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Meeting Opening and Innovation Lab Presentation (Link: 00:02:00 – 00:14:00)
Chair Glenn Paster called the regular school committee meeting to order at 6 o’clock on Thursday, June 12, reporting live from Swampscott High School at 200 Essex Street, room B129. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Superintendent Pamela Angelakis introduced the evening’s “Love of Learning” presentation, welcoming Priscilla King and Allison Leconti, the two media specialists at the elementary school, to share their work on the Innovation Lab. King and Leconti explained that their roles involve teaching digital learning and computer science, managing the library, and leading classes in the new Innovation Lab. The lab serves all 36 classes with 10 spots available each week, giving every class four 30-minute sessions throughout the year.
King described attending a week-long CS4MAS workshop called “CS Resources for K5 Educators” in Natick, Massachusetts, which provided foundational ideas and materials. Leconti will attend the same training this summer. The materials for their programs came from successful DonorsChoose fundraising, Amazon wish list donations, and school purchases, with support from the community, families, administration, and the tech team.
The presentation outlined a four-lesson framework. The first lesson focused on foundational knowledge about circuitry and conductivity, with students testing materials using energy sticks to determine which were conductors. Many students were surprised to discover that Play-Doh is a conductor. The second lesson had students create electric circuits using conductive materials – younger students created circuits with Play-Doh, batteries, and bulbs as part of a gingerbread man story, while older students designed light-up greeting cards using copper tape, bulbs, and batteries.
The third lesson introduced the Makey Makey, an invention kit created at MIT that turns objects into touchpads and acts as a keyboard or mouse. Kindergarten and first-grade students created Play-Doh buttons for arcade games, second graders made pinball games with two Play-Doh buttons, and third and fourth graders created paper pianos with copper tape that played music when touched. The fourth lesson integrated Makey Makey with science content aligned to state standards, with each grade exploring different topics: grades K-1 studied animal needs, grade 2 explored habitats, grade 3 examined life cycles, and grade 4 focused on environmentalists.
Leconti explained that Swampscott has been part of the CS Engaged Grant since 2024, involving technology teachers and administrators from kindergarten through high school. Through this grant, she will attend professional development over the summer to learn more about digital learning and computer science. The program plans to expand using curriculum from code.org and introduce Dash robots for physical computing elements in hands-on learning.
The presentation concluded with student quotes about their experiences, including comments about loving creativity, working with the Makey Makey, the materials, working with partners, and how “everything connected like a puzzle.” Angelakis praised the work, noting that the Innovation Lab space had been envisioned during building planning but lacked funding for full implementation. She credited King and Leconti with bringing the space to life through professional development, grants, and materials acquisition, transforming it into what it was meant to be. Committee members expressed appreciation for bringing advanced technology learning to elementary students and for the quality of the program.
Contract Ratifications Discussion and Voting (Link: 00:14:00 – 00:46:00)
Chair Glenn Paster announced that the committee had something to present before moving to committee comments. Vice Chair Amy O’Connor presented a gift to Superintendent Pamela Angelakis, noting that when they reached out to colleagues around the state about what to do for departing superintendents, particularly one with 35 years in education and 10 years in the superintendent role, nobody knew what to suggest because Angelakis was “one of a kind.”
Paster requested a motion to move up the discussion and votes for the ESP, tutor, and teacher contracts so attendees could listen and then leave. O’Connor made the motion, which was seconded and approved unanimously. Paster explained that the school committee’s negotiating team had been meeting with the Swampscott Education Association since November or December, with planning occurring prior to that. He noted his goal was to complete all contracts before Angelakis’s departure and praised the dedication of both the school department negotiators including Angelakis, Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Herrick-Stella, Mr. Kalishman, Lisa from HR, Martha, and the committee members, as well as the teacher representatives Rebecca Buckland and Sue. Paster specifically thanked Karen Marshall for her instrumental role and for staying on to provide expertise.
