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Opening and Acknowledgments (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:01:00)
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America, and it was announced that the meeting is being recorded. A speaker then asked if there were any accommodations.
A committee member provided an acknowledgment regarding a recently approved roof contract. They commended several individuals for their assistance in getting the contract signed and agreed to, including Ralph Wallace, Mark Leapman, Brian Seraphin, Karima Maloney, Sam Alter, and Michael Pfifferling. The speaker expressed their intention to continue working with this group to complete the project.
Public Comment (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:09:00)
A committee member thanked Gwazda for his update and asked if there were any other accommodations before moving to public comment. The chair explained the public comment policy, stating that individuals have up to three minutes to present their materials and the overall segment should not exceed 15 minutes. Comments that don’t fit within these guidelines can be submitted via email. The chair clarified that public comment is not a discussion or debate, but an opportunity for individuals to express opinions on issues within the school committee’s authority, such as budget, superintendent performance, and school policy. A 15-second prompt would be given when time is expiring.
Reese Dahlberg of Fieldbrook Road, who identified herself as a parent and co-president of the MVMS PCO and member of the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination, spoke to thank the MVMS English teachers, Principal Matthew LeVangie, and the Marblehead Public School administration for supporting an event before Thanksgiving. She described an intergenerational book discussion about Alice Hoffman’s young adult novel “When We Flew Away,” a fictional account of Anne Frank. The event took place at the Abbott Public Library and included 33 MVMS students and community members from the Council on Aging and Task Force Against Discrimination. MVMS English teachers Caroline Todd, Brigitte Carnes, Jim Schaffnit, Ryan Judkins, David Barker, and librarian Katrina Donovan led small discussion groups, with lunch provided by the MVMS PCO.
Sarah Cox of 46 Key Street thanked Gwazda for his update on the roof work and his work on the building subcommittee. She then addressed the announcement to change start times, stating this was part of collective bargaining and the compensation package. Cox argued that the 2:37 end time had been embedded in the contract for many iterations going back 10-20 years. She claimed the committee breached Massachusetts General Law by not taking a public vote to reopen bargaining, stating they put “a huge dark cloak over the public business of this town.” Cox calculated that cutting 12 minutes per day over 180 days equals 36 hours or over five days of learning time removed from students. She argued this decision gave staff over a 3% compensation increase and cost over $500,000 in taxpayer money. Cox alleged ethics violations, claiming some committee members were supported by union donations, and stated the committee either met as an unposted quorum or elected themselves to bargain without a vote.
Karen Talmokliff of 11 Traeger Road spoke about a teacher grievance that would be discussed in executive session later that day. She stated that a teacher who served as lead teacher for over 10 years was removed from that position approximately one month after speaking out about antisemitism in schools. Talmokliff characterized this as retaliation and argued it creates a dangerous precedent that intimidates others from speaking out against antisemitism. She urged the school committee to review the grievance thoroughly and fairly, stating that reinstatement is warranted and that the resolution will signal whether the schools truly support those who speak out against hatred.
Student Representative Report (Link: 00:09:00 – 00:11:00)
The chair closed public comment and called on the student representative Will for his report. Will reported that the high school football team beat Swampscott on Thanksgiving Day in dramatic fashion, winning on the final drive after being down by one point. He congratulated all the players on what he called an instant classic.
Will announced that winter sports had begun their first week of practice, with games scheduled to start the following week for most teams. He also reported on the recent acapella concert called “Sing Free,” which featured all of the high school’s acapella groups as well as the middle school 8th grade group called the Lumatones. The Luminescence group performed “Man Eater,” “Pretty Hurts,” “Wannabe,” and an alumni song. The Grizzlies sang “Candy,” “Goodbye,” and their alumni song. The Jewel Tones performed “First Light,” “Where Have You Been?,” “Cecilia,” and an alumni song. The Lumatones collaborated with the high school Luminescence group to perform “Mercy” and “Shut Up and Dance.” Will noted that his sister participated in the 8th grade portion and that it was particularly meaningful to see alumni invited on stage.
