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Commendations and Public Comment Introduction (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:03:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting commenced with a brief acknowledgment by an unidentified speaker, who expressed gratitude towards the custodial and maintenance staff for their efforts in cleaning the exterior of the school buildings. The speaker noted that the buildings looked welcoming and thanked the staff for their hard work. Following this, the meeting moved on to the public comment section, where attendees were invited to speak.
Public Comments on Flags and Political Expression (Link: 00:03:00 – 00:06:00)
During the public comment period, several speakers addressed the committee regarding the display of flags and banners within the schools. An unidentified speaker, referred to as Ms. Clark, emphasized the importance of allowing diverse flags, such as Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, as educational opportunities to understand diversity. Another speaker, identified as Mr. McLuhan, criticized the committee’s policy on flag displays, arguing that it complicated free expression and could lead to censorship. He questioned the selection of certain heritage months over others and the exclusion of federal holidays like Juneteenth.
Concerns Over Flag Policy and Free Expression (Link: 00:06:00 – 00:13:00)
Chris Brul, a participant in the meeting, expressed concerns about comments made by a committee member regarding traditional family values. He highlighted that the flag policy affects not only queer families but also cisgendered heterosexual families who support inclusivity. Another speaker, Renee, questioned the definition of “viewpoint neutral” in the context of the flag policy and expressed concerns about the politicization of the school committee.
METCO Program and Flag Policy Implications (Link: 00:13:00 – 00:24:00)
Cindy Tower Lowen, a resident of Marblehead, raised concerns about the impact of the flag policy on the METCO program, which involves students from Boston. She questioned whether the committee had consulted with METCO families and other districts involved in the program about the potential removal of the Black Lives Matter banner. Lowen emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all students, particularly those from Boston.
Discussion on Educational Policies and Practices (Link: 00:24:00 – 00:30:00)
Mary Garrison addressed the committee, expressing appreciation for the work of teachers and the success of student projects. She inquired about the committee’s stance on book policies and the grading system, advocating for a return to traditional letter grades in certain grades. Garrison also reiterated her concerns about the flag policy and its potential legal implications. The discussion highlighted ongoing debates about educational practices and inclusivity within the district.
Continued Discussion on Flag Policy and Heritage Months (Link: 00:31:00 – 00:39:00)
Jeannie Lampton, a resident of Severo Street, addressed the committee with concerns about the language and implications of the flag policy. Lampton critiqued the policy’s wording, suggesting it lacked clarity and ownership. She highlighted the acceptance of a welcome mat with politically active symbols, questioning the consistency of the policy’s application. Lampton also presented a list of various heritage and awareness months, advocating for equal recognition. She referenced the Marblehead Housing Authority’s flag policy as a potential model for the committee. Additionally, Lampton noted the poor condition of a flag at the school, suggesting its replacement in accordance with flag etiquette.
Acknowledgment of Former PCO President (Link: 00:39:00 – 00:39:00)
A speaker, representing the collective PCO presidents, acknowledged the passing of Neera Kushar Si, a former PCO president at Glover School. The speaker highlighted Si’s contributions to the school community, emphasizing her role in bringing enrichment programs to the school.
Student Representative Updates and Senior Projects (Link: 00:39:00 – 00:51:00)
A student representative provided updates on various activities at Marblehead High School, including a cooking competition, upcoming cheerleading tryouts, and senior college signing day. The representative also mentioned the a cappella groups’ spring concert and the junior prom. The discussion then shifted to senior projects, where students shared their experiences and projects. Ava Zellum, a senior, described her project with Essex Pediatric Neuropsychology, focusing on social media and website content creation. Jacob Hirschfield shared his project in professional golf management at Kerwin Country Club, detailing his experiences and future aspirations in the field.
Superintendent’s District Updates (Link: 00:51:00 – 00:54:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux provided district updates, recognizing National School Principals Day. Robidoux highlighted recent international trips to Ireland and Greece, as well as Earth Day activities conducted by students. He also mentioned a mock town meeting moderated by Jack Harridge, where students debated a real town warrant article. Robidoux provided information about the upcoming Culture Feast event, celebrating the diverse cultures within the school community.
