February 27, 2025 Meeting
Weymouth School Committee
Chair: Ms. Tracey Nardone Vice Chair: Dr. Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw Secretary: Ms. Mary-Ellen Devine
Ms. Kathy Curran Ms. Danielle Graziano Mr. Dana Scott Mayor Robert Hedlund
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
MJL Humanities Center | Weymouth High School | 1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth
February 27, 2025 | 6:30 p.m
Agenda
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting will be conducted in person and, as a courtesy, via remote means in accordance with applicable law. Remote means will include the WETC8 live feed (https://weymouth.tv/video-on-demand/) and the Zoom link below. Please note that while an option for remote attendance is being provided as a courtesy, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast unless required by law.
To join the meeting via Zoom by computer or internet-enabled phone:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82359504123?pwd=ojp0Obc1Z8x1PNTb5ReP1whlFcqVnB.1
I. CALL TO ORDER 6:30 pm
II. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s.21(a)(2): To discuss the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Contract
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MOMENT OF SILENCE 7:00 pm
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Confirmation of Warrant: 34-2025 Date: 2/18/25 Amount: $690,308.75
B. Approval of Minutes: Budget Subcommittee Meeting: 2/5/25
Regular Meeting: 2/6/25
Policy Subcommittee Meeting: 2/11/25
V. STUDENT SENATE REPORT
VI. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT - Superintendent Melanie Curtin
A. Celebrations
- Winter Athletics
B. FY26 Budget Update
VII. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Budget Subcommittee - Ms. Danielle Graziano
B. Collective Bargaining Subcommittee - Dr. Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
C. Policy Subcommittee - Mr. Dana Scott
D. Athletics Subcommittee - Ms. Mary-Ellen Devine & Dr. Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
E. Wellness Committee - Dr. Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
F. SEPAC - Ms. Danielle Graziano
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. 2025-26 School Year Calendar (Action Requested)
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Acceptance of Gifts (Action Requested)
B. Approval of Contract for Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning (Action Requested)
X. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comment shall be in accordance with Policy BEDH
XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Upcoming meetings:
- Budget Subcommittee Meeting: March 5, 2025, at 6 p.m., Adams Library
- Townwide Parent Council Meeting: March 11, 2025, at 7 p.m., MJL Humanities Center, WHS
- Public Hearings on FY26 Budget & School Choice: March 13, 2025, at 7 p.m., MJL Humanities Center, WHS
XII. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING OF THE WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE:
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 7:00 p.m. School Committee Meeting
Meeting Recording
Meeting Minutes
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Executive Session
Mary Jo Livingstone Humanities Center | 1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth
February 27, 2025
Members In Attendance: Tracey Nardone, Chair; Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw, Vice Chair; Mary-Ellen Devine, Secretary; Kathy Curran; Danielle Graziano; Dana Scott
Members Absent: Mayor Hedlund
Also Present: Melanie Curtin, Superintendent; Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent; Jeremy Burm, Director of HR
The meeting was called to order at 6:34pm
The Chair explained the purpose of tonight’s executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s.21(a)(2): To discuss the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning contract. Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw moved to enter into executive session. Seconded by Ms. Devine. There was no discussion. A roll call vote passed unanimously.
Superintendent Curtin shared that Lindsey Fratolillo will be the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. 2 finalists were moved forward from the search committee. She will lead instruction across the district from PreK-Post Grad. Excitement was expressed for Ms. Fratolillo joining the leadership team. She has been in the district for over 20 years starting as a 1st grade teacher at Wessagusset. Her work ethic, knowledge, inclusivity, hospitality and how she treats people, respect from WPS staff, as well as loyalty to Weymouth make her the ideal candidate.
The prior administration divided out the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Elementary Education roles. The current central office structure is returning to the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning model.
The 3 year contract will be from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028 at step 1, grid F. As she holds a DESE license her retirement will be through MTRS.
The contract will be voted upon in open session.
The process of starting a search committee to fill the Wessagusset Principal position will begin.
The committee expressed their delight in appointing Ms. Fratolillo; a nice progression of her career, that she has a kind spirit with high expectations. She will be introduced at a future school committee meeting.
Motion by Mrs. Nardone to release these executive session minutes once the contract has been countersigned. Seconded by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw. Motion passed unanimously.