O’Connor made a motion to approve the ESP contract, which was seconded. Paster outlined the ESP contract terms, explaining that the goal was to bring ESPs to a living wage competitive with surrounding communities. The contract increased the work year for ESPs to 182 days to align with teachers and tutors. For FY26, described as a “reset year,” hourly rates were increased to be more competitive, with the uptick depending on current wages and placement on the new scale. For FY27, the cost of living increase would be 2.5%, and for FY28, it would be 3%. The contract removed district-paid group disability coverage, increased longevity at every level by $50 to $200, and introduced longevity payment after 25 years. It included updated language addressing protection and safety concerns, commitment to reducing lunch and recess responsibilities, and enhanced parental leave language with district-paid days phasing in from 10 to 20 days by the end of the contract. O’Connor thanked Herrick-Stella and Max Casper for their work on wage tables that set the stage for the ESP negotiations. The ESP contract was approved unanimously by roll call vote.
O’Connor made a motion to ratify the tutor contract, which was seconded. Paster explained that learning about the specific daily responsibilities of tutors was eye-opening for the committee. The tutor contract followed similar terms to the ESP contract, with FY26 as a reset year to bring hourly rates to competitive levels. Cost of living increases were set at 2.5% for FY27 and 3% for FY28. The contract added longevity matching the ESPs, included the same safety protection language, committed to reducing lunch and recess responsibilities, enhanced parental leave language, and added language allowing tutors to receive period pay so they would not have weeks without paychecks during the school year. The tutor contract was approved unanimously by roll call vote.
O’Connor made a motion to ratify the teacher contract, which was seconded. Paster described the teacher contract as involving the largest bargaining unit and noted the importance of learning from union representatives Becca and Sue about teacher concerns while educating them about budget constraints. The teacher contract included 3% cost of living adjustments for each year (FY26, FY27, FY28). It removed step one in FY26 with a new step added 1% higher, and removed step two in FY27 with new steps added at varying percentages depending on degree level. The contract allowed the district to attract new talent with competitive starting wages while addressing targeted lanes below comparable communities. Longevity remained unchanged in FY26 with small incremental changes in FY27 and FY28. The contract included stronger language around lane changes, allowing only one lane change per contract year to provide cost certainty. It also included additional teacher protection language and enhanced parental leave language similar to the other contracts.
O’Connor praised the superintendent for creating an environment that allowed for interest-based bargaining (IBB), noting that work stoppages were occurring in other districts and emphasizing the importance of avoiding such disruptions. Angelakis explained that IBB requires a foundation of trust and willingness from both sides to listen and participate in training, noting that it cannot simply be implemented in any district without that foundation. She described how some participants were initially hesitant but came to see that the process worked. O’Connor clarified that the process was not easy and involved difficult conversations.
Committee member John Giantis emphasized that all five committee members participated rather than using a subcommittee, and that each member brought unique skills to the negotiations. He thanked the superintendent’s team and the union negotiating team, noting that hearing firsthand accounts of daily impacts helped the committee reach agreements. Committee member Suzanne Wright highlighted her appreciation for the aspects of IBB that don’t make it into the contract, such as immediate problem-solving of issues that might otherwise fester. She praised the proactive nature of the process and the ability to address concerns immediately rather than waiting for contract negotiations.
Karen Marshall explained that IBB is about solving problems collaboratively rather than having two opposing sides making demands. She described how trust builds over time and leads to creative problem-solving that benefits students. Angelakis contrasted IBB with traditional bargaining, where proposals are exchanged on paper and only attorneys and union representatives typically speak, with difficult conversations happening in separate caucus rooms. She described IBB as a collaborative process where all topics are discussed openly without leaving the room.
Rebecca Buckland, representing the teachers’ union, expressed gratitude for the process and noted that it began during COVID when they had small groups and honest conversations. She emphasized that the process involved being vulnerable and working together for what’s best for the district and students. She read a quote from Henry Ford about coming together, keeping together, and working together, describing how the negotiation process embodied these principles through commitment, trust, and collaboration. She thanked everyone for remaining committed to bargaining three contracts and emphasized that the result represented true collaboration.
Angelakis noted her pride in completing “three contracts in five months.” Paster mentioned receiving multiple emails and texts from school committee chairs around the commonwealth who were amazed that the district could complete negotiations so quickly using IBB without work stoppages. Committee member Miguel Contreras, as the newest member, described observing the “radical candor” and honesty from all participants, noting how everyone understood different pressures and constraints while working toward common goals. The teacher contract was approved unanimously by roll call vote.