Senior Project Presentations Continue (Link: 00:54:00 – 01:01:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting continued with presentations from students about their senior projects. Jeremy Sorkin shared his experience interning at Metro Credit Union, where he worked on the teller line and gained insights into financial operations. Lyle Montgomery discussed his project involving therapy dogs, Salty and Rudder, and their positive impact on students and staff at local schools. Montgomery emphasized the therapeutic benefits and personal growth he experienced through this project. Ava Hand presented her internship at RN Law, focusing on medical malpractice and personal injury cases, which provided her with valuable insights into the legal field. John Bender shared his journalism project with the Marble Current, where he explored various story ideas and conducted interviews, reigniting his interest in journalism.
Discussion on Piper Field Usage and Planning Board Application (Link: 01:01:00 – 01:15:00)
The committee shifted focus to a discussion about Piper Field’s usage, specifically regarding the lights and PA system. An unidentified speaker outlined a proposal to seek relief from a 2013 planning board decision that limited the use of lights and the PA system at Piper Field. The proposal aimed to extend the usage of lights to allow more flexibility for athletic events, benefiting both school and community sports leagues. The committee discussed potential concerns from local residents about light and noise pollution, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. The committee voted in favor of moving forward with the application to the planning board, with a focus on ensuring the proposal remains narrowly focused on the lights and PA system.
School Improvement Plans Presentation (Link: 01:15:00 – 01:24:00)
The meeting proceeded with presentations on school improvement plans. Dr. Michele Carlson, Principal of Marblehead High School, outlined four key goals for the school: preparing for the NEASC collaborative visit, updating curriculum documents, offering professional learning opportunities, and increasing student voice. Carlson emphasized the alignment of these goals with the district’s broader improvement plan. The presentation included a discussion on the importance of community support and collaboration in achieving these goals.
Glover School Improvement Plan Presentation (Link: 01:24:00 – 01:31:00)
The meeting continued with a presentation on the Glover School improvement plan. An unidentified speaker outlined the plan’s three main goals: increasing overall student achievement, developing student accountability, and fostering a sense of community within the school. The plan emphasized the importance of Tier 1 instruction and proposed initiatives such as common planning time for teachers and a school-wide silent reading program. The speaker also highlighted the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create an inclusive environment for all students. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the importance of documenting resource needs, such as coverage for teachers, to aid in future budget planning.
Approval of School Improvement Plans and Facilities Discussion (Link: 01:31:00 – 01:38:00)
The committee moved to approve the school improvement plans for Marblehead High School and Glover School. A committee member expressed the desire to include a facilities component in future plans, highlighting the need for medium-level improvements that do not qualify as capital projects. The discussion touched on the importance of having a long-term capital improvement plan to address ongoing and immediate needs. The committee voted to approve the current plans, with the understanding that future plans would incorporate these additional considerations.
Proposal to Name Playground Structure in Memory of Brooke (Link: 01:38:00 – 01:41:00)
The committee discussed a proposal to name a playground structure at Glover School in memory of Brooke, a beloved former kindergarten teacher. The proposal, which followed the appropriate chain of events, involved determining the structure and associated costs, with funding from PTO donations. The committee expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of honoring Brooke’s legacy. The discussion included plans to involve the community and staff in the playground’s development, ensuring a meaningful tribute.
Financial Update and Budget Planning (Link: 01:41:00 – 01:49:00)
Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations Michael Pfifferling provided a financial update, reporting that $31.8 million of the budget had been expended, with $12.5 million encumbered, leaving a balance of $2.46 million. The committee discussed the potential impact of reduced free cash projections on the budget, emphasizing the importance of maintaining school capital asks. The conversation included the need to prioritize and potentially reallocate funds to ensure the completion of projects, such as playground improvements and HVAC systems. The committee agreed on using any surplus to offset budget cuts, ensuring that the schools remain financially stable and able to meet their needs.
