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Meeting Commencement and Pledge of Allegiance (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:00:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM by Chair Jennifer Schaeffner. Present at the meeting were committee members Sarah Fox, Brian Ota, and Jennifer Schaeffner, with Alison Taylor joining via Zoom. Al Williams was noted as absent. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by an unidentified speaker.
Student Representative Update (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:02:00)
A student representative provided an update from the high school, noting that quarter three had recently ended, and seniors had begun their senior projects. The representative highlighted upcoming events, including a half-day for Good Friday and no school on the following Monday and Tuesday. The school musical “Hadestown” was praised for its performance, and spring sports were reported to be in full swing. The representative also mentioned the upcoming AP exams and congratulated students involved in the All Jazz concert.
Commendations (Link: 00:02:00 – 00:03:00)
Committee members took turns offering commendations. An unidentified speaker commended Steve Kwiatek, Director of Educational Technology, for his exceptional support and contributions to presentations and professional development sessions. Alison Taylor commended Katie Freegon from Village School for her coordination of the Trouble Chorus, which provided a remarkable experience for students participating in the Northeast Trouble concert.
Public Comment Session (Link: 00:03:00 – 00:14:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner opened the public comment session, reminding attendees of the 15-minute time limit and the request for individuals to keep their comments to three minutes or less. Several community members, including students and parents, expressed their views on the proposed flag policy. A student named Kira shared concerns about the potential removal of art and symbolic displays from school hallways, emphasizing the importance of these displays for student morale and expression. Margaret Clark, a community member, criticized the rush to implement the policy and urged the committee to seek broader input from parents and students.
Discussion on Flag Policy and Viewpoint Neutrality (Link: 00:14:00 – 00:29:00)
Nyla, a community member, requested the addition of a viewpoint-neutral clause to the draft flag policy to ensure a consistent and legally sound approach to symbolic displays. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a values-based and developmentally appropriate policy. Angus McQuokin raised concerns about the language in the draft policy, questioning its alignment with constitutional rights and the potential for expensive litigation. He also highlighted the issue of teachers being ordered to remove inclusive symbols from classrooms in other districts. Aaron Alberman, a lawyer and parent, expressed concerns about the policy’s potential legal implications and suggested that the committee refrain from enacting any policy at this time.
Continued Discussion on Flag Policy and Viewpoint Neutrality (Link: 00:29:00 – 00:37:00)
The Marblehead School Committee continued its discussion on the proposed flag policy, with community members expressing their concerns. An unidentified speaker emphasized that parents and community members without children in the schools should not dominate the conversation. The speaker highlighted offensive comments made during the discussions, particularly regarding the pride flag and traditional family values. Another community member, Audrey House, urged the committee to table the flag policy, arguing that it could lead to legal challenges and undermine the district’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diane Gora, a resident, questioned the rationale behind removing enforcement of the flag policy from the administration’s hands. Jeannie Lampton raised questions about the policy’s implementation and accountability, seeking clarification on the procedures and consequences for policy violations.
Public Hearing on School Choice (Link: 00:37:00 – 00:47:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner opened a public hearing on school choice for the 2025-2026 school year. Interim Superintendent John Robidoux explained the provisions of the Educational Reform Act of 1993, which presumes that each school committee will admit non-resident students unless a vote is taken to opt out. Robidoux recommended that Marblehead Public Schools not participate in school choice for the 2025-2026 school year, citing financial and logistical concerns. The committee discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of school choice, including diversity and fiscal implications. Ultimately, the committee voted not to participate in the school choice program, with Alison Taylor voting against the motion.
Student Donation Presentation (Link: 00:47:00 – 00:53:00)
Jared Caplock, Senior Class President, presented a donation proposal to the committee. Caplock outlined plans to replace the high school’s graduation banner and three water bubblers, funded by the class of 2025. The new banner, designed for outdoor use, would cost $875, while the water bubblers would total $6,094.44. The committee approved the donation of $6,969.44. The committee clarified the process for procuring the items, with the facilities department handling the installation of the water bubblers.
Superintendent’s Updates and Community Engagement (Link: 00:53:00 – 01:02:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux provided several updates, acknowledging the busy month of April and extending well wishes for Passover and Easter. Robidoux announced that Matt Fox, the longtime principal of Veterans Middle School, is a finalist for a principal position at West Middle School in Andover. Robidoux expressed gratitude for Fox’s service and stability provided to the district. Additionally, Robidoux highlighted the Project Reboot initiative, brought to the district by Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Julia Ferreira and supported by the PTO, which aims to foster dialogue on safe technology usage. He also praised the success of the high school musical “Hadestown” and provided updates on the Unified Track team’s recent meets. Robidoux shared his experience judging a Culinary Arts Chopped Challenge at the high school and commended the kindergarten orientation events at Brown and Glover Schools. He concluded with a mention of the upcoming Earth Day activities at Village School, which align with state educational standards.