Will concluded by reporting that Marblehead High School had switched back to its previous schedule, now beginning at 7:55 AM and ending at 2:30 PM. He stated that this change had been well-received and appreciated by both students and staff.
Superintendent Update (Link: 00:11:00 – 00:23:00)
Superintendent John Robidoux began by discussing information from Governor Healey’s office regarding a new graduation framework. This framework follows ongoing discussions across the Commonwealth after 10th grade MCAS tests are no longer required for high school diploma competency determination. The preliminary proposed framework includes end-of-course assessments in core subjects designed and scored by the state, implementation of MiCAP (career and academic plan), capstone projects or portfolios, students completing FAFSA/MASFA forms, developing financial literacy skills, and options to earn seals of distinction like the seal of biliteracy. Robidoux noted that the high school already has most of these components in place. Superintendents met with the commissioner and Secretary of Education to discuss the framework, with final action expected in June.
Robidoux reported that Assistant Superintendent Michael Pfifferling had a kickoff meeting with roof contractors that morning. The contractors are exploring beginning work on the library and adjoining shingled roof portions over April vacation, weather permitting. This would provide an early start on the overall high school roof project.
Casey Johnson, the METCO director, coordinated a district visit with new METCO President Dr. Candice Sumner. Dr. Sumner met with students and Principal Michele Carlson at the high school and was impressed by the students’ insights, advocacy, and passion. Following the school visit, a meet and greet was held at the central office with Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira, Al Williams, Kate Schmeckpeper, Representative Armini, along with Lumea and Cindy Lohan from the Marblehead Racial Justice Team. Robidoux described it as a refreshing and collaborative discussion. Dr. Sumner is conducting a 33-district tour and indicated that Marblehead was among her favorite stops so far.
The tree lighting and holiday walk was scheduled for the weekend, featuring the Marblehead Children’s Chorus with second and third graders from Glover and Joseph Brown schools performing Friday night at 6:30 in the National Grand Bank parking lot and again Saturday at the community center.
Robidoux reported on the anti-discrimination committee meeting held that day, where they discussed Holocaust remembrance activities planned for January and reviewed the commission on combating antisemitism report. He noted that many of the report’s recommendations for school districts were already being implemented, including counseling services, anti-discrimination curriculum with an antisemitism lens, and bias awareness training. The committee also discussed his meeting with the Marblehead Ministerial Association, reporting mechanisms for discrimination, and a partnership with the Lapin Foundation for Holocaust remembrance programming. A professional development opportunity titled “What Happens When a Swastika Shows Up at Your School” was shared with principals.
Robidoux expressed his impressions of recent conversations with high school students. He and Carlson met with students who formed the MAGIC Coalition (Marblehead Alliance for Growth, Inclusion and Connection), which aims to conduct student-led work around discrimination. The students plan to hold peer discussions and eventually speak with younger students about discrimination. A second meeting included 10-11 students who wanted to learn more about the coalition’s work.
Robidoux also met with Casey Johnson and a group of students of color, first with 16-17 students before Thanksgiving and again with 8-9 students on Tuesday, with Carlson joining the second conversation. The students expressed wanting to be heard, seen, and respected, feeling these were lacking components of the high school culture. They worked on creating a positive message to replace the Black Lives Matter banner that was taken down. Robidoux indicated he would share the rendering with the committee before it is displayed, noting it aligns with the flag policy as a positive, non-politicized message.
Robidoux concluded with administrative team shout-outs. Matthew LeVangie recognized middle school counselors Shannon Abel and Jen Bator for their support of students and staff, and permanent substitutes Tracy Mag and Phil Witt for maintaining continuity and stability. Scott Williams recognized Village School nurses Deb Cullen and Beth Stanovit for keeping the school healthy and supporting students, parents, and staff. Carlson recognized four high school secretaries: Carrie Wright, Jim, Linda Kuzmar, Loretta Brennan, and Peg Slattery, describing them as the heart of the school who greet families, solve problems, and support the school community. Frank Kowalski recognized Glover support staff Liz Coughlin, Jana Rowe, and Barbara Rosenberg for their work as literacy instructors and their willingness to help with various school activities. Julia Ferreira thanked third-grade teachers and Kimberly Grad, director of Abbott Public Library, for collaborating on the Caldecott book award selection process, with Grad visiting classes to read newly released picture books and discuss illustrations as part of her role on the National Caldecott Award selection committee.
