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Meeting Commencement and Initial Proceedings (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:01:00)
The Marblehead School Committee meeting began with some initial technical adjustments and greetings among the committee members. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the members present.
School Committee Reorganization (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:06:00)
The committee moved on to the annual reorganization following the recent election. Committee Member Brian Ota proposed that Jennifer Schaeffner continue as chair, citing her established relationships with various town and school officials and her experience with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. Ota also nominated Kate Schmeckpeper for the position of vice chair. However, Committee Member Al Williams was also nominated for the chair position by another member, leading to a vote.
Voting and Election Results (Link: 00:06:00 – 00:10:00)
The committee conducted a vote for the chair position. Al Williams received the majority of votes and was elected as the new chair. Subsequently, Kate Schmeckpeper was nominated and elected as the vice chair. Henry Gwazda was nominated and elected as the secretary, with the understanding that his role would be crucial during executive sessions when minutes need to be taken.
Public Comment and Concerns (Link: 00:10:00 – 00:28:00)
The meeting proceeded to the public comment section, where several community members expressed their views. Sarah Palladian voiced her disagreement with the election results, advocating for Jennifer Schaeffner to remain as chair due to her experience. Mark Adams urged the committee to consider energy-efficient solutions for the high school’s HVAC system, aligning with the town’s net-zero carbon goals. Michelle Val from Sustainable Marblehead requested the committee to design a solar-ready roof for the high school. Sarah Fox raised concerns about the voting process, suggesting that proper motions and seconds were not made, and highlighted potential conflicts of interest. Cindy Tower addressed concerns about free speech related to criticisms of Israel within the school district.
Public Comment Continuation and Challenges for the Committee (Link: 00:28:00 – 00:31:00)
Kate Thompson, a resident of Bouvier Road, addressed the committee, congratulating the newly elected members and urging the community to support them. Thompson presented four challenges for the committee: to meet throughout the summer, assemble a community-based expert group for budget oversight, revisit the 2020 capital needs audit for facilities, and ensure regular meetings of all subcommittees, particularly the Policy Committee.
Re-evaluation of Chair and Vice Chair Positions (Link: 00:31:00 – 00:33:00)
The committee revisited the election of the chair and vice chair positions. A motion was made to nominate Al Williams as chair, which was seconded and voted upon. The committee also discussed the nomination for the vice chair position, with a motion made to nominate Kate Schmeckpeper. During this discussion, concerns about potential conflicts of interest were raised, and it was agreed to consult the ethics office for guidance.
Introduction of New Middle School Principal (Link: 00:33:00 – 00:38:00)
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux introduced Matt Lavangi as the new principal of Veterans Middle School, succeeding Matt Fox. Lavangi was selected after an extensive interview process led by Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Julia Ferreira. Lavangi, previously the assistant principal at Littleton Middle School, was warmly welcomed by the committee and praised for his connections with students and staff.
Superintendent’s District Updates (Link: 00:38:00 – 00:46:00)
Interim Superintendent Robidoux provided updates on the district’s progress over the past year, highlighting the achievements of students and staff. He expressed gratitude to Jennifer Schaeffner for her support during his first year. Robidoux also outlined the summer programs and facility upgrades planned across the district, including maintenance and improvements at various schools.
Approval of Bills and Donations (Link: 00:46:00 – 00:49:00)
The committee approved a schedule of bills totaling $1,249,383.20. Additionally, a donation of landscaping improvements to the Brown School was accepted, including the planting of trees and bushes and the installation of green plastic wrap on a chain link fence to reduce noise.
Financial Update and Fiscal Year Transition (Link: 00:49:00 – 00:52:00)
Michael Pfifferling, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, provided a brief financial update. He noted the ongoing transition from the SoftRight to Munis financial system and the prepayment of over $1 million in tuitions for the upcoming fiscal year. Pfifferling also mentioned the purchase of AEDs and the progress of capital projects, such as the painting and seating upgrades in the Performing Arts Center.
Financial Updates and Equipment Investments (Link: 00:52:00 – 00:54:00)
Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, Michael Pfifferling, provided further financial updates, noting the processing of payrolls and the closure of fiscal year 2025 funds. Pfifferling highlighted investments in new speakers for the high school cafeteria and auditorium, as well as the Performing Arts Center, which are currently being installed. Additionally, the district has purchased new cleaning equipment following consultations with custodial staff to improve efficiency.
Roof Project Update and Presentation (Link: 00:54:00 – 01:03:00)
The meeting transitioned to a detailed update on the Marblehead roof project. Pfifferling introduced representatives from Left Field, the project’s owner’s project manager, and Raymond Design Associates, the designer. David Sandoin from Left Field presented a timeline and scope of the project, which includes a roof replacement and HVAC component. The project has evolved to include a $14 million budget, approved by town meeting, to cover both roof and HVAC replacements. Sandoin emphasized the aggressive schedule aiming for construction to begin in the summer of 2026, with bidding documents expected to be ready by October.
Discussion on Bidding Options and Project Decisions (Link: 01:03:00 – 01:15:00)
The committee engaged in a discussion about the bidding options for the roof project. Pfifferling and Sandoin explained the potential cost savings of bidding both a full roof replacement and a fluid-applied barrier. The committee considered the benefits of obtaining bids for both options to allow the market to determine the most cost-effective solution. The importance of making a timely decision to ensure the project remains on schedule was stressed, with the committee agreeing on the need for decisive action once bids are received.
