January 5, 2023 Meeting

Weymouth School Committee

Humanities Center & Zoom
January 5, 2022
MEETING MINUTES
(approved 1/19/23)

Members In Attendance: Dr. John Sullivan, Chair; Tracey Nardone, Vice Chair; Carrie Palazzo, Secretary; Kathy Curran, Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw; Steven Buccigross

Members Absent: Mayor Hedlund

Also Present: Robert Wargo, Superintendent; Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent; Melanie Curtin, Assistant Superintendent

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm
The chair informed that the meeting is being recorded and available on WETC.

Dr. Sullivan led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda included:

• Warrant 24-2023 in the amount of $484,786.71. Dated 12/12/22
• Warrant 26-2023 in the amount of $1,381,571.23. Dated 12/27/22
• Regular Minutes: 12/8/22
• Executive Session Minutes: 12/8/22
• Budget Sub-Committee Minutes: 12/14/22

Motion by Mrs. Nardone to accept the consent agenda. Seconded by Ms. Palazzo. Roll call vote. Motion passed unanimously.

The Chair informed that the Student Senate will not be attending this evening.

As Chair of Negotiations Mrs. Curran shared some remarks.

The School Committee and the Weymouth Educators Association have been working toward a successor contract since February of 2022. It was agreed in September of 2022 to seek mediation to work toward resolution and the parties have met 3 times since. The School Committee is committed to a fair and affordable contract. Mrs Curran clarified that the Committee has proposed a competitive financial package and that it is appropriate and fair and places pay in the top third in the state. It was acknowledged that even though the contract expired, teachers not on the top step did receive a step increase. No increase in class size has been proposed; there aren't changes to the current language.

The Committee values and respects what the Weymouth Educators do and are hopeful for agreement soon.

Public Comment
-Christa Trapp, 75 Alpine Rd.
As a mother spoke on paying teachers fair wage and paying higher property prices for better paid teachers and cited economic research which she sent to the committee. She shared her support of paying teachers more.

-Cynthia Lang-300 Neck St.
As a Mom of a kindergartener in the LifeSkills program (of 5 students) at Ralph Talbot expressed concern for division of the LifeSkills program by grade. She shared the experience of having to visit 3 different schools to see teachers and specialists for a parent teacher conference. She voiced support for contracts worthy of expertise, and shared thanks to Speech and Language Pathologists for their work.

-Kimberly Fereira, 105 Charles Diersch St.
As a mom of students at Pingree and Wessagusset expressed support for attracting and retaining talented educators.

-Danielle Graziano, 430 Ralph Talbot St.
As a mom of a Chapman and an out of district student, shared concern for inadequate staffing, and expressed the importance of valuing Weymouth educators.

-Suzanne Ferarri, 33 Puritan Rd.
As a resident and Weymouth educator spoke about the need for Special education staffing and the effects of improperly staffed classrooms. She requested a responsible raise to reflect the increased inflation. She also shared her support for 5th grade team teaching.

-Polly Hazelton, 81 Wilson Ave.
Resident of 6 years and mom of an Academy student spoke on the lack of special educators and advocated support for all students and their needs.

-Sharon Ennis, 163 Academy Ave.
As an educator and mom of Chapman and Academy students reminded that the educators are the professionals and expressed support for what best promotes growth in education for the success of students in schools.

-WEA President Michael Murphy, 425 Front St.; Joni Cederholm, 14 Klapp Ave.; Tina Conti-21 Taylor Dr.
Dr. Murphy advised that he would not debate the statement from the Negotiation Chair but is happy to speak with her for clarification. Mr. Murphy shared that the contract negotiations are not just about money but other issues as well, such as working conditions, listening to the educators, retaining staff, providing the best possible learning environment, and for children to be the priority.

Mrs. Nardone left the table at 7:33pm and returned at 7:38pm

Due to technical difficulties the Chair reopened Public comment.

The Chair left the table at 7:36pm and returned at 7:38pm.

Report of the Superintendent:
Superintendent Wargo expressed his thanks and appreciation:
-For all who attended this meeting and for Principal Meehan's attendance.
-The Weymouth 400 documentary video as well as the board of directors especially Tom and George.
-CTE construction teacher, Brian Nash and crew for the K9 kennel which was built for WPD
-Teachers Charles Bidou, Kai Doo, Julia Guitierez, Ms. Margetts, and Melissa Guitierez for welcoming 2 french native speakers who are learning about the American education system.

Strategic planning talks are ongoing. The Superintendent has met with staff at every school including Chard St. in addition to students. The next opportunity will be for community members to share their thoughts at the next town wide parent council meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

The next CPR course is January 11, 2023 offered by the WFD. More information available: https://bit.ly/2PuVJsl

OLD BUSINESS

Update and status of Abigail Adams and Johnson - Assistant Superintendent Smith
Assistant Superintendent Smith shared that the 30% submission plan is in the final stages and that next month draft bid documents and specifications will be available. The central office move is underway and will be completed by the end of February. The transportation building plan is still being worked on.

Announcements:
-Meeting of the Whole-January 12, 2023-5:30pm-Adams Library
-Budget Sub-Committee-January 18, 2023-6pm-School Administration Building
-Abigail Adams/Early Education Facilities Committee-February 14, 2023, 3:30pm-School Administration Building/Virtual
The Weymouth400 documentary video will be on WETC at 7pm on January 11 and available on Youtube after January 12.

Ms Palazzo will make available on her page the WETC recording of tonight's meeting.

Next School Committee Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, January 19, 2023 - 7:00pm

The Meeting adjourned at 7:46pm on the motion of Mrs. Nardone, seconded by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw. Motion passed unanimously.

Documents Attached to These Minutes:

Respectfully Submitted,

Carrie Palazzo
Secretary

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