September 12, 2024 Meeting
Weymouth School Committee Meeting
MJL Humanities Center
1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth
September 12, 2024
Executive Session - 6:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting - 7:00 p.m
Chair: Tracey Nardone Vice Chair: Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw Secretary: Mary-Ellen Devine
Kathy Curran Danielle Graziano Dana Scott Mayor Robert Hedlund
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.
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I. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:30 pm
a. Open session
b. Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining: WEA Unit B successor agreement 2024-2027
II. CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER 7:00 pm
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Confirmation of Warrant: 08-2024 Date: 8/19/24 Amount: $741,128.27
Confirmation of Warrant: 10-2025 Date: 9/3/24 Amount: $432,999.86
b. Approval of Minutes: Meeting of the Whole: 8/15/24; Regular Minutes: 8/15/24
c. Approval of Executive Session Minutes from the Negotiations Subcommittee: 12/21/23; 4/22/24; 5/6/24; 6/6/24; 6/17/24; 7/23/24; 7/30/24; 8/13/24
V. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
VI. SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT-OUT
a. Budget Sub-Committee - Danielle Graziano
b. Collective Bargaining Sub-Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
c. Policy Sub-Committee - Kathy Curran
d. Wellness Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
e. Memorial Committee - Kathy Curran
f. Weymouth Scholarship Committee - Mary-Ellen Devine
g. Facilities Master Plan Committee - Kathy Curran
h. Abigail Adams Early Education Facilities Committee - Mary-Ellen Devine
i. Townwide Parent Council - Mary-Ellen Devine
j. SEPAC - Danielle Graziano
k. Health and Safety JLMC - Dana Scott
VII. OLD BUSINESS
a. Update and status of Abigail Adams and Johnson - B. Smith
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
a. Johnson Building Usage - M. Curtin/B. Smith
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comment shall be in accordance with Policy BEDH
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING OF THE WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE:
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 7:00 p.m. School Committee Meeting
Meeting Recording
Meeting Minutes
Weymouth School Committee
MaryJo Livingstone Humanities Center & Zoom
September 12, 2024
MEETING MINUTES
Members In Attendance: Tracey Nardone, Chair; Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw, Vice Chair; Mary-Ellen Devine, Secretary; Kathy Curran; Danielle Graziano (7:07 p.m.); Dana Scott
Members Absent: Mayor Hedlund
Also Present: Melanie Curtin, Interim Superintendent; Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent; Jeremy Burm, Director of Human Resources
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m.
Mr. Scott made a motion to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the WEA Unit B Agreement for 2024-2027. Ms. Devine seconded the motion. By roll call vote, the motion was approved.
The group returned from Executive Session at 7 p.m.
The chair informed that the meeting is being recorded and available on WETC.
Mrs. Nardone led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A moment of silence was observed for the passing of former WPS School Nurse Elaine Player.
Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda included:
- Payment of Bills: Confirmation of Warrant: 08-2024 Date: 8/19/24 Amount: $741,128.27
Confirmation of Warrant: 10-2025 Date: 9/3/24 Amount: $ 432,999.86 - Meeting of the Whole Minutes: 8/15/24; Regular Meeting Minutes: 8/15/24
- Executive Session Minutes from Negotiations Subcommittee: 12/21/23; 4/22/24; 5/6/24; 6/6/24; 6/17/24; 7/23/24; 7/30/24; 8/13/24
Motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw to accept the consent agenda. Seconded by Ms. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.
Report of the Superintendent:
Interim Superintendent Curtin began by thanking everyone for their work with the opening of the new school year. The staff were relaxed and prepared and it was a great first week. We thank the staff of the new WECC for opening the building so smoothly and efficiently.
Interim Superintendent Curtin commented on the phased start of the school year that allowed two staff professional development days; staff felt ready and prepared. All staff received de-escalation training during this time. 6th and 9th grade were the first students in the buildings and feedback was great. Staff was more readily able to direct new students through the buildings and greet them. Next year’s calendar looks very similar and we can probably have a similar phased start. Administration welcomes feedback for next year’s school start plans.
Interim Superintendent Curtin noted that the district's Facebook page is up and running with important updates; great information is being shared out via that channel as well as on the website for those who are not on social media. Kelly Powers is working to improve and build out the new website.
There will be an opportunity for a chorus program at WHS. Conversations will continue regarding the chorus program in the program of studies.
Assistant Superintendent Smith noted that he and Interim Superintendent Curtin met earlier in the week with the TownWide Parent Council. He reported it is a great, collaborative group and it’s great to have it up and running again.
Ms. Curran asked about the music program and, more specifically, the jazz ensemble and would like a report as to what this year’s enrollment looks like.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
Members attend other meetings outside the school committee days. Updates of other committee:
a. Budget Sub-Committee - Danielle Graziano
Ms. Graziano reported that the group met on 8/21 at 6 p.m. at the Adams Library and deferred to Asst. Superintendent Smith for the update.
Asst. Superintendent Smith reported that the committee reviewed grants and gifts. This summer, the Chesna Foundation donated $20,000 to WHS Athletics to offset the cost of gate fees for students. Any WPS student who attends a home game this year with their student ID will not have to pay. Thanks to Don Whitaker and event organizers for that generous gift.
Grants are being closed out for FY24; allocations for FY25 are under audit. The group reviewed the new financial assistance form for all student activities and needs; through their building principal, students can apply for payment plans or consideration for fee waivers. Form is available on the website.
The group also reviewed DESE Charter and School Choice reports, the Food Service annual report, and Champions for PreK-aged students, which is now up and running at the Weymouth Early Childhood Center.
Finally, the committee continued FY25 planning, reviewed non-union wage scales, and discussed upcoming meetings. Assistant Superintendent Smith noted there were questions that came up during the meeting and the team is committed to responding to those at next meeting, which takes place on 9/18 at Adams Library at 6 p.m.
Ms. Devine asked if the Athletic Director would be coming back to present to School Committee again? Interim Superintendent Curtin confirmed he will be presenting to School Committee again after the fall sports season in