Considerations for Solar Readiness and Further Steps (Link: 01:15:00 – 01:20:00)
Committee members raised questions about the roof’s readiness for future solar panel installation. Pfifferling noted that while the infrastructure for solar could be included, the roof’s structural capacity for solar panels would need to be confirmed with the original designer. A motion was made and seconded to approve the preparation of bid documents for both roof options, with the understanding that a facilities subcommittee would be formed to guide the decision-making process.
Approval of Contract Amendments for Roof Project (Link: 01:20:00 – 01:25:00)
The committee discussed the approval of contract amendments for the Marblehead roof project. A motion was made to approve the amended contracts for both Left Field and Raymond Design Associates (RDA). These amendments include the design and bid process for two options: a rubber roof and a liquid-applied barrier. The committee clarified that the Select Board’s approval is required for the contract amendments but not for the choice between the two options. The motion to approve the contract amendments was passed unanimously by the committee.
Policy Updates and Approvals (Link: 01:25:00 – 01:34:00)
The meeting proceeded with updates on various school policies. Interim Superintendent John Robidoux, along with Julia Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, and Stephen M. Kwiatek, Director of Educational Technology, presented updates to technology-related policies. These included the Student Acceptable Usage Policy, Parent/Guardian Consent Form, and Student Email and Internet Posting Guidelines. The committee voted to approve these updates. However, there was a discussion regarding the Student Educational Survey and Research policy, which was not voted on due to concerns about compliance with federal law and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) recommendations.
Discussion on Recess Policy Implementation (Link: 01:34:00 – 01:43:00)
The committee addressed the proposed recess policy, which aims to provide additional recess periods for students in kindergarten through third grade. Robidoux explained that implementing the policy requires a five-minute change in the start time for students, which is still under negotiation with the union. The committee discussed whether to approve the policy now or wait until the start time issue is resolved. Committee Member Jennifer Schaeffner emphasized the importance of moving forward with the policy, noting that it has been a topic of discussion for a significant period and is supported by educators. The committee considered the possibility of approving the policy and implementing it once the start time adjustment is finalized.
Recess Policy Approval and Discussion (Link: 01:43:00 – 01:45:00)
The Marblehead School Committee continued its discussion on the proposed recess policy, which allows for up to two recesses per day for students in kindergarten through third grade. Committee Member Henry Gwazda expressed support for the policy but raised concerns about its enforceability. The policy was deemed enforceable as written, allowing for up to two recesses. A motion to approve the policy was made and seconded, and the committee voted unanimously in favor, passing the motion 5-0.
Student Handbook Revisions and Attendance Policy Debate (Link: 01:45:00 – 01:54:00)
The committee reviewed updates to the student handbooks, including academic integrity expectations and attendance policies. Interim Superintendent John Robidoux and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Julia Ferreira addressed concerns about the high school attendance policy. Committee Member Jennifer Schaeffner voiced opposition to the policy, citing feedback from parents about students attending school while sick to avoid penalties. The committee discussed the balance between addressing chronic absenteeism and accommodating routine illnesses. Despite differing opinions, the motion to approve the student handbook updates passed with a 4-1 vote.
Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence (Link: 01:54:00 – 01:55:00)
An unidentified speaker highlighted the work of the Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee, which developed academic integrity expectations for all school levels. The committee aligned these expectations with those of Marblehead High School to address the use of technology and artificial intelligence in academic work. Plans to support teachers in implementing these expectations were also discussed.
Planning for Upcoming Retreat and Subcommittee Assignments (Link: 01:55:00 – 02:05:00)
The committee discussed the upcoming retreat scheduled for August 4th, from 9 AM to 1 PM. The agenda will include updates from legal counsel and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), as well as workshops on communication, team building, and leadership roles. The committee also addressed the need to establish a facilities subcommittee to oversee ongoing and upcoming projects. Committee Member Al Williams expressed interest in serving on this subcommittee. The need for active subcommittees during the summer to address policy updates and facility needs was emphasized.
Subcommittee Assignments and Meeting Scheduling (Link: 02:05:00 – 02:08:00)
The Marblehead School Committee continued its discussion on subcommittee assignments. Committee Member Henry Gwazda and Jennifer Schaeffner were confirmed as the two members for the facilities subcommittee. The committee also discussed the policy subcommittee, with some members expressing interest in continuing their roles. The committee decided to finalize the remaining assignments during the upcoming retreat. The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for July 17th, with a suggestion to keep it on the calendar if a quorum could be achieved. The committee considered the possibility of meeting during the day for planning goals, emphasizing the importance of setting school committee and superintendent goals before the school year begins.
Planning for Future Meetings and Goals (Link: 02:08:00 – 02:11:00)
The committee discussed the logistics of future meetings, including the possibility of holding a meeting on July 31st to accommodate members’ schedules. The importance of setting meeting dates for the upcoming school year was highlighted, with a preference for maintaining the first and third Thursdays of each month. The committee agreed to finalize these dates during the retreat or the next meeting. The agenda for the retreat was outlined, including the approval of minutes and discussions on ethics related to the secretary position. The committee also planned to address the scheduling of meetings for the summer and the upcoming school year to ensure effective planning and communication.
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