The Meeting adjourned and returned to open session at 6:48pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Mary Jo Livingstone Humanities Center & Zoom | 1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth
February 27, 2025 | 7:00 p.m
Members In Attendance: Tracey Nardone, Chair; Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw, Vice Chair; Mary-Ellen Devine, Secretary; Kathy Curran; Danielle Graziano; Dana Scott
Members Absent: Mayor Hedlund
Also Present: Melanie Curtin, Superintendent; Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent
The meeting began at 6:31pm
The Chair explained the purpose of tonight’s executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s.21(a)(2): To discuss the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning contract. Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw moved to enter into executive session. Seconded by Ms. Devine. There was no discussion. A roll call vote passed unanimously.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm
The Chair informed that the meeting is being recorded and available on WETC.
Mrs. Nardone led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moments of silence were observed for the passing of WPS members:
-Former science teacher of 37 years and KEY club advisor Timothy Daly
-Former history teacher of 40 years Richard Cairns
-WHS Department Head and math teacher of 22 years and founding member of Seeking and Striving to Prepare Children, Joe Wilkins.
Mrs. Nardone read into the record a letter from WEA President Mike Murphy:
My name is Dr. Mike Murphy, President of the Weymouth Educators’ Association.
My most sincere apologies for not being there in person, but I have another commitment that I could not reschedule. With that said, thank you so much for reading these few words concerning the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Joe Wilkins.
I don’t believe there are words out there to describe what the loss of Joe will be to the WPS community. Joe was a graduate of WPS and teacher/Department Head for over twenty years at the High School and his impact on student and staff alike is immeasurable.
Not only did Joe build connections with each and every student that entered his classroom, he demonstrated his leadership skills by heading the mathematics department through some very difficult times, always with the best intentions and helping hand for his colleagues.
Joe also utilized all those skills through his work with the Weymouth Educators’ Association. As a building representative, past-president, various committee member, and his tireless work in negotiations, Joe was a true member and labor enthusiast. I was able to spend many hours with Joe, tapping into his financial skills to work out the best possible deals with the School Committee for the betterment of all his fellow members and the district as a whole. Joe’s non-confrontational and humorous style made negotiations a lot less stressful for everyone involved.
To simply say that Joe will be missed is insufficient. There are not enough words to describe the hole that Joe’s passing has made for all of us, and to try and fill that void would be impossible. In a year that has seen the loss of so many wonderful educators from Weymouth, we will look to rebound as a staff with the memories that they left us, and continue to do the work they loved so dearly.
Thank you again for reading this note.
Mike
Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda included:
- Payment of Bills:
- Confirmation of Warrant: 34-2025 Date: 2/18/25 Amount: $690,308.75
- Approval of Minutes:
- Budget Subcommittee: 2/5/25
- Regular Meeting: 2/6/25
- Policy Subcommittee: 2/11/25
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the consent agenda. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion unanimously passed.
Student Senate:
Students Manton Du, Tamia Alves-Cardoso, Avery Galvin, and Thomas Pham gave an update on clubs and activities at WHS. Topics included: First Mental Health Awareness game, Jazz & Marching Band bake sale, Asian Student Alliance visiting Quincy High School, Best Buddies, Black Student Union, CTE celebrating Mardi Gras, Chess and Grace & Peace Club, Human Rights Coalition conference March 7 with Dr. Tara Parker as keynote speaker, Wildcat Word, Model UN competing at BU and Lexington HS, Robotics competition at Revere HS, Step Team, Battle of the classes, and Class Council News.
Report of the Superintendent:
Superintendent Curtin expressed deepest thoughts & prayers, and condolences to the family of Joe Wilkins as well as to the WPS community. He will be greatly missed.
Kudos were shared for:
-The wrestling team and Danny Murphy, Mike Brooks, Kevin Mackin, Sam Ferron, Jake Thompson, Nahim Radour, and David Cummings for securing individual titles at south sectionals.
-Boys hockey team won Bay state championship but unfortunately lost to Natick
-Girls indoor cross country relay team Gracie Richards, Jess Harding, Emma Daley, Izzy Galusha and Coach Mike Miller winning Girls state Championship-1st ever for WHS
-WHS being recognized as 1 of 19 unified schools-award ceremony March 14 at 12:30
Kindergarten Registration deadline is April 1, 2025.
FY26 Budget Update
Assistant Superintendent Smith and Superintendent Curtin summarized the presentation (attached to these minutes) from the budget subcommittee meeting the night before.