Committee Comments and Superintendent Updates (Link: 00:46:00 – 01:00:00)
Chair Glenn Paster moved to committee comments and asked Wright to begin. Wright shared her observations about recent fourth grade activities, including their pen pal meeting, ice cream sundae event, and beach day. She described watching Instagram stories and being struck by how the images looked like “stock photos” of an ideal school, realizing with pride that these were actually their own students and school. Wright particularly noted the beauty of the cafeteria in the new building and the diversity shown in the photos of fourth graders with their senior pen pals. She also praised the recent graduation ceremony.
Paster commented on graduation, noting it was a nice night with the rain holding off and mentioning a humorous moment involving his great nephew. Committee member Miguel Contreras shared his appreciation for his son’s participation in the Washington D.C. trip, noting he finally had a photo of his son smiling and thanking the staff for managing a bus full of students. Superintendent Angelakis clarified that she did not attend this year’s trip but had done so eleven times previously.
Vice Chair Amy O’Connor reflected on recent weeks being special for her, with her child experiencing various “lasts” including prom, which she described as beautifully managed with no incidents. She expressed pride in the district and connected the success of activities like the D.C. trip, appropriate teacher compensation, and the makerspace to the budget work they had accomplished. O’Connor emphasized her satisfaction with happy students over data metrics and described completing the interest-based bargaining as her greatest satisfaction in twelve years on the school committee.
Angelakis introduced the recognition of retiring teacher Katie Wynn, whom she had worked with previously at Clark School. Principal Jim Kalishman presented Wynn’s recognition, describing her 38 years in education with 31 years in Swampscott. He detailed her roles teaching third through fifth graders at Clark School for 14 years and fifth graders at Swampscott Middle School for 17 years, serving as yearbook coordinator for the past decade, and coaching the cross country team. Kalishman praised her ability to build community with students and make them feel safe, valued, and loved, mentioning her famous ice cream pancakes at the weekly breakfast club.
Wynn addressed the committee, reflecting on her 38 years in education with 31 in Swampscott. She described wearing many hats including yearbook advisor, cross country coach, and Washington D.C. trip chaperone, which she humorously described as qualifying as both public service and cardio. Wynn emphasized that all her roles were joyful because they focused on students, highlighting moments like coaching runners, capturing yearbook photos, and watching students learn. She expressed her belief that fun belongs in education and thanked the superintendent and principal for the experience.
Kalishman then offered remarks about Superintendent Angelakis, describing her 35 years of dedication to the district as a true visionary. He praised her for making student mental health a priority and putting the district at the cutting edge of providing social and emotional services to students and families, while maintaining high academic and behavioral standards. Kalishman humorously referred to her as “the keeper of the mints of the bathroom passes” and noted she had set the bar extremely high for her successor.
O’Connor asked about other teacher retirements, and there was surprise expressed that Wynn was apparently the only one. Paster congratulated Wynn, noting uncertainty about whether she had taught one, two, or all three of his children, and wished her well in retirement.
Angelakis announced that the student representatives for the next year had been selected: Sasha Chadari and Leah Beatrice, both juniors. She explained that Kalishman would meet with them to review rules, regulations, and provide handbooks before their first meeting. When asked about the two-year term, Angelakis noted that while a parent had suggested the term was too long and proposed six-month rotations, she believed there weren’t enough meetings for students to fully engage in shorter terms. Committee members agreed that the two-year term was beneficial, with students becoming more integral to meetings in their second year.
Angelakis concluded by noting that the METCO presentation had been postponed as their focus was on the Juneteenth celebration, and they requested to reschedule for early September to discuss their past year and future plans. She then introduced the annual technology presentation with Latonya Mackey Knowles.
Technology Presentation (Link: 01:00:00 – 01:18:00)
Latonya Mackey Knowles began the annual technology presentation, acknowledging her team including Steven, Talbot, and Daniel. She explained that the technology department consists of three main staff members, with her role encompassing libraries, innovation, and digital learning, Steven serving as the Apple specialist, and Talbot handling Windows and networking. She noted that Carrie O’Donnell had been on the team but chose to leave early due to budget cuts, meaning much of the year’s work was accomplished with effectively four people transitioning to three.