Discussion on Capital Items and Budget Adjustments (Link: 01:49:00 – 01:52:00)
The Marblehead School Committee engaged in a discussion regarding the capital items list initially approved for the town meeting warrant. A committee member raised concerns about potential changes to the list, as the Finance Committee had requested a reduction in the proposed budget. The committee deliberated on whether a new vote was necessary to amend the original amount, given the uncertainty surrounding the final figures. The consensus was to maintain the original request until further clarity was provided, emphasizing the procedural nature of any potential amendments.
Flag and Banner Policy Third Reading (Link: 01:52:00 – 02:15:00)
The committee proceeded to the third reading of the flag and banner policy. A committee member read the policy into the record, outlining the guidelines for displaying flags and banners on school property. The policy emphasized viewpoint neutrality and specified which flags could be displayed, including those representing six heritage months. The discussion highlighted differing opinions on the necessity and implications of the policy. One committee member expressed skepticism about the policy’s legal certainty and questioned its necessity, advocating for the continued involvement of students and faculty in the decision-making process. Concerns were raised about the potential for the policy to create legal uncertainties and the challenges of managing flag displays. Another committee member emphasized the importance of having the superintendent as an agent in the policy, aligning with legal recommendations and operational responsibilities. The discussion also touched on the potential consequences of violating the policy and the role of the administration in handling such matters. The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for a balanced approach that respects diverse viewpoints while maintaining operational clarity.
Ongoing Debate on Flag Policy and Legal Implications (Link: 02:15:00 – 02:24:00)
The Marblehead School Committee continued its discussion on the flag policy, with a focus on the necessity and implications of having such a policy. A committee member highlighted the proactive approach taken by librarians in drafting a library review policy, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for potential challenges. The conversation shifted to the origins of the flag policy debate, which began with an inquiry about the absence of a policy when a flag was removed from the cafeteria. The committee deliberated on whether the absence of a policy necessitated the creation of one, with legal counsel advising that a policy should be established if requested. The discussion underscored the complexities involved in crafting a policy that balances free speech with operational clarity. Concerns were raised about the potential legal risks of not having a policy, as well as the challenges of managing flag displays without clear guidelines.
Considerations for Policy Implementation and Community Impact (Link: 02:24:00 – 02:33:00)
The committee explored the potential consequences of implementing or not implementing a flag policy, with a focus on the legal and community implications. A committee member expressed concerns about the risks associated with not having a policy, citing case law that supports the need for clear guidelines. The discussion also touched on the role of the superintendent in making decisions about flag displays, emphasizing the importance of having a policy to guide such decisions. The committee acknowledged the challenges of addressing diverse viewpoints and the potential for controversy, while also recognizing the need to protect the district’s legal standing. The conversation highlighted the importance of community involvement and the need for a balanced approach that respects diverse perspectives.
Motion to Amend Flag Policy and Recess Policy Discussion (Link: 02:33:00 – 02:41:00)
The committee moved to amend the flag policy to include both students and staff in the decision-making process. A motion was made to add language specifying that requests for flag displays should come from students and staff, rather than external parties. The committee voted in favor of the amendment. The meeting then transitioned to a discussion on the recess policy, with a committee member providing background on the history of recess in the district. The committee considered the implications of previous administrative decisions to remove recess and the subsequent community response.
Recess Policy Discussion and Implementation Challenges (Link: 02:41:00 – 02:56:00)
The Marblehead School Committee continued its discussion on the implementation of a second recess for elementary students. A committee member recounted the unanimous recommendation from a previous committee, which included teachers and administrators, to reinstate a second recess, emphasizing its benefits for children’s development. The draft policy, aligned with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), proposed two scheduled recess periods totaling a minimum of 35 minutes per day for grades K through 6. The policy aimed to support physical activity, social development, and overall student wellness. Concerns were raised about meeting the state’s required time on learning, with various scenarios presented to ensure compliance. The committee discussed the need to work with legal counsel and the teachers’ union to finalize the policy details.
