March 13, 2025 Meeting & Public Hearings
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
Public Hearing on the FY26 Operating Budget
Annual Public Hearing on School Choice
MJL Humanities Center | Weymouth High School | 1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth
March 13, 2025 | 7:00 p.m
Revised 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, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 7:00 pm
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Confirmation of Warrant: 36-2025 Date: 3/3/25 Amount: $1,310,481.78
B. Approval of Minutes: Budget Subcommittee Meeting: 2/26/25
Executive Session: 2/27/25
Regular Meeting: 2/27/25
III. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT - Superintendent Melanie Curtin
A. Celebrations & Updates
B. Introduction of Lindsey Fratolillo, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
IV. 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
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation of the Proposed WPS FY26 Budget - Assistant Superintendent Brian Smith
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FY26 OPERATING BUDGET
As reported in the February 11, 2025, edition of The Patriot Ledger
- Call to Order of Public Hearing on FY26 Operating Budget
- Public Comment on the Proposed WPS FY26 Budget
- Adjournment of Public Hearing on FY26 Operating Budget
B. ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON SCHOOL CHOICE
As reported in the February 11, 2025, edition of The Patriot Ledger
- Call to Order of Annual Public Hearing on School Choice
- Public Comment on School Choice
- Adjournment of Annual Public Hearing on School Choice
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comment shall be in accordance with Policy BEDH
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Upcoming meetings:
- Athletics Subcommittee Meeting: March 24, 2025, at 6 p.m., Adams Library
IX. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING OF THE WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE:
Thursday, March 27, 2025 - 7:00 p.m. School Committee Meeting
Meeting Recording
Meeting Minutes
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Mary Jo Livingstone Humanities Center & Zoom | 1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth
March 13, 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 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.
Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda included:
- Payment of Bills:
- Confirmation of Warrant: 36-2025 Date: 3/3/25 Amount: $1,310,481.78
- Approval of Minutes:
- Budget Subcommittee: 2/26/25
- Executive Session: 2/27/25
- Regular Meeting: 2/27/25
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the consent agenda. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion unanimously passed.
Report of the Superintendent:
Superintendent Curtin shared celebration kudos for:
-Katie Monteiro who was named ESP of the year by MTA
-The guest readers who read to elementary classrooms for Read Across America
-WHTC making it to the semi finals for ‘Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’. Free full dress rehearsal Friday, 3/14 and competition at Chapman on Sunday 5/16 at 3:30
The Superintendent and Committee excitedly welcomed and congratulated Lindsey Fratolillo who will be the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. Principal Fratolillo brings 25 years of extensive experience of teaching and learning and is well known and respected for her care and compassion treating students, families, and staff. Ms. Fratolillo expressed her thanks, appreciation and excitement for the opportunity.
The current executive director position of elementary education will not be filled after retirement (6/30/25). Mr. Burm is heading up a screening committee for the Wessagusset Principal position opening-hoping to wrap up the process by the end of March.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
Members attend other meetings outside of school committee days. Updates of other committees:
a. Budget Sub-Committee - Danielle Graziano
The last meeting was 3/5/25. Assistant Superintendent Smith will present the budget later in the agenda. The meeting of 3/19/25 will be canceled as the budget ask number of $ 92M will not change between meetings. The Murray Family GoFundMe donation will go before town council budget management 3/17 for approval as the gift is more than $5K/yr (complying with MGL C44, S53 and 53 ½ as well as town ordinance 5-308)
b. Collective Bargaining Sub-Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
No updates at this time
c. Policy Sub-Committee - Dana Scott
The next meeting will be April 8, 2025-6pm at Adams
d. Athletics Sub-Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw & Mary-Ellen Devine
Next meeting is March 24, 2025 with a 1 item agenda; boosters
e. Wellness Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
Met 3/13/25 and discussed proposed updates to the wellness policy to bring before the policy subcommittee.
f. SEPAC - Danielle Graziano
-Planning for the Unified games on May 1, 2025 (rain date May 2) has begun-family input is welcome
-March 18, 2025 meeting will be via Zoom with presentation on disability history and advocacy rights -Caregiver coffee will be 3/27 at WHS Wildcat Cafe at 9:15am-pre registration required
-Resource fair will be April 9, 2025 at Chapman from 4-6pm
NEW BUSINESS
a. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FY26 OPERATING BUDGET
As reported in the February 11, 2025, edition of The Patriot Ledger
Superintendent Curtin expressed thanks and appreciation to Assistant Superintendent Smith and Alyssa Bosse for their tireless work in building and balancing the budget. They’ve given the district the ability to transparently engage the community in the budget process. Engagement and feedback is welcome. Gratitude was conveyed to the School Committee, Mayor Hedlund, Chief of Staff Langill, Town Council, Mike Murphy and the WEA for their collaboration and engagement during the budget process. Factors affecting the FY26 budget are loss of ESSER funding, growing needs of students, inflation, and declining revenue.