Mackey Knowles described the daily responsibilities of the technology team, which include software training, troubleshooting, and responding to numerous teacher requests. She highlighted the support provided by a stipend digital learning team consisting of Sue Comparato, Natalie Pogbatrak, and Priscilla King, who are full-time teachers that other staff members consult throughout the day. She noted that having librarians teach STEM is unique to Swampscott and contributes to what makes the district special. The team handles approximately 10,000 tickets per year, often resolved by the basic troubleshooting step of turning devices off and on again.
The presentation highlighted the success of the library rebranding at the high school, transforming it into the hub of the school under the leadership of Brandy Wilbur. Mackey Knowles noted that other districts, particularly Lynnfield, regularly contact them asking for advice on improving their programs. She emphasized that Wilbur’s unique approach to combining library services with technology and innovation is essential for successful one-to-one programs. Wilbur’s statistics showed she taught 153 classes herself while serving as full-time librarian, hosted 172 teachers and 151 meetings, and served an average of 120 students per day in the space.
The library also houses the “tech ninjas” program, where students learn to repair computers and other devices. These students handle equipment repairs, charging only for parts, and typically return repaired devices within two to three days. The program includes hands-on learning such as unsoldering components. Daniel created a video about proper Chromebook care for the program. The library also saw 318 books checked out, which Mackey Knowles noted was significant growth from just two books in 2019-2020, with students of all genders checking out books and seeking reading recommendations.
At the middle school, Sue Cresta manages the library while also teaching math part-time and helping with Chromebook issues. The middle school library has been renovated with new carpet, lighting, paint, and furniture. Mackey Knowles emphasized that the technology support represents a “village” of people beyond just the core tech team, including various staff members who assist with different programs and responsibilities.
Major accomplishments for the 2024-25 school year included closing three elementary schools (Stanley, Clark, and Hadley) and opening the new elementary school. The closure process involved properly disposing of old technology equipment, including finding computers from 1985 in previously unseen storage areas. The team had to ensure all valuable equipment was relocated appropriately and old equipment was disposed of through proper channels. The new elementary school represented a significant project to install comprehensive technology throughout the building.
Mackey Knowles showcased various technology implementations at the new elementary school, including the LOU interactive system where specialists created images that PE teachers turned into puzzles and games. She displayed typical classroom setups with students using hovercams to present on Promethean boards, emphasizing how seamless the technology integration had become. The Innovation Lab featured students working with energy sticks and Makey Makey devices, with Chair Paster asking for clarification about how Play-Doh works as a conductor. King explained that Play-Doh contains salt in its ingredients, making it conductive and allowing students to use it as buttons connected to Makey Makey devices that take over keyboard functions.
Beyond the elementary school, the technology team completed numerous hardware and network improvements funded outside the school budget through capital projects, grants, and federal funding. These included Promethean board upgrades, a $500,000 school violence prevention grant for security systems and cameras, and $70,000 in E-rate federal grants for wireless access points. The team also installed new phone systems at the middle school and managed various network changes required for the new elementary school.
The team was able to sell old equipment back to Second Life Mac, an Apple company, and use those proceeds to purchase Mac Minis for the Digital Learning lab where Natalie Pogbatrak works. This allowed them to replace 2017 Macs with cracked screens with more durable equipment better suited for middle school students. They also outfitted the robotics lab with Mac Minis as part of the CS Engage curriculum, with all work completed while simultaneously opening the new elementary school.
At the district level, the technology team provided extensive training, presenting over 20 different workshops during professional development half-days, summer training for elementary school staff, new teacher orientation, and student training sessions. Topics included CANVA, artificial intelligence, Promethean board usage, and Kami software. The team also made presentations outside the district, with King and Leconti presenting at MassCUE to a packed room of teachers about integrating STEM into library instruction.
Technology Department Annual Report and Discussion (Link: 01:18:00 – 01:35:00)
King clarified that the MassCUE presentation was about digital citizenship, which is part of their curriculum units. Mackey Knowles explained that digital citizenship instruction is required annually to qualify for E-rate grants, and she can fulfill this requirement by submitting presentations already given to educators around the state, as both King and Natalie Pogbatrak teach these concepts.