Assistant Superintendent Financial Update (Link: 00:24:00 – 00:30:00)
The chair called for an update from Assistant Superintendent Michael Pfifferling, noting it was the first meeting of the month. Pfifferling reported there was very little to report and referenced the finance report in the packet. The unexpended balance decreased by $65,000 over the one-month period, going from $3.34 million to $3.27 million unexpended. Pfifferling stated this indicated salary encumbrances were very accurate, probably to a 99% accuracy level, despite working in two systems where software doesn’t automatically encumber salaries and payroll isn’t yet being done in Munis, requiring workarounds.
Pfifferling addressed a previous question about the student services assistant director position, stating he had straightened that out and it was now reflected in the reports. He noted this would also be reflected in budget expenditure transfers between Munis and the other software system. He explained there was a budget line showing negative $227,000, which was intentionally included when building the budget to account for staff retirements rather than trying to identify each individual staff member who might retire. After converting to Munis, this negative amount would need to be distributed over other salary lines, and since it involves transfers between salary lines, it would not require school committee approval for budget transfer.
Robidoux provided an update on the budget process, explaining that the budget subcommittee had met several times and set a schedule of events. He reported they were meeting with all principals, including himself, Pfifferling, Julia Ferreira, and others to go through each school’s staffing and resources to get input for the budget process. He noted they would return to the budget subcommittee with scheduled dates and eventually present to the full school committee before the public hearing for the finance committee. Robidoux stated the principals had been helpful in reviewing staffing and looking at efficiencies.
A committee member emphasized the importance of releasing documents simultaneously when presenting to the committee, particularly for transparency so the public audience has access to documents being discussed. The group confirmed this would be reflected in the schedule being developed. Pfifferling concluded by noting it had been a relatively quiet month from a fiscal standpoint, despite being busy with Munis conversion, payroll, and budget meetings.
Consent Agenda (Link: 00:30:00 – 00:32:00)
The chair requested a motion to approve the consent agenda items, which included schedules of bills totaling $403,727.82, meeting minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting, and policy updates submitted by the policy subcommittee. The policy updates included EB Safety Program, EBB First Aid, EBC Emergency Plans, EEA Student Transportation Services, and EEA E School Bus Safety Program.
A committee member made the motion, and another committee member seconded it. A committee member questioned why the schedule of bills seemed low at $400,000 when they usually exceed one million dollars. Pfifferling explained that the town did not process bills the previous week, so they did not submit one and did not receive signatures. He indicated the next bill schedule might be larger as a result.
A committee member noted that the policy changes were minor updates to MASC policies. The committee member explained that their policy tracks the MASC policy and includes paragraphs of Marblehead-specific language. The proposed changes were only to the MASC recommended portions of the policy, not to the Marblehead-specific sections.
The chair called for further discussion, and hearing none, called for a vote. The motion passed 4-0. The chair then announced they would move on to the school committee communication and discussion item section.
Memorial Bench Proposal (Link: 00:32:00 – 00:39:00)
Robidoux introduced a proposal for a memorial bench for Savannah Gatchell, explaining that Valerie Jennings had spearheaded the discussion and was present to speak about the bench. He noted that Ellery had brought it to their attention and he had asked for basic information about the bench’s appearance, cost, and placement, which was included in their packet.
Ellery Jennings introduced herself as a 47-year Marblehead resident who works as an instructional assistant at MVMS, has been a dance teacher in the community for over 25 years, serves as choreographer for the high school musicals, and is also a soccer coach. She described herself as someone the middle school students look up to and come to for support, snacks, hugs, or rides. Jennings explained that when the tragedy occurred, she felt compelled to act quickly and had been working on this memorial since it happened.