Considerations for Recess Policy and Time on Learning (Link: 02:56:00 – 03:06:00)
The committee explored the implications of the proposed recess policy on the required time on learning, as outlined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). An unidentified speaker clarified that while DESE is silent on recess, it is clear about what constitutes time on learning. The committee discussed the importance of aligning the policy with DESE guidelines and ensuring that recess does not infringe on instructional time. The conversation highlighted the need for collaboration with the superintendent, legal counsel, and the policy subcommittee to address any potential challenges. Additionally, the committee considered the possibility of amending the school calendar to accommodate the proposed recess policy. The discussion concluded with plans to continue working offline to refine the policy and address any outstanding issues.
Superintendent Evaluation and Subcommittee Updates (Link: 03:06:00 – 03:06:00)
The meeting transitioned to a discussion on the superintendent evaluation process. The committee planned to compile the evaluation on May 6, with a presentation scheduled for the next business meeting. Members were reminded to use the fillable form provided for the evaluation. Subcommittee updates followed, with a focus on the recent coffee hour event. Committee members reflected on the event’s attendance and discussed strategies for increasing participation in future sessions. The committee considered varying the timing of future coffee hours to accommodate different schedules and ensure broader community engagement.
Reflections on Community Engagement and Communication (Link: 03:06:00 – 03:13:00)
A committee member expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation of a recent community engagement session, emphasizing the cordial and open nature of the discussions. The session covered various topics, including the flag policy and book banning, with the committee clarifying that book banning is not within their purview. The member highlighted the importance of community input and transparency, noting that the committee has been more transparent and inclusive in recent years. The discussion also touched on the need for better communication with parents, particularly regarding Google Classroom and the transition from elementary to middle school.
Addressing Misunderstandings and Policy Clarifications (Link: 03:13:00 – 03:17:00)
The committee continued to address misunderstandings from the community session, with a focus on the flag policy and the role of the school committee in decision-making. A committee member clarified that the policy subcommittee had reviewed the resource review policy, ensuring it aligns with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) guidelines. The member reiterated that the school committee does not have the authority to ban books, as such decisions follow a formal procedure initiated by parents. The conversation also included a discussion on the WIN (What I Need) block, emphasizing the need for consistent implementation across grades.
Office Hours and Community Engagement Strategies (Link: 03:17:00 – 03:19:00)
The committee discussed the effectiveness of recent office hours and explored strategies for future community engagement. A committee member suggested holding sessions in various locations, such as playgrounds, to accommodate parents with young children. The committee agreed on the importance of offering multiple engagement opportunities to reach a broader audience. Plans were made for upcoming office hours, with committee members volunteering to participate and coordinate logistics.
Facilities Updates and Staff Engagement (Link: 03:19:00 – 03:22:00)
The meeting transitioned to updates on facilities, with a committee member reporting on recent walkthroughs conducted by administrators and staff at each school. These walkthroughs aimed to identify and address maintenance issues, with a focus on immediate needs. The committee expressed appreciation for the proactive approach and the progress made in addressing staff concerns. The discussion highlighted the importance of direct communication with staff to ensure facilities are well-maintained and functional.
Interview Committee Formation and Protocol Discussion (Link: 03:22:00 – 03:25:00)
The committee discussed the formation of an interview committee for the upcoming departure of Matt Fox, Principal of Veterans Middle School. Several committee members expressed interest in participating, with a decision to be made based on availability and experience. The conversation then shifted to meeting protocols, with a committee member emphasizing the need to adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order to ensure orderly discussions. Concerns were raised about the current format, with suggestions to revisit and reinforce meeting protocols in future sessions.
Upcoming Meetings and Protocol Review (Link: 03:25:00 – 03:26:00)
The committee outlined the schedule for upcoming meetings, including the superintendent evaluation and town meeting preparations. A committee member reiterated the importance of reviewing and adhering to meeting protocols, with plans to address this in the next meeting. The discussion concluded with a reminder of the importance of maintaining order and respect during meetings, ensuring productive and efficient discussions.
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