Mackey Knowles described additional major projects completed during the year, including implementing the new district brand across all systems. This required redesigning the website, merging Aspen software systems, and updating various platforms, with occasional “rogue logos” still being discovered. The technology team also focused significantly on cybersecurity posture planning and training throughout the year.
The district received multiple cybersecurity grants and training opportunities. Through the municipal cybersecurity awareness grant program, they provided “Know Before” training with about 80% of staff completing the program on phishing and scam awareness to prevent ransomware. They recently received another grant for managed detection and response services to scan Windows devices for ransomware. The team also received training from the Executive Office of Technology and the FBI, conducting tabletop exercises with central office staff to prepare for potential ransomware attacks, emphasizing that such incidents are a matter of “when, not if.”
Looking toward future planning from 2025-2030, Mackey Knowles outlined five-year goals including supporting one-to-one technology access, teacher support and training, capital hardware needs, data privacy, cybersecurity, and hopefully renovating the middle school. She presented capital technology requests, noting they received funding for a new screen and projector in the high school auditorium, while the middle school would receive a donated screen from Danvers and a small upgrade. The middle school cafeteria received a portable sound system, and future needs include replacing 20-year-old speakers throughout the high school and network upgrades for the middle school.
Mackey Knowles showed a detailed spreadsheet tracking technology planning through 2035, including life cycles of equipment and capital requests. She worked with Herrick-Stella to submit comprehensive forms to the town outlining ten years of anticipated capital technology needs. She highlighted the contrast between the middle school’s retrofitted technology closets and the purpose-built infrastructure at the high school and elementary school, noting they received $140,000 in grant funding for middle school network improvements.
The presentation addressed artificial intelligence integration, noting that Generation Z learns about AI primarily through social media rather than educators, who often lack confidence teaching the subject. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is developing an AI strategy for 2026. The district works with a privacy alliance for $2,500 annually to ensure vendors comply with student data privacy agreements and provide legal support if violations occur. Recent data showed that 5% of staff fell for phishing attacks in May, which Mackey Knowles identified as too many.
Mackey Knowles outlined current challenges including budget constraints despite increased costs, loss of administrative support and Carrie O’Donnell’s position, and rising technology prices. She described a new approach using teacher stipends, with teachers in each elementary pod and middle school grade level volunteering to serve as first-line technology support, which she humorously referred to as “the Hunger Games” selection process. These teachers will receive training to handle initial technology questions and help manage the 10,000 annual support tickets.
The presentation concluded with Mackey Knowles thanking Superintendent Angelakis, noting that Angelakis had been her mentor when she was a vice principal and supported her transition to technology director in 2017. She praised Angelakis as the most tech-savvy superintendent she had worked with, capable of troubleshooting technology issues independently. Wright recalled providing tough feedback on early technology plans, describing her initial response with a “red pen” approach that helped improve the planning process.
Committee members praised the comprehensive presentation and the technology team’s accomplishments. Wright particularly highlighted the intense work during the previous August when Mackey Knowles was involved in countless meetings selecting everything from wire colors to complete school infrastructure. Angelakis commended the technology department’s achievements and the detailed annual overview. Paster thanked Mackey Knowles for her security updates and emphasized how much the district accomplishes with its budget relative to the number of students and staff served. Committee member Miguel Contreras noted the importance of phishing testing for staff, comparing it to similar practices in his workplace.
Clark School Future Use Planning Discussion (Link: 01:35:00 – 01:50:00)
Vice Chair Amy O’Connor requested to discuss the RFP for Clark School. Max Casper, who appears to be a town official, explained that the Clark School building has been primarily vacant since closing at the end of the previous school year. The building has had limited use including storage on the second floor, summer use by the recreation department, use by Big Blue Bargains in the portables, and some long-term storage in a second-floor classroom.
Casper noted that discussions about potentially leasing the building had occurred about a year ago when there was consideration of more extensive use by recreation and the senior center, but that concept was put on hold. He explained that the vacant building still has significant costs for utilities and maintenance, and vacant buildings pose risks as evidenced by vandalism and break-ins at the former Hadley School. Through discussions on both the school and town sides, there is now agreement among staff that pursuing a short to medium-term lease of the Clark building is a prudent option.