Jennings read two letters from Savannah’s friends. The first was from a friend who met Savannah in seventh grade art class through the METCO program. The friend described how they became inseparable, recounting a memory of elderly ladies asking to take their picture and saying they would be like that in the future. The friend noted that the last words she heard from Savannah were about appreciating the people in their lives. The second letter was from a neighbor who described walking to school with Savannah, hanging out in their yard, and texting frequently. This friend had spent time with Savannah just a week before she died and expressed that no one would forget her.
Jennings emphasized that these were 13-year-old girls losing their friend and that it had significantly impacted the community. She described the memorial as beautiful and noted that Alyssa had said people could visit Savannah’s name for years to come, ensuring she would always be remembered.
Robidoux provided details about the bench placement, explaining it would be located at the original entrance between two trees, accessible from the pickleball court parking area. He expressed that it was a perfect location. Jennings announced that the bench had been fully funded through donations from Glover, Brown, Village, MVMS, MHS, and an anonymous donor who covered the remainder of the cost. She noted the inscription would read as donated by the Marblehead community in loving memory of Savannah Gatchell, with approval from Alyssa.
The chair called for a motion, which was made by a committee member and seconded by another. The motion passed 4-0.
Auditorium Naming Discussion (Link: 00:39:00 – 00:40:00)
The chair reported that feedback received from community emails regarding the auditorium naming initiative had been overwhelmingly supportive. Williams stated that he had asked Ashley Skeffington and Henry Christensen for additional details about signage and associated costs. He indicated that once he receives this information, he will bring it back to the committee for a vote and asked if there were any discussion questions.
Robidoux mentioned that they had also had a brief discussion about the matter.
School Start and End Times Update (Link: 00:42:00 – 00:48:00)
Williams provided an update on school start and end times, explaining that in November 2024, the School Committee and MEA signed a memorandum of agreement that included a change in student arrival times effective with the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. This change was intended to enable the district to add a second recess for elementary school grades. After implementing the new start times in August 2025, the MEA filed a charge of prohibited practice with the Massachusetts Department of Labor. During the first months of the academic year, administrators determined that further discussion was needed regarding the impact of the time change at the secondary level.
Williams reported that the school committee, administrative team, and MEA leadership worked to resolve the matter, leading to a settlement agreement approved by the school committee in executive session on November 20, 2025. Town Administrator Thatcher Keezer participated in the process, and the committee voted 5-1 in favor of the settlement. The full settlement agreement was included in the meeting packet. As part of the settlement, the MEA dismissed its prohibited practice charge and grievance related to school start times. The parties agreed to return start and end times at the middle and high schools to the times that were in effect for the 2024-2025 school year and to permit elementary school teachers to self-direct one PLC day each month from December through June. A group of administrators and educators will continue meeting to address the impact of student start times on teacher prep time at elementary schools. Williams noted that school legal counsel was involved and provided guidance to ensure appropriate law and procedures were followed.
A committee member raised a point of order, stating that the committee had not voted to release the minutes of the executive session since Williams had announced the vote results. The committee member made a motion to release the full minutes of all executive session meetings regarding this issue. Williams seconded the motion for discussion purposes.
The committee member argued that executive session results are typically not released without a vote, and since the results were presented in open session without ratification or discussion, the public could not see the deliberation or understand what occurred. The committee member stated this represented a lack of transparency, noting that the committee fundamentally changed the memorandum of understanding and made additional contract changes by reducing dismissal time for the high school by seven minutes, costing 36 hours of teaching and learning time worth approximately half a million dollars.
Another committee member emphasized that legal counsel advised the settlement was appropriate and that there was no intention to be untransparent. The committee member noted that executive sessions are routinely used for pending litigation discussions and settlement agreement negotiations and votes. The first committee member responded that this was a contract change and reiterated the motion to release minutes so the public could see what was discussed.
Gwazda stated they would be required to release the minutes anyway now that the matter was closed and offered to prepare the minutes with adequate review time, noting there was no recording to rely on. The committee member emphasized there should be some urgency in releasing the minutes.