Discussion on Unified Sports and Inclusivity (Link: 01:02:00 – 01:03:00)
An unidentified speaker discussed the impact of Unified Sports, recalling a previous experience at a Unified Games event. The speaker expressed a desire to expand Unified Sports programs, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and community support. Robidoux responded by explaining the concept of Unified Sports, where students with different abilities participate alongside typically developing students. He highlighted the effort required to establish such programs and expressed interest in expanding them within the district.
Approval of Schedule Bills (Link: 01:03:00 – 01:03:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner called for a motion to approve the schedule bills totaling $958,360.52. The motion was moved by committee member Sarah Fox and seconded by Brian Ota. The committee conducted a roll call vote, with all present members voting in favor of the motion.
Presentation by Megan Sweeney on Gender Violence Awareness (Link: 01:03:00 – 01:14:00)
Megan Sweeney, founder of PowerUp, presented to the committee on gender violence awareness and the need for community engagement. Sweeney recounted the journey of raising awareness about gender violence, emphasizing the importance of breaking the cycle of silence and denial. She highlighted the support received from various town boards and organizations, including the Marblehead Police Department and the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women. Sweeney proposed several initiatives for the school committee to consider, such as regular YWCA programming, student accountability pledges, and professional development on gender awareness. She also advocated for the creation of a feminist student organization to foster discussions on gender equality.
Committee Response to Gender Violence Awareness Initiatives (Link: 01:14:00 – 01:19:00)
Committee members expressed their support for Megan Sweeney’s initiatives. Sarah Fox recalled a previous grant-funded program that addressed sexual violence awareness and suggested revisiting similar professional development opportunities. Robidoux agreed on the importance of proactive discussions and expressed interest in exploring the timing and implementation of these initiatives. Alison Taylor expressed pride in the town’s support for the initiatives. The committee showed a willingness to endorse the proclamation and further explore the proposed initiatives.
Proclamation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (Link: 01:19:00 – 01:23:00)
The Marblehead School Committee discussed the importance of recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month. An unidentified speaker highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence among both genders, emphasizing that males are also affected. The speaker referenced recent cases involving former students and the role of the committee in protecting vulnerable children. Megan Sweeney’s proclamation was read into the record, declaring April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Marblehead Public Schools. The proclamation underscored the need for awareness, support, and action against sexual violence. The committee unanimously approved the proclamation, with members Sarah Fox, Brian Ota, Alison Taylor, and Jennifer Schaeffner voting in favor.
Follow-Up on Gender Violence Initiatives (Link: 01:23:00 – 01:24:00)
Following the approval of the proclamation, an unidentified speaker expressed gratitude for the committee’s support and offered to provide additional resources, including an accountability pledge template. The speaker encouraged committee members to reach out for further collaboration with the superintendent and other school officials.
Discussion on Flag Policy Amendments (Link: 01:24:00 – 01:30:00)
The committee resumed its discussion on the proposed flag policy, with an unidentified speaker clarifying that the policy pertains only to flags and banners permanently affixed to school property. The speaker emphasized that student artwork and temporary displays would not be affected. The committee relied on legal counsel to ensure the policy’s compliance with the law, referencing the Shirtlift case as a guiding precedent. The speaker expressed trust in the superintendent’s discretion to recommend appropriate displays that align with the district’s mission and values.
Clarifications and Additions to the Flag Policy (Link: 01:30:00 – 01:39:00)
Committee member Alison Taylor proposed additional clarifications to the flag policy to address community concerns. Taylor suggested explicitly stating that the policy does not apply to personal items such as sports banners, graduation banners, student artwork, or personal attire. The committee discussed the importance of clear language to prevent misunderstandings and alleviate fears of censorship. Taylor also recommended including language to recognize federally recognized heritage months, allowing for the display of related banners during those times.
Operationalization and Trust in Administration (Link: 01:39:00 – 01:48:00)
The committee discussed the operationalization of the flag policy, emphasizing the administration’s role in implementing policies. An unidentified speaker highlighted the importance of trust in the superintendent and administration to execute policies effectively. The committee acknowledged the need for policies to remain adaptable to changes in legal and social contexts. The discussion focused on the importance of clear guidelines and the administration’s responsibility to operationalize policies in alignment with the district’s mission and values.