The team has begun developing an RFP for leasing the building and plans to meet with both the school committee and select board to ensure collaboration and awareness of the process. Casper emphasized that the RFP is their opportunity to control requirements and evaluation criteria, which must be established before soliciting proposals. He noted they want to move quickly, though activation would likely occur later in 2025 or early 2026 rather than by the end of August.
Principal Jim Kalishman reported that he and Casper met with the superintendent and deputy superintendent of Lynn Public Schools, giving them a tour of Clark School. He noted that Clark was in better shape than expected and was probably the best-maintained school before closure. Lynn expressed interest in the building for various uses including overflow elementary school space and preschool programs. Kalishman suggested that while a full elementary school might be difficult due to parking constraints, a daycare could be an easier option for the neighborhood to accept. He emphasized that having the building sit vacant increases insurance costs and utility expenses.
Superintendent Angelakis clarified that this discussion was meant to bring the issue to the school committee’s attention, as they are also doing with the select board, to ensure a collaborative process with both boards informed as they develop the RFP.
Committee member Suzanne Wright asked whether selling the building was being considered, noting she had heard discussions about this possibility. Casper responded that the building is currently under school department control and they would prefer to keep it that way for the time being. He explained that the Clark building could be an important asset when dealing with the middle school building situation, hopefully sooner rather than later, making a short to medium-term lease a potential step toward that goal.
Wright expressed support for keeping the building under school department control, recalling that when the MSBA toured the facility, they recommended keeping it as a school since it was their newest building. She suggested the building could house preschool programs and administration during middle school construction to reduce traffic and complications. Kalishman agreed that they might be able to accommodate a full grade level, such as fifth grade, in addition to preschool.
Committee member Miguel Contreras expressed personal interest in seeing a teen center in the building, noting that after fourth or fifth grade, there are no after-school programming options in town except sports. He appreciated hearing about the various options being considered to ensure the building doesn’t remain just a cost burden.
Vice Chair O’Connor expressed a different perspective, questioning the return on investment of holding onto a building for a project that might be five to ten years away. She suggested that spending education money on maintaining an unused building for a hypothetical future need might not be the best use of resources. O’Connor preferred a longer-term lease if they proceed and noted the town’s poor track record with unused buildings, suggesting they should get out of that business sooner rather than later.
Chair Paster agreed with O’Connor about the town’s poor track record with buildings but expressed hope that the middle school issue would be addressed much sooner than five to ten years. He emphasized the need to address the middle school situation given that students experience a brand new elementary school, then an antiquated middle school, then a well-maintained high school. Paster suggested this should be discussed at a financial summit, noting the difficulty of the decision if the timeline extends for years.
O’Connor agreed about the need for urgency and expressed doubt about the electorate’s appetite for another large project following recent budget increases, noting it took ten years to build the elementary school even with buildings that were literally crumbling. She pointed out that while the middle school isn’t as nice as it could be, it’s not in the dire condition the previous elementary schools were in.
Kalishman suggested that depending on what tenant occupies Clark School, there could be multi-use possibilities, such as a preschool or daycare during the day with space for a teen center in the evenings. Casper concluded by noting that the select board has requested to discuss this issue at their first meeting in July.
Business Manager Report and Special Education Reserve Fund Vote (Link: 01:50:00 – 01:51:00)
Chair Glenn Paster called on Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Herrick-Stella for her report. Herrick-Stella stated there was not much for her to say, explaining that there was just a vote requested to expend from the special education reserve fund as detailed in the memo the committee had received. The amount requested was $83,617.07, which required a committee vote. Superintendent Angelakis clarified that this item was listed under actions and votes on the agenda.
Vice Chair Amy O’Connor made a motion to approve the expenditure, thanking Herrick-Stella for managing the fund carefully. Committee member Miguel Contreras seconded the motion. Paster called for the vote, and the motion carried unanimously with all members voting in favor and no opposition.
Subcommittee Updates and New Superintendent Contract Approval (Link: 01:51:00 – 01:55:00)
Committee member Suzanne Wright mentioned seeing an email about the meeting being full and needing to move something, noting that not everyone who planned to attend could make it but at least one or two people could. Superintendent Angelakis confirmed that Nancy was aware and had seen the email.
