits of such meetings and the logistics of scheduling them. Additionally, the subcommittee is working on finalizing an FAQ document to enhance communication with the community.
Special Education and Safety Updates (Link: 02:39:00 – 02:41:00)
An unidentified speaker provided updates from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) and the superintendent’s safety advisory committee. CPAC has secured funding for the Unsung Heroes program, which recognizes special education educators, tutors, and other staff members for their contributions. The speaker encouraged community participation in nominating individuals for the awards. The safety advisory committee reported a shortage of crossing guards, urging community members to consider applying for the position. The committee emphasized the importance of the Unsung Heroes program in celebrating the dedication of educators and fostering a sense of belonging within the special education community.
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