Finalization of Flag Policy and English Language Curriculum Discussion (Link: 01:48:00 – 01:54:00)
An unidentified speaker outlined the next steps for finalizing the flag policy, indicating that they would draft the policy and send it to legal counsel for review. The speaker emphasized the importance of ensuring the policy is well-prepared before a final vote, even if it requires additional readings. The meeting then transitioned to a discussion on the English language curriculum. The speaker provided context on the English Learner Education Program, which was reviewed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in January 2024. The district received feedback indicating a need for a consistent ESL curriculum for all proficiency levels in high school. As a result, the district selected Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s English 3D curriculum for grades 7 through 12, which aligns with DESE’s pillars for English learner education programs. The curriculum focuses on providing equitable access to learning opportunities and leveraging students’ linguistic and cultural strengths. The committee was asked to approve the curriculum for implementation in the next school year.
Approval of English 3D Curriculum and Funding Considerations (Link: 01:54:00 – 02:00:00)
The committee discussed the implementation details of the English 3D curriculum, including its delivery in separate English learner program classes and the professional development timeline for teachers. The curriculum is designed to help students achieve English proficiency by the time they exit the program. The committee also addressed funding considerations, with Title III federal grants supporting aspects of the program, such as stipends for the program coordinator and professional development. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of federal funding and the need to prepare for such an eventuality. The committee unanimously approved the English 3D curriculum for grades 7 through 12.
Superintendent Evaluation Workshop and Contract Negotiation Dates (Link: 02:00:00 – 02:05:00)
Chair Jennifer Schaeffner discussed the scheduling of the superintendent evaluation workshop and contract negotiation process. The committee planned to send out surveys to stakeholders and compile the results in an open meeting. The evaluation was tentatively scheduled to be presented on May 1st, with the possibility of extending the timeline if needed. The committee considered holding an executive session to review contract parameters and authorized the chair to negotiate. The committee aimed to finalize the evaluation and contract by mid-May.
Recreation and Parks Memorandum of Understanding (Link: 02:06:00 – 02:11:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux provided an update on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Recreation and Parks Department. The MOU, which runs from April 15, 2025, to August 31, 2026, outlines the use of school facilities during the summer. Robidoux discussed ongoing collaboration with the department to address facility usage and maintenance. The committee approved the MOU, with members expressing gratitude for the partnership with the Recreation and Parks Department.
Subcommittee and Liaison Updates (Link: 02:11:00 – 02:14:00)
The committee provided updates on subcommittee and liaison activities. An unidentified speaker mentioned informing new administrators about upcoming events, such as prom and graduation, to coordinate with the Recreation and Parks Department for necessary preparations. The committee also discussed transitioning from small coffee groups to office hours, where two school committee members would be available monthly to engage with the public. The initiative aims to improve communication and transparency with the community. The committee considered starting the office hours in April or May, with plans to announce the dates in the district newsletter.
Discussion on School Community Meetings and Social Media Strategy (Link: 02:14:00 – 02:20:00)
The Marblehead School Committee discussed the potential for holding school community meetings at each school, allowing parents to engage with the school environment. An unidentified speaker suggested that these meetings could incorporate student voices and provide parents with an opportunity to see the schools firsthand. The committee also deliberated on the creation of a Facebook page for the school committee. The discussion centered around whether to allow comments on the page, with references to guidelines from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) advising against it to avoid potential deliberation issues. The committee considered using the page as a platform for announcements and updates, complementing existing communication channels like the school website and monthly newsletters.
Consideration of Public Forums and Addressing Misinformation (Link: 02:20:00 – 02:22:00)
Committee members, including Alison Taylor, discussed the possibility of organizing public forums to address misinformation and provide clarity on school matters, such as the budget process. Taylor emphasized the importance of these forums in combating misinformation and fostering transparency. The committee considered scheduling forums in May, potentially on a quarterly basis, to cover various topics and allow for community engagement and questions.
Facilities and Financial Updates (Link: 02:22:00 – 02:25:00)
The committee received updates on facilities and financial matters. An unidentified speaker mentioned an upcoming meeting to discuss a test patch for a ceiling sealant, which was conducted at no cost to the district. The results of this test will be reviewed to ensure fiscal responsibility and quality in facility projects. Additionally, the Finance Committee (Fincom) voted unanimously to adopt the town budget, which includes the school budget, and recommended the adoption of an override article to fund HVAC additions to a group project. The committee also discussed capital requests for playground equipment at Glover School and improvements to the Performing Arts Center.
Policy Subcommittee and Correspondence (Link: 02:25:00 – 02:27:00)
The committee planned to schedule a policy subcommittee meeting to review existing policies and develop a recess policy. Alison Taylor mentioned the need to address correspondence, including a letter from the acting commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Secretary of Education in Washington. This letter, included in the meeting packet, was sent on behalf of all Massachusetts school districts. The committee aimed to reconvene for further discussions and updates in the following weeks.
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