Main budget factors include: end of ESSER funding, growing needs of students, inflation cost (transportation, utilities), and declining revenues. The FY26 budget ask is $92,079,118, at 5.27% increase over FY25. The $92M does include contractual obligations, compliance (FY25 and FY26) needs as well as transportation. With declining receipts a shortfall is projected at $1.9M. To address the shortfall-cuts, increased fees and responsible use of remaining 1 time funding will be used.
The sustainability plan was reviewed. Priority will be placed on the inclusive whole child experience through thoughtful adjustment. Reductions: the Executive Director of Elementary Ed. and Director Fine Arts positions will not be filled, Elementary Instructional Coaches (7) will be eliminated (they will fill other positions in the district), and approximately 20 full time secondary positions (grade 6-post grad) will be eliminated; class size would be increased, however content and programming will not be eliminated. More conversation with staff, union, families, Town Council and the Mayor will be had.
The next budget sub meeting will be 3/5/25, public hearing for the budget will be 3/13/25, school committee vote on the budget will be 3/2/25 and The School Department will present their budget to the Town Council on 5/13/25.
Mrs. Curran shared that even though it is difficult, Weymouth does a good job of getting the best bang for their buck while living within their means.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
Members attend other meetings outside of school committee days. Updates of other committees:
a. Budget Sub-Committee - Danielle Graziano
Topics covered at the 2/26/25 meeting included: ineligibility of immigration grant, semi annual gift report, textile bins, Jack Murray GoFundMe Music donation, Murphy playground fundraising, internal audit, contracts, Chapter 70, FY26 budget. Next meeting is 3/5/25-athletics will be present.
b. Collective Bargaining Sub-Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
No updates at this time
c. Policy Sub-Committee - Dana Scott
Met 2/11 and discussed public comment. Spoke with town legal last week and recommendations will be brought to the April 8th meeting.
d. Athletics Sub-Committee - Mary-Ellen Devine & Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
Next meeting March 24, 6pm at Adams-boosters is on the agenda
e. Wellness Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
No updates at this time.
f. SEPAC - Danielle Graziano
TA Fitness hosted a social group on 2/17 and will do again on Patriots Day of April break. The next coffee hour is 3/27 at the WHS Wildcat Cafe. 2nd annual resource fair will be April 9 at MWC playground. The next meeting will be 3/18/25 with an interactive presentation on the disability rights movement.
OLD BUSINESS
a. 2025-26 School Year Calendar (Action Requested)
First 2 days for staff will be 9/2 & 9/3-PD. Following the same model as last year, the first day for students in grades 1-6 & 9 will be ½ day on 9/4. First day for grades 7-8 and 10-12 will be ½ day on 9/5. Pre K and Kindergarten will begin 9/8. The last day of school with 5 snow days is 6/26, no snow on 6/18. There potentially could be a local primary on 9/16-if so, there will be no school. Thanks was expressed to Kelly Powers for the new format.
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine to approve the 2025-26 school year calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Acceptance of Gifts (Action Requested)
The 7/1/22-6/30/23 report was revised (increase ~1K) due to Benevity. Total monetary and in-kind gifts received 7/1/24-12/31/24 is $205,796. Thanks was expressed to corporate and community donors.
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the gift report. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.
b. Approval of Contract for Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning (Action Requested)
Lindsey Fratolillo has been appointed the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. Excitement for Ms. Fratollio to join the administrative team was expressed. She is highly respected by the WPS community and is exceptional at connecting with students and families.
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the contract appointing Lindsey Fratolillo as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. The committee expressed that Lindsey is a valuable asset to the district and the perfect candidate for the position with her passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to Weymouth. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
In accordance with Policy BEDH and kept to 3 minutes; this period is an opportunity for community members to comment on items on the agenda, not a conversation or back and forth with the members.
-Kim Ferreira-105 Charles Diersh
Shared her excitement and support for the appointment of Ms. Fratolillo as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
Announcements:
-Textile bins are placed at each school for donations-money goes back to the schools. Opportunities are available for corporate/community/individual sponsorship for student enrichment & learning. Contact Betsy Harris-781-335-1460 x28331. More information on the website under each school and community spotlight.
-Budget Sub Committee Meetings-March 5, 2025, 6pm-Adams Library; Budget Public Hearing-March 13, 2025, 7pm-Humanities Center, WHS
-Town Wide Parent Council-March 11, 2025-7pm, MJL Humanities Center, WHS
-Scholarship Deadline is 3/15/25. All residents, not just students welcome to apply
Next School Committee Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 7:00pm
The Meeting adjourned at 7:47pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.