Assistant Superintendent Smith and Superintendent Curtin presented the proposed FY26 budget (attached to these minutes). Topics included: Weymouth statistics, FY26 Goals, Budget concepts and procedures, Budget timeline (the district runs concurrently with the state), budget schedule and development (10 ½ month process), communication (kudos expressed to Kelly Powers who’s been instrumental in communication strategy-new app available soon), WPS budgeting funds (Operating of general funds and Special Revenue of grants and revolving) Grant funding, Capital plan and process (buildings, grounds, equipment, vehicles, chromebooks, Chapman, Adams renovation, modular classrooms, curriculum), Chapter 70 Aid (decreasing piece of budget), Net School Spending (113% above what is required), Cherry Sheet (state estimates), budget challenges and drivers, level service budget approach, fiscal cliff (landing softly over a couple of years), proposed budget, potential budget shortfall, and sustainability plan.
The School budget has steadily increased $25 million in the last 10 years. The proposed FY26 budget is $92,079,118.00 for 20 cost centers. A 5.27% increase over FY25. The School Department relies on local funding. The district develops a budget with prioritization and streamlined spending due to declining/reduced local, state, and federal funding. The budget book will detail each cost center with expenses and payroll. In talking with the Town, revenues may only increase 3%. Historically (9 year) the school department has averaged 3.8% increase. A shortfall would be created if the 5.27% increase is not met. The district is being realistic and proactive in planning in case of a shortfall ($1.9M). A thoughtful sustainable plan would mean a reduction in staff, increase of fees and utilization of remaining ARPA funds while providing an inclusive whole-child educational experience. Planning decisions are not made lightly and acknowledgement expressed that this plan would affect careers and livelihoods.
The committee confirmed that administration is recommending a vote on the $92,079,118 budget which would then be forwarded to the Mayor's office on March 28 after the school committee vote on 3/27/25. Clarification on memo and narrative that is submitted to the Mayor's office was made. It was reiterated that the committee, administration, and town are doing their job.
1. Call to Order of Public Hearing on FY26 Operating Budget
Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw made a motion seconded by Mrs. Devine to open public comment on the proposed FY26 Operating Budget. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Comment on the Proposed WPS FY26 Budget
-Mike Murphy-WEA
Congratulated Katie Monteiro on ESP of the year and Ms. Fratolillo in her new position. He thanked central office and the committee for their work in the budget process.
He shared his opinion that the Town should make the school system a priority and do what’s best for the students and staff (overcrowded classrooms and safety concerns, the need for increased resources).
-Ashley Dickerman, 846 Pleasant St.
Echoes Mr. Murphy.
Apologized for her previous comment made at the 2/26 budget sub meeting that ESPs are babysitters during library block. She shared that ESPs are essential and that library ESPs should’ve been given resources to handle that block while also seeking parent feedback. Her opinion of there not being continuity between the schools during the library block was communicated.
Ms. Dickerman asked for the community to come together to fix problems and research funding. She expressed that the budget should reflect the true needs of the school system.
-Kelly Cameron, 65 Belmont St.
Mom of 1st grader at Murphy inquired if Principal asks from a previous budget meeting are included in the budget ask. It was shared that positions were prioritized and some are included in the compliance ask of the budget ($399,312) and that the needs list accompanies the budget to town.
-Ben Crosby, 28 Norma Ave.
As a Dad of a Kindergartner at Murphy and Prek student at WECC acknowledged the difficulty of building the budget in these times. Shared his opinion that level service is misleading and that the district and town should not be settling for mediocrity when it comes to students’ educations. He inquired how the community can support so that the school department receives an increased, realistic budget for more than a mediocre educational experience.
-Kristin Morrison, 16 Harland Rd.
As a mom of a 1st grader at Murphy echoed Mr. Crosby. Advocated for a budget which accurately reflects what the schools need and shared her opinion that they shouldn’t be undervalued.
-Lisa Wiklund, 81 Aster Circle
As a long time resident and Murphy library ESP confirmed that the projected net school spending amount of $103.9M and clarified that the school committee votes the operating budget amount ($92,079,118) and that combined with the middle column of the net school spending slide make up the amount to run the schools. She shared that level service is not acceptable and that the budget should reflect the needs of schools accurately.
-Elizabeth Foster Nolan, 54 House Rock Rd.
Congratulated Ms. Fratolillo.
Acknowledged the difficulty of the budget situation. She shared her expectation that the school committee as being elected should be doing their best for the children of Weymouth. She urged for Town Councilors being educated on identifying the needs of students. She advocated for a higher number being proposed to the Town.
-Alison Nogarrow, 8 McKinley Rd.
As a mom of 1 child at Academy and 1 at Chapman shared her appreciation for the transparency. Inquired why the Mayor as a school committee member does not attend meetings.
She advocated for the school department to ask for a larger budget than $92M. She asked whether comparable school districts are in line with Weymouth.
