May 11, 2023 Meeting

Weymouth School Committee

Humanities Center & Zoom
May 11, 2023
MEETING MINUTES
(approved 5/25/23)

Members In Attendance: Tracey Nardone, Interim 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 began at 6:01pm

Mrs. Nardone moved to enter into executive session;
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2): To conduct collective bargaining session: Two WEA Unit A Level III Grievances
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining negotiations: SEIU 888 Van Drivers and Monitors
Motion seconded by Ms. Palazzo. Roll call vote. Passed unanimously.

The meeting was called to order at 7:01pm

The chair informed that the meeting is being recorded and available on WETC.

Mrs. Nardone led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

A moment of silence was observed in honor of Mary Driscoll, a lifelong educator who passed away May 1, 2023 at the age of 90.

Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda included:

•  Warrant 44-2023 in the amount of $1,164,485.49. Dated 5/1/23
• Regular Minutes: 4/27/23 ● Meeting of the Whole Minutes: 4/27/23
• Field Trip: WHS Grade 11 - SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, Georgia World Congress, Atlanta, GA - June 19 - 24, 2023

Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the consent agenda. Seconded by Ms. Palazzo. Motion passed unanimously.

Report of the Superintendent:
The Superintendent shared his congratulations to the State Winners for the 2022-2023 Elks Essay Contest:
Grade 5: 3rd Place - Miquel Soto
Grade 6: 1st Place - Isaac Emet
2nd Place - Carleigh Loring
Grade 7: 3rd Place - Parinya Jain
Grade 8: 1st Place - Annabeth Nazzaro

Superintendent Wargo advised the temporary usage of the North Library by Elements Academy, Quincy will not have an impact on the district.

The Diversity Summit was held on May 9, 2023. It was also a staff professional development day and was well attended. Thanks was expressed to Ms. Loporto and all involved in planning and participating.

Principals joined the executive team for professional development regarding achievement of economically disadvantaged students.

Thanks and appreciation was extended to educators and nurses this week.

Molly Stockton received CTE allied health outstanding student award. The Superintendent advised that there is legislation where entrance to CTE vocational/technical programs may be by lottery.

Superintendent Wargo visited JECC and classrooms of Ms. DeBee, Ms. Flores, and Ms. Fox.

The International Festival will be on May 12, 2023.
Kindergarten Here I Come will be May May 24, 2023.
Memorial Garden will be May 25, 2023,
Spring concerts will be held-check Principal communication for dates
National Honor Society Induction for WHS students, May 11, 2023.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Policy KCD - First Reading
Policy is associated with section D, fiscal management. Assistant Superintendent Smith shared that gifts and grants are a standing item on budget subcommittee agendas. Ms. Harris presents gifts twice per year and budget sub prior to voting at school committee meetings.

b. Report of the Budget Subcommittee - 5/10/23
Mr. Buccigross summarized the meeting of May 10, 2023. Topics included: new tech replacement and summer conditioning proposed fees, fee cycle, CTI & CFCE grants, manage print and paper contracts, state and town budget, as well as ESY and Sub rates.

Motion by Ms. Palazzo to accept the report of the budget subcommittee. Seconded by Mrs. Curran. Discussion included updating the handbooks to include the new bus fee. Motion carried.

c. Update on School Committee Vacancy
Letters of interest deadline is at 4:30pm on May 12, 2023 . Eligible candidates will be moved forward to the next executive meeting May 25.

OLD BUSINESS

a. Student Handbooks - Second Reading - Assistant Superintendent Curtin
It was suggested to make the 2 hour notice procedure for dismissal language the same in the high school handbook as it is in the Chapman handbook.

There wasn't any public comment.

Motion by Mr. Buccigross to combine the 2nd and 3rd reading of student handbooks. Seconded by Mrs. Curran. Motion carried.

Motion by Mrs. Curran to accept student handbooks with the corrections made tonight. Seconded by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw. Motion passed,

b. Policy JLDD - Life Threatening Allergies - Second Reading
There have been no edits since the first reading. Grammatical edits and references to policy JLDDN have been removed.

Public Comment
-Danielle Graziano, 430 Ralph Talbot St
As a mom of a child with a life threatening allergy asked for clarification on extended day field trips, and nurses and medication.

The Coordinator of Health Services will be consulted.

Policy JLDD moved to third reading.

c. Policy Section D - Second Reading
Edits are at the suggestion of MASC. There have been no edits since the first reading. Single signatory language was discussed. Attorney Emerson will be consulted.

Policy Section D will be forwarded to a third reading.

d. Update and status of Abigail Adams and Johnson - Assistant Superintendent Smith Assistant Superintendent Smith
summarized the meeting of May 10, 2023. Topics included, design, project timeline, classroom design, and a transportation canopy. The next meeting will be June 6, at 3:30pm at Abigail Adams.

Public Comment
In accordance with Policy BEDH.

-Allegra Meroni, 44 Carroll St.
As a mom of two students at Seach spoke on the non renewal letters received by Seach teachers and the 16 open positions. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting with the Superintendent, school committee chair, Executive Director, and others the day before and shared her worry for the students at Seach.

-WEA President Murphy, WEA Vice President Cederholm, and WEA Treasurer and membership chair Hieke Tupland
Spoke on staff leaving the district as well as the non renewal of Seach staff and the disservice to the students caused. He expressed the opinion that Seach was targeted and that there was lack of communication from central office administrators and acted unprofessional and unbecoming. He shared the dedication of the teachers that were non renewed and urged the committee to make things better

-Stacia Connolly, 9 Pineridge
As a Seach parent and parent council member shared how diverse the Seach school is and expressed her dissatisfaction with the meeting the previous night and inquired if there is a plan in place so that this does not happen again.

Announcements:
-Weymouth Evening Graduation - May 22, 2023 - &:30pm WHS Auditorium
-Budget Sub-Committee-June 7, 2023, 6:00pm - Abigail Adams Library
-Rotary Pancake breakfast, May 21, 8-11:30am at the Whipple Center, $5 tickets
-Skin Cancer Screening, May 16, town hall 10am-2pm by appointment
-Annual town meeting, May 15, 7:30pm in town council chambers at Town Hall
-The Chair expressed birthday wishes to her mom, turning 85 on May 15.

Next School Committee Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, May 25, 2023 - 7:00pm

The Meeting adjourned at 7:48pm on the motion of Mrs. Curran, seconded by Ms. Palazzo. Motion passed unanimously.

Documents Attached to These Minutes:

• Policy KCD
• Student Handbooks
• Policy JLDD
• Policy Section D

Respectfully Submitted,

Carrie Palazzo
Secretary

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