Robidoux addressed the seven-minute issue, clarifying that while the contract specified a 2:37 end time for the high school, this had not been operationalized for at least the last decade. He stated that no time was actually lost by students because the seven minutes was never there, except between September and November when it was briefly implemented. Robidoux emphasized that the $500,000 figure was not accurate and should not be presented as such.
Another committee member noted that procedurally, the full set of executive session minutes needed to be prepared and reviewed in executive session. The chair attempted to recognize a public speaker, but returned focus to the motion on the table. The motion was restated as releasing the minutes of executive sessions where this matter was deliberated, following Williams’ announcement of the executive session results.
Enrollment Discussion (Link: 00:48:00 – 01:04:00)
The chair called for a vote on the previous motion, which passed 4-0, then moved to the enrollment discussion item requested by a committee member. The committee member explained that declining enrollment had been discussed over several years, but recent numbers showed the district was down over 200 students since June 7th, going from 2,754 students to 2,511 students as of the most recent week. The committee member noted they had lost 25 students in just one week and expressed interest in understanding where students were going, whether the district was tracking departures, and if this represented demographic changes or dissatisfaction with the schools. The committee member emphasized this affected budget considerations and requested analysis from the administration.
Another committee member expressed interest in hearing from administrators about what the data shows and what data should be examined to help the committee accurately understand enrollment trends. The first committee member noted that declining enrollment also affects Chapter 70 funding from the state, which is formula-based and goes directly to the town rather than the schools.
Robidoux acknowledged the need for discussion and indicated he had prepared some basic analysis, though he had planned to present more detailed information at the next meeting about where students were going. He explained that weekly enrollment reports tell part of the story but not the complete picture, noting these reports include preschool numbers and students living in Marblehead who attend private schools but require district testing services, neither of which are captured in DESE reporting.
Robidoux and Julia Ferreira presented data using October 1st DESE reporting from 2019 through present, which they considered more accurate for enrollment discussions since it focuses on grades K-12 at a consistent point in time. The data showed average enrollment by grade level over the period, with averages ranging from 160 students in kindergarten to 234 in twelfth grade. The current year’s enrollment was below average in every single grade level.
The data presentation included percentage changes in enrollment by grade, showing negative percentages across all grades. Ferreira explained that the data could be tracked diagonally to follow specific class cohorts as they progressed through the grades, which helps with planning teacher assignments and resource allocation. The overall annual average enrollment percent change over time was minus 3.88 percent.
Robidoux explained that the next step would involve detailed analysis of where students go when they leave the district, breaking down departures by category such as homeschooling, private schools, or moving out of district. He noted there are typically transition pinch points, particularly between eighth and ninth grades, and emphasized the importance of understanding why students leave to address retention issues.
A committee member asked about the district’s obligation to track all school-age children in town. Robidoux confirmed that for Marblehead residents, the district must know whether children are homeschooled, in private school, or have moved away. However, he noted that children who have never enrolled in public schools and attend private schools from the beginning may not always be tracked unless the district has testing or service obligations.
Ferreira concluded by emphasizing that enrollment analysis and adjustments are part of the district’s regular annual process for planning classroom assignments and teacher allocations, and that they would provide additional requested information to the committee.
Enrollment Discussion and Data Analysis (Link: 01:04:00 – 01:05:00)
Robidoux expressed significant concern about being down 200 students, emphasizing the need to understand the reasons behind the decline. He noted this affects not only Chapter 70 funding but also raises questions about what the district may be doing differently, and how this information should inform practice, budget, and instruction.
A committee member asked about access to enrollment reports, noting they did not have access to reports from the previous year when they joined the committee. The committee member explained they had been comparing current enrollment reports to figures presented by Robidoux and Ferreira in early September, which showed about a 2% decline, and requested to see the enrollment report being referenced.
Another committee member offered to share the enrollment data they had been referencing, noting it was a weekly Aspen report that Stephen M. Kwiatek could also provide to committee members. The committee member explained they had used data from June 7th or June 2nd, looking at the last date before students graduated, since graduates fall off the reports and don’t return during the summer.