Chair Glenn Paster acknowledged Katie Arrington from the finance committee, noting that she and Jared Guthrie would serve as liaisons to the school committee. He invited them to reach out to the chair, vice chair, or superintendent with any questions. Angelakis thanked Arrington for attending, noting it had been a long time since they had someone from the finance committee present.
Before proceeding to the election of a new chair, Paster requested a vote on the new superintendent contract for Principal Jim Kalishman. He explained to the community that they had held many meetings with Kalishman and among themselves, noting the contract would have been completed earlier but they prioritized dealing with the three teacher contracts first, with Kalishman graciously allowing them to handle that work. Paster reported that he had worked with attorney Darren Klein while Kalishman worked with his representatives to reach agreement on a three-year contract running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
Vice Chair Amy O’Connor asked a procedural question about the transition period, noting that Angelakis’s last day was Wednesday while Kalishman’s contract began July 1st, wondering if the district would technically operate without a superintendent. Angelakis clarified that she remained under contract until June 30th, so even though she was taking time off, the directive in her office was for everyone to contact her if needed. She explained that while most of the leadership team was also taking time off, she remained available through the end of the month.
O’Connor made a motion to accept the new superintendent contract, which was seconded. The committee conducted a roll call vote with all members voting yes: Miguel Contreras, Wright, committee member John Giantis, O’Connor, and Paster all voted in favor, making the approval unanimous. Angelakis congratulated Kalishman, with O’Connor noting it felt anticlimactic since he had been performing the role throughout the year. Paster then announced it was time for the election of new chair and vice chair, turning the meeting over to someone else to conduct the elections.
School Committee Chair and Vice Chair Elections (Link: 01:55:00 – 01:56:00)
Superintendent Angelakis conducted the annual election of school committee leadership, explaining it was time to “pass the torch” for the 2025-26 school year. She began by asking for nominations for chair of the school committee.
Vice Chair Amy O’Connor threw her hat in the ring for chair, noting they had not conducted the election in this manner before. Committee member Suzanne Wright seconded the nomination. After confirming there was no discussion, Angelakis conducted a roll call vote. Wright voted yes, followed by Chair Glenn Paster voting yes, O’Connor voting yes, and committee member Miguel Contreras voting yes, making O’Connor’s election as chair unanimous.
Angelakis then asked for nominations for vice chair for the 2025-26 school year. Paster nominated himself, explaining that he had enjoyed working with O’Connor, noting that she keeps him grounded and “yells at me when you have to yell at me.” He expressed looking forward to continuing to work with her in the new roles. With no other nominations or discussion, Angelakis conducted a roll call vote starting with Contreras, followed by Paster, O’Connor, committee member John Giantis, and Wright, all voting yes to make Paster’s election as vice chair unanimous.
Angelakis congratulated both newly elected officers and wished them good luck. O’Connor expressed her anticipation of working with the new superintendent, with Principal Jim Kalishman responding that it would be great.
Subcommittee Assignments for 2025-26 School Year (Link: 01:56:00 – 02:16:00)
Chair Glenn Paster clarified that the new leadership positions would be effective at the next meeting and asked newly elected Chair Amy O’Connor to discuss subcommittee assignments. O’Connor outlined the current subcommittees from 2024-25: bargaining (committee member John Giantis and herself), budget finance (no one in particular due to committee of the whole approach), communications (inactive), policy (Giantis and committee member Suzanne Wright), and wellness (Wright).
Wright questioned whether a bargaining subcommittee was still needed, but O’Connor clarified it should be called “bargaining and negotiations” as it handles more than just union contracts, including agreements like the Nahant contract. Wright suggested creating a teacher evaluation subcommittee, noting this had been discussed previously but never implemented. She emphasized the importance of getting back on track with teacher evaluations and superintendent evaluations with the new superintendent.
After discussion about whether teacher evaluation should be part of bargaining and negotiations or a separate committee, they decided to keep them separate. Wright volunteered for the teacher evaluation subcommittee, with O’Connor nominating her based on her education background. Committee member Miguel Contreras initially volunteered as a second member but they decided to table the decision and revisit it at the next meeting.
