February 29, 2024 Meeting

Weymouth School Committee

MaryJo Livingstone Humanities Center & Zoom
March 7, 2024
MEETING MINUTES
(approved 3/21/24)

Members In Attendance: Tracey Nardone, Chair; Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw, Vice Chair; Mary-Ellen Devine, Secretary; Kathy Curran; Danielle Graziano Members

Absent: Mayor Hedlund, Steven Buccigross

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

The meeting began at 5:45pm

Mrs. Curran 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 Motion seconded by Ms. Graziano. Roll call vote. Passed unanimously.

The meeting was called to order at 7:38pm
The chair informed that the meeting is being recorded and available on WETC.

Mrs. Nardone led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda included:

• Payment of Bills: Confirmation of Warrant: 34-2024 Date: 2/20/24 Amount: $1,187,078.33
• Regular Meeting Minutes: 2/15/24
• Special Meeting: 2/29/24
• Executive Session Minutes: 2/28/24
• Budget Sub-Committee: 2/7/24, 2/28/24

Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the consent agenda. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion unanimously passed.

Discuss & Vote Candidates for Open School Committee Seat (Action Requested) The chair thanked those who submitted letters of interest and expressed gratitude for the finalists. She reminded that 3 school committee seats will be available in 2025 and encouraged those interested to run. The committee thanked the finalists for their time and for participating in the public interview.

Nominations were opened.

Ms. Graziano nominated Dana Scott for the vacant school committee position. Motion seconded by Mrs. Devine. Roll call vote. Motion passed unanimously.

The committee conveyed their congratulations and welcome to Mr. Scott.

Report of the Superintendent:
Superintendent Wargo shared that Kindergarten registration is underway and will close on April 1. So far 245 applications have been submitted plus another 100 from JECC. 425-450 registrations are expected to be received.

Interim Principal Jennifer Dolan is now the full time Chapman Principal with a 3 year contract.

The gate installed at 1 of the bathrooms at Chapman was found to be unnecessary. The Chapman volunteer program has 2 consistent volunteers.

WHS girls basketball team made it to the Elite Eight but unfortunately lost to Wachusett 67-44.

The Chair reminded members to make an appointment with the Superintendent for formative evaluation sit down, optional evaluation worksheet was passed out.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Budget Sub-Committee Report-2/28/24 & 3/7/24 (Action Requested)
Ms. Graziano summarized the meetings of 2/28 and 3/7. Topics covered in those meetings, grants, contracts-Champions was awarded a 5 year contract, and FY25 budget planning. Superintendent Smith will present the budget later in the agenda.

Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the report of the budget subcommittee. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.

b. Conduct Public Hearing
Taken out of order

● Subject #2 - FY25 Budget as of 2/7/24 for WPS
Assistant Superintendent Smith and Superintendent Wargo presented the proposed FY25 budget (attached to these minutes). The Superintendent expressed thanks and gratitude to Assistant Superintendent Smith, Ms. Bosse and team for their care, long hours and work developing the budget.

Topics covered in the presentation
District statistics, zero based budgeting, stakeholder involvement, budget calendar/timeline, operating budgeting funds, capital improvement requests-curriculum-$150K, Chapter 70 aid, change in state aid, budget drivers and factors (collective bargaining), budget forecast, budget approach and goals (level service), budget measures taken, and addressing loss of ESSER 1 time funding (circuit breaker transfers, non renewals, 5-10% cost center expense budget cuts). The total proposed operating budget request is $89,145,599, which is a 5.78% increase over FY24. Weymouth is not the only district facing difficulty when addressing loss of ESSER funds.

All questions by the committee were addressed. The committee thanked the Assistant Superintendent and his team,

Public Hearing on the FY25 budget was opened:
-Laurie Hansen, 20 Thomson Rd.
Expressed thanks to Assistant Superintendent Smith for his work with the budget and inquired if a needs list will accompany the FY25 budget submitted to town. Compliance needs will be met and wish needs still exist and will still be collected. This budget is focusing on level service.

Motion by Dr Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine to close public hearing on the FY25 budget. Roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Curran encouraged community members to reach out to state senators O’Connor and Murphy as well as Speaker Mariano for increased state funding. It was noted that this is a difficult budget year

● Subject #1 - School Choice
Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw gave an overview of school choice, MGL67 12B where school committees vote to participate which enables out-of-district students to attend Weymouth schools. Due to space issues Weymouth has historically not participated in School Choice.

Motion by Dr. Sherlock Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine to open Public Hearing of School Choice. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion by Dr Sherlock-Shangaw for Weymouth not to participate in 2024-2025 school choice. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Roll call vote, passed unanimously

Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Ms. Graziano to close public hearing of school choice. Roll call vote. Motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

a. 2024-2024 School Year Calendar (Action Requested)
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Ms. Graziano to approve the proposed WPS 2024-2025 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

b. Policies for Second Reading:
EHAA-District Security Relating to Technology
KDC-Community Use of Digital Resources
Mrs. Curran advised that policies are updated with recommendations from MASC. Policies are posted on the website. There was no public comment.

Policies will be moved to third reading.

c. Update and status of Abigail Adams and Johnson - Assistant Superintendent Smith Assistant Superintendent Smith
advised that the project is going along nicely and on schedule to open on time. The school administration sign is in the process of moving to Abigail Adams.

Communication to future JECC parents was talked about. More information/communication to current and prospective parents was requested.

Public Comment:
- Jennifer Deacon, 26 Taft Rd
-Victoria Kerpesky, 58 Laurel St. Expressed concern for other departments, programs, students in the building with the JECC students.

A parent meeting openhouse of space or video was suggested.

Ms. Cederholm advised that PreK registrations are taken until full then a waitlist is taken.

d. District Safety & Security Update
Reviewed during the Superintendent update.

Public Comment
In accordance with Policy BEDH and kept to 3 minutes.

Announcements:
SEPAC-March 19, 7pm
The Budget will be voted on at the 3/21/24 school committee meeting

Scholarship applications are due by March 15, 2024.
Clocks will spring forward this weekend.
International Fest will be at Chapman from 5-8:30 on May 4. Volunteers are needed.
Capstone Fair is on March 12 & 13, judges are needed.
Free dress rehearsal of WHTC 1 act play is at Chapman on 3/8/24. Competition is on 3/7

Next School Committee Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 7:00pm

The Meeting adjourned at 8:52pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously

Documents Attached to These Minutes:  

• Superintendent’s Report
• FY25 Budget Presentation
• Policies EHAA & KDC

Respectfully Submitted,
Mary-Ellen Devine
Secretary

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