Robidoux agreed that the October 1st data was the appropriate baseline to use for comparisons. The committee member noted that a large graduating class contributed to the numbers, but explained that by comparing Aspen reports line by line, it was possible to track grade-level changes, such as seeing that last year’s first grade had 20 fewer students when they became this year’s second grade, and this analysis could be done for each grade level.
Policy Updates Transportation (Link: 01:06:00 – 01:08:00)
Schmeckpeper presented two transportation policies for committee approval beyond those handled in the consent agenda. She made a motion to approve updates to policy EEAA, previously known as “Transportation of Regular Education Students.” The changes included retitling the policy to “Walkers and Riders” and refining language around providing transportation for students when appropriate. Schmeckpeper noted these changes were recommended by MASC and supported by the Policy Subcommittee.
The chair noted the motion was made by Schmeckpeper and seconded by Gwazda. With no further discussion, the motion passed 4-0.
Schmeckpeper then made a motion to approve changes to policy EEAG, “Student Transportation in Private Vehicles.” The chair noted it was seconded by Gwazda. A committee member indicated they had a question for Robidoux about this policy but noted he had left the meeting before they reached this agenda item. The committee member requested to table the policy until Robidoux returned. The chair agreed to move on to the next agenda item and return to this policy when Robidoux was available.
Policy Updates Second Readings (Link: 01:09:00 – 01:10:00)
Schmeckpeper presented five new policies that the policy subcommittee had voted to bring forward for second readings after holding first readings. The policies were all in the E section of the policy handbook: ECAB Access to Buildings and Grounds, EFBA School Food and Nutrition Meal Modifications, EFE Civil Rights Complaint Policy for Child Nutrition Programs, EHAA District Security Relating to Technology, and EHB Data and Records Retention. She explained these were all new policies recommended by MASC for district adoption, had been reviewed by the superintendent who recommended adoption as written, and had their first reading in the policy subcommittee on November 20th.
Schmeckpeper noted that if there were questions or concerns about any of the policies, the policy subcommittee could address them. Otherwise, the policies would be brought back to the full committee for a third reading and vote at the next meeting. The chair confirmed that no motion was needed since this was a second reading, and Schmeckpeper confirmed the policies would be voted on when next on the agenda.
Schmeckpeper mentioned that the next policy item also required Robidoux’s presence. The chair suggested moving to agenda item G about strategic planning and elevating educator voices goals, asking if the committee was comfortable proceeding with that item without Robidoux present.
Strategic Planning and Educator Voices Goals Next Steps (Link: 01:10:00 – 01:18:00)
Schmeckpeper explained that two goals approved in recent meetings each included a component of appointing a member or subcommittee to do related work and report back to the school committee. She noted that when the goals were voted on, the committee had not discussed how to handle this component and wanted to address it tonight. Schmeckpeper indicated she had brought these goals forward, was interested in working on them, and was happy to report back to the full committee, but didn’t want to assume the assignment.
A committee member identified the first goal as the elevating educator voices goal, which calls for a member or ad hoc subcommittee to research how other school committees use non-voting members. The discussion focused on whether to assign a subcommittee or one person to do the research. Gwazda suggested that Schmeckpeper had volunteered and he was comfortable with her doing the work. Schmeckpeper expressed willingness but noted that multiple people working on something could be beneficial.
A committee member emphasized that subcommittees allow for transparency and good governance by conducting business in public, making the work visible to the public. The committee member made a motion to establish an ad hoc subcommittee for the elevating educator voices goal, which Schmeckpeper seconded. The motion passed 4-0.
Williams expressed interest in serving on the subcommittee, but a committee member noted that Clucas was absent and suggested determining her interest before finalizing membership. Williams agreed to bring Clucas up to speed and put the membership decision on the next meeting agenda.
Schmeckpeper raised the same question for the strategic planning goal, which included a component of examining long-term strategic planning structure for the district. A committee member read the full strategic planning goal, which included refocusing school committee efforts on high-level district oversight, establishing clear division of responsibilities between the committee and administration, supporting the superintendent in completing the district improvement plan, and appointing a member or ad hoc committee to develop a proposed plan for spring 2026 consideration.
The committee discussed whether one subcommittee could handle both goals. A committee member made a motion to create an ad hoc subcommittee to work on both the elevating educator voices and strategic planning goals, which Schmeckpeper seconded. The motion passed 4-0. Williams confirmed they would hold off on assigning members to the subcommittee until all five committee members were present.
Competency Determination Policy Discussion (Link: 01:18:00 – 01:58:00)
Williams returned to the transportation policy EEAG that had been tabled earlier. A committee member asked Robidoux about operationalizing the requirement that drivers and non-student adult passengers be subject to satisfactory background checks and valid driver’s licenses. Robidoux explained this typically applies to situations like coaches driving students home from practice, and if a driver hadn’t already been cleared and fingerprinted, they wouldn’t be able to transport students. He noted this can be challenging but emphasized that when parents give permission and the person is a volunteer staff member who has been cleared, the district has that information. The motion on EEAG passed 4-0.
Schmeckpeper explained that the competency determination policy had been scheduled for a second reading, but the policy subcommittee was not in agreement on how to move forward and had been unable to vote on bringing it to the full committee. Since the subcommittee of two was deadlocked, she made a motion for the full school committee to have a reading of the policy so Robidoux and Ferreira could inform all members about the proposal and discuss next steps. The motion passed 4-0.
Robidoux presented the draft competency determination policy, explaining it was required after MCAS was no longer the graduation measurement. The policy establishes competency determination in subjects previously covered by MCAS, requiring students to demonstrate mastery in ELA, math, science, and satisfactory completion of relevant coursework aligned to standards. Students must successfully complete English 9 and 10 with passing grades for ELA, Algebra 1 and Geometry for mathematics, Biology and an additional lab science course for science, and beginning in 2027, US History. The policy includes provisions for summer school programs, proficiency plans for students who don’t pass courses, considerations for students with disabilities, English language learners, and an appeals process.
A committee member explained their concerns that led to the subcommittee deadlock. They questioned why competency determination focused on 9th and 10th grade work when students would have two more years to demonstrate mastery at a higher level. The committee member also raised concerns about the definition of “passing grade,” noting that according to district documents, a D-minus (60) constitutes passing, and suggested considering a higher standard such as 65. They argued this would still give students options including portfolio projects and capstone assessments to demonstrate competency.
Robidoux clarified that a D-minus is 60 and acknowledged he may have misspoken earlier about the exact passing threshold. The committee member noted that a D is 64-66, D-plus is 67-69, and D-minus is 60-63, with F being 0-59. The committee member suggested the district should consider a slightly higher bar for competency determination.
Schmeckpeper expressed agreement with higher standards but raised concerns about making wholesale changes to academic credit policies through a competency determination policy rather than through rigorous academic analysis. She noted the regulation ties competency policy to what the district gives credit for. The committee member responded that the state doesn’t define passing grades, leaving that to local districts, and suggested the district could simultaneously review credit-granting policies.
Robidoux argued that rigor should come from instruction and teaching in classrooms rather than grade thresholds, contending that a B grade in Marblehead could be more rigorous than the same grade in other districts due to instructional quality. He expressed concern about changing standards just to have higher numbers than other districts. Ferreira added that the district already has higher graduation requirements than state recommendations and pointed to graduation rates and college readiness data as indicators of academic performance.
The committee member requested data on what other comparable districts are doing regarding passing grade standards. Robidoux noted that conversations with other districts indicated they generally follow regulation requirements for passing grades, typically in the 60-65 range, with none significantly higher.
Schmeckpeper raised concerns about the timeline, noting administrators need to submit the policy to DESE by year-end, and questioned whether the time needed to research other districts’ standards was worth delaying the policy. She suggested approving the competency determination policy as written while continuing separate work on graduation requirements.
The committee member made a motion to define a passing grade as 64 (a D) for competency determination purposes. Williams expressed concern about making such an important educational decision quickly without broader input. Robidoux noted this change would affect sports eligibility and other areas, emphasizing the need for careful planning and educator input.