For the wellness subcommittee, Wright explained it involves four meetings per year with the wellness committee run by Ms. Raymond and Mrs. Cilley. She noted the wellness plan policy must be updated annually for food services to receive FDA funding, and this year there were subtle changes needed to make the document more rigorous in evaluating district compliance. O’Connor asked everyone to consider this assignment.
Regarding the policy subcommittee, Wright acknowledged feeling like she had “failed miserably” due to many policies needing updates, though she attributed this to being busy with contract negotiations. She emphasized that policy is one of the most important functions of the school committee, alongside budget, noting that policies like public comment had been discussed for updates but never officially completed. O’Connor characterized policy as probably the heaviest lift among subcommittees.
For budget and finance, the committee agreed to continue with the committee of the whole approach that had worked well. Paster volunteered to serve as a point person if needed and also offered to take the CPAC liaison role. O’Connor took the bargaining and negotiations subcommittee with Paster as the second member, noting they had worked well together previously.
O’Connor asked everyone to think about the communications subcommittee, noting different philosophies over the years about whether the school committee should be a newsmaker or if news should come from the superintendent’s office. She expressed willingness to be convinced of different approaches.
Wright mentioned she was currently on a voting task force and community center task force but had difficulty attending the community center meetings due to scheduling conflicts on Monday nights. She noted they were at the point of developing an RFP and needed someone who could commit to attending meetings regularly. O’Connor asked everyone to consider these liaison positions.
The committee discussed the proposed school committee meeting dates for 2025-26, with no meeting scheduled for July and resumption on August 14th and 28th. Superintendent Angelakis noted the first day of school would be August 27th for students and August 25th-26th for teachers. O’Connor emphasized the need for a summer retreat with guidance from MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) to set expectations with the new superintendent and orient the new committee member.
Paster concluded his remarks as outgoing chair by noting the busy year, with 68 meetings since September excluding August, including workshops, community conversations, budget subcommittee meetings, and executive sessions. He thanked the entire board for their dedication and specifically thanked Superintendent Angelakis for her guidance and support throughout his tenure as chair. He then moved to public comment, noting that Katherine Quinn had her hand raised on Zoom.
Public Comment and Meeting Conclusion (Link: 02:16:00 – 02:23:00)
Katherine Quinn participated via Zoom for public comment, thanking the school committee for their work on contract ratifications. She described the committee members as individual people with their own strengths and weaknesses who together “wove a great tapestry,” praising the new bargaining method they used. Quinn also commended the technology department, particularly noting the kindness and patience of staff members who provide training, mentioning that Carrie O’Donnell had become a friend and always showed patience with those needing multiple training sessions.
Quinn shared reflections on the first year at the new elementary school (SES), praising Principal Laurie for maintaining her vision despite challenges throughout the year. She noted that Laurie remained focused on people and would say “this is an experience we’re going to learn from this” during difficult times. Quinn described Laurie’s consistent mantra of “as long as the kiddos are loved” and characterized the school building as “a community like no other, where love prevails” with opportunities for students and staff to learn together daily.
Chair Glenn Paster moved to actions and votes, with newly elected Chair Amy O’Connor expediting the process. O’Connor made a motion to approve two field trips that had been presented two weeks earlier: one to Lyon and Paris, and another to Universal Studios. Committee member Suzanne Wright seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
O’Connor then made a motion to approve three donations: one from Big Blue baseball boosters to pay for additional coaches, one from Joslyn Cook for woodturning tools, and one from Big Blue Bargains to help fund the engineering program and alternatives to the eighth grade Washington D.C. trip. Wright provided details on the amounts, noting the Big Blue boosters donation was over $7,000 for coaching stipends, Joslyn Cook’s donation was approximately $300 for woodturning tools, and Big Blue Bargains contributed $4,000. Wright praised Big Blue Bargains for doing well and beginning to make distributions to different schools and programs. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
For the consent agenda, Paster explained it was designed to expedite routine business, allowing the committee to adopt the entire agenda with one motion unless any member requested items be moved to regular discussion. The consent agenda included approval of regular minutes from May 8, May 15, May 19, and May 22. O’Connor made the motion, committee member Miguel Contreras seconded it, and it passed unanimously. O’Connor then made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved unanimously, with Paster welcoming O’Connor to her new role as chair.
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