-Mary Beth Shae, 100 Thompson Rd.
As a parent of 3rd grader at Wessagusset commented on a fundraising facebook book post by the Mayor and that Weymouth is in the 10% for size however in the bottom 25% for spending and mentioned surrounding communities and what their town pays. She shared her opinion that the administration and school committee care about the budget.
Assistant Superintendent Smith shared his appreciation for all of the comments and explained that with proposition 2 ½ the town can only grow 2.5% and anything above that comes from local receipts-restrictions, limitations, and laws must be followed. This is not just a local issue, but a state and federal one as well. The school department is being realistic.
-Krista Trapp, 75 Alpine Rd.
As a parent of 8th grader at Chapman and 5th grader at Pingree commented on the Mayor’s fundraising from a FaceBook post and shared her opinion that people move to Hingham and pay the high taxes because they know the schools are excellent. She advocated for an appropriate budget being approved.
-Gus Perez, Hewett Rd.
Shared his appreciation of the community advocating for the budget and his excitement for the effective team of Ms. Curtin and Mr. Smith. He commented on the improved school funding over the years, net school spending and conveyed his opinion that the budget does not meet the needs of students of the district and that the number is pre-formulated by the Town. He explained that the budget ask to Town should be an accurate representation of what is needed to support true inclusion, co-teaching models, increased ESP’s, reinstatement of coaches, reinstatement of MTSS and increase in nurses. He suggested presenting different budgets and referenced Newtons ‘thrive budget’. He further stated that the school department is capitulating to the town and that the school committee should fulfill their statutory obligation and reconsider their approach and present a higher budget to Town. He expressed disappointment with the $92,079,118 budget number and the cancellation of the 3/19 budget sub committee meeting.
-Katie Monteiro, 8 Chauncy St.
Expressed thanks and appreciation for the recognitions received for being ESP of the year.
Mrs. Devine expressed her hope that the 3/19 budget sub meeting would be reinstated. She suggested putting together a letter from the school committee to send to town hall and the state house advising that the committee is willing to fight for their students. Mrs. Curran reiterated that this is a town and state problem. Annual Town meeting is typically in May. Superintendent Curtin and Assistant Superintendent Smith present the school budget to town council on May 13.
3. Adjournment of Public Hearing on FY26 Operating Budget
Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw made a motion seconded by Mrs. Devine to close the public hearing of the FY26 budget. Motion passed unanimously.
b. ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON SCHOOL CHOICE
As reported in the February 11, 2025, edition of The Patriot Ledger
1. Call to Order of Annual Public Hearing on School Choice
Every year, Weymouth holds a vote on School Choice, as required by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act and outlined in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 12B. This program allows non-resident students to attend local schools on a space-available basis without paying tuition (tuition is paid by the sending districts). A key aspect of this law mandates that communities participate in School Choice unless a vote is taken not to participate.
Given space constraints in our school buildings, Chair Nardone recommends that Weymouth Public Schools withdraw from the obligation to enroll non-residential students–referred to as Massachusetts School Choice–for the upcoming academic year beginning in fall 2025.
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine to open the public hearing of Massachusetts School Choice for the 2025-26 school year. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Comment on School Choice
There was none.
3. Adjournment of Annual Public Hearing on School Choice
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to adjourn the public hearing on Massachusetts School Choice. Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to withdraw and not participate in Massachusetts School Choice for the 2025-26 school year. Motion Seconded by Mrs. Devine. Discussion: Due to space and overcrowding issues unfortunately the district can not accommodate out of town students. 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.
Mrs. Devine shared that the Chapman band concert was wonderful and gave kudo’s to Mr. Landry.
-Gus Perez
Confirmed that a fee increase is not part of the $92,079,118 budget and expressed disappointment in the athletics budget presentations citing one meeting there was a deficit of $56K and the next meeting a surplus of $16K.
The preliminary budget is available online now and the proposed budget (every line item detail) hard copy will be published in late April/early May; copies given to school committee and town councilors and on the website.
It was confirmed that the annual town meeting is May 19, 2025, presumably at town hall and for community members to attend.
-Kelly Cameron
Murphy fundraiser will be at Barrel House Z, 3/14/25
-Alison Nagarro
Suggested high school students help with STEAM at elementary schools. Some schools do offer this as after school enrichment and high school students do help.
-Michelle Cambell, 126 Thompson Rd.
Reminded that the town can only decrease the school budget and not increase and asked the committee to reconsider and ask for more than the $92M.
-Lisa Dowling, 47 Grandview Rd.
Shared her opinion that cutting staff would increase faculty burnout and that there should be investment in the people taking care of the students of the Weymouth community and implored the committee to ask for more money.
Announcements:
Athletics Subcommittee Meeting: March 24, 2025, at 6 p.m., Adams Library
Next School Committee Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, March 27, 2025 - 7:00pm
The Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Mrs. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.