Schmeckpeper argued this was a significant educational decision that shouldn’t be made without administrator input and should be driven by data, considering ramifications for all students. The committee member amended their motion to approve the policy as written and have the superintendent and assistant superintendent return in January with an agenda item to discuss grading standards, including data on other districts’ practices and potential impact on students.
The amended motion passed 4-0. Schmeckpeper then made a motion to waive the third reading requirement and put the competency determination policy on the agenda for the December 18th meeting for final approval, given the December 31st DESE deadline. This motion also passed 4-0.
Meeting Schedule Changes and Administrative Updates (Link: 01:58:00 – 02:07:00)
Williams noted that Robidoux would not be available for the January 8th meeting due to a personal issue. Williams also indicated he would not be available for that meeting. Schmeckpeper suggested changing the January meeting schedule from the second and fourth Thursdays to the 15th and 29th instead, arguing it would not be a good use of time to hold a school committee meeting without the chair or superintendent present. She noted this would result in back-to-back meetings in February but emphasized it was a busy time of year.
Robidoux suggested an alternative of skipping the 8th and keeping the 22nd meeting, but Schmeckpeper expressed concern about a deadline at the end of January for approving warrant articles. The committee discussed warrant article deadlines, with Gwazda noting the warrant hearing was April 6th and they needed to determine when items must be submitted. Schmeckpeper found that the deadline for municipal submissions was noon on Friday, January 30th. The committee agreed to change the January meetings to the 15th and 29th.
Williams provided a METCO update, noting that the annual METCO gala would be held March 24th with an “Opportunity Ball” theme. He indicated it was a fundraiser and offered to provide more information to interested committee members. Robidoux mentioned he would be attending a METCO conference the following day in Norway and would bring back information to the committee.
Gwazda provided a facilities subcommittee update, reporting they received results from a survey about early education demand that Lisa Marie had conducted. The survey received 75 responses, with most respondents positively interested in early education options. However, Gwazda noted the small data pool made decision-making difficult, particularly since no concrete proposal had been presented. A committee member added that the majority of respondents supported an early education center, with very few strongly against it, and noted clear demand for extended childcare from seven to seven rather than just typical preschool hours.
Gwazda also reported that the Veterans Middle School roof was being examined by the administration, with Mark Levin planning to inspect the roof. He provided a communication subcommittee update, noting plans to send newsletters on the second Friday of each month between meetings. Stephen M. Kwiatek had set up an account on the school system, and they planned to include featured stories, starting with a budget roadmap. Gwazda requested topic suggestions for in-depth communication beyond meeting overviews.
A committee member provided a budget subcommittee update, noting that Pfifferling had covered the highlights earlier. The committee member indicated they would share the budget calendar and emphasized that the public would see upcoming meetings, including the superintendent’s presentation to the school committee, a public hearing, and a vote on the budget, all occurring before the Finance Committee votes on their recommended budget.
Schmeckpeper noted that policy matters had been thoroughly covered during the meeting.
Executive Session Motion and Adjournment (Link: 02:07:00 – 02:10:00)
Williams asked if there was any correspondence and, hearing none, requested a motion to enter executive session for multiple purposes. The first was pursuant to Chapter 38, Section 21A3, Purpose 3, to discuss potential litigation by former administrator Jay Buckley, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the school committee, with the chair declaring no intent to return to open session.
The second purpose was pursuant to Chapter 38, Section 21A2, Purpose 2, to conduct a collective bargaining session with the Marblehead Education Association, specifically to hear a step three grievance regarding the lead teacher stipend, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the school committee, with the chair declaring no intent to return to open session.
The third purpose was pursuant to Chapter 38, Section 21A3, Purpose 3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining, specifically to deliberate regarding response to the step three grievance regarding the lead teacher stipend, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the school committee, with the chair declaring no intent to return to open session.
Schmeckpeper made the motion, which was seconded by Gwazda. Williams called for a roll call vote, and the motion passed 4-0. Williams then restated all three purposes for the executive session and announced that the committee was entering executive session in the same room, with no intent to return to open session.
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