January 27, 2025 Athletics Subcommittee Meeting
Weymouth School Committee
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL ATHLETICS SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Adams Library Conference Room | 89 Middle Street, Weymouth
January 27, 2025 | 6:00 p.m
Revised Agenda
The three members of the Athletic Subcommittee wish to encourage all members of the School Committee to attend and participate in Athletics discussions whenever they like. Because Massachusetts Open Meeting Law requires that any meeting that includes a quorum of school committee members (4) deliberating on matters under their jurisdiction be posted as a meeting of the full committee, all Athletics Subcommittee meetings are listed as full School Committee meetings.
Zoom link to access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89097967682?pwd=8CSRAK0yl2XuTdHv5EUbuCxyZ7kKt8.1
I. Call to order
II. Overview of the Athletics Subcommittee (Action Requested)
A. Mission
B. Composition
C. Meeting schedule
D. Explanation of public attendance/participation
III. 2024/2025 winter season update
A. Chapman Middle School
B. Weymouth High School
IV. 2025 spring season planning and update
A. Chapman Middle School
B. Weymouth High School
V. Unified Sports update
A. Chapman Middle School
B. Weymouth High School
VI. FY26 proposed athletics budget
A. Chapman Middle School
B. Weymouth High School
VII. Public comment
VIII. Adjournment
Meeting Recording
Minutes
Weymouth School Committee
Athletics Subcommittee
January 27, 2025
Adams Library Conference Room, 89 Middle Street, Weymouth MA
Present for WPS:
Mary-Ellen Devine, WSC
Rebecca Shangraw, WSC
Danielle Graziano, WSC
Tracey Nardone, WSC
Superintendent Curtin
Assist. Superintendent Smith
Principal Dolan
Principal Monahan
Athletic Director O’Leary
The meeting was called to order at 6:04pm. The Athletics Subcommittee’s proposed mission, composition, meeting schedule, and public participation were reviewed. The committee agreed that the subcommittee would be composed of three school committee members (two members needed for a quorum).
2024/2025 winter season update
The athletic director updated the committee on winter participation numbers for Chapman Middle School and Weymouth High School. A request was made for data re: multi—sport vs. single sport athletes. Questions were asked about the co-op agreement the Weymouth girls’ hockey team has with Rockland.
2025 spring season planning and update
Spring teams were listed and estimated participation numbers were shared. A concern was raised about the need for better transportation solutions for students traveling to off-campus practice locations, as well as the management of facilities like bathrooms during practice times. The athletic director noted that students may take buses to their practice locations – this needs to be coordinated through the athletics office. Cost for students to take the bus was also discussed.
Softball facilities were discussed, and it was confirmed that the WHS softball field will have a new scoreboard installed prior to their first 2025 game.
- A request was made for the WPS/Town of Weymouth Field Usage MOA.
- A suggestion was made to focus on boosters during an upcoming subcommittee meeting.
Unified Sports update
A suggestion was made to focus on Unified Sports during an upcoming subcommittee meeting.
Clarified that Unified Sports is a club at the Middle School level and a sport at High School level.
FY26 proposed athletics budget
The first three years of Chapman athletics were funded by ARPA funds. The district is now anticipating a middle school athletics shortfall due to ARPA funding no longer being available. The committee reviewed a proposal from Chapman Middle School that removes volleyball and wrestling from Chapman’s competitive sports offerings. A proposed intramural sports program was introduced and explained. This hybrid model would not resolve any shortfalls in the FY26 Athletics budget, but it would prevent the need for middle school user fees.
A request was made for a detailed, line-item athletics budget. Further discussions about the FY26 Athletics budget will take place at the school committee’s upcoming Budget Subcommittee meetings.
Further discussion will take place regarding sponsorships for fields, programs, etc.
Further discussion centered around a projected $56,000 shortfall in the current FY26 Athletics budget.
Open Discussion included questions and comments from community members including requests for:
- Student Athlete Supports to prevent injuries
- Nutrition class, strength training and conditioning.
- Dreamcatcher clarifications
- Clarification on cost breakouts for sports, ie. hockey
- Explanation of fees
The meeting adjourned at 8:34pm.
Meeting Materials
- Athletics Subcommittee Proposed Overview
- WHS Athletics Participation Overview
- Middle School Participation Overview
- Middle School FY26 Proposal
Documents referenced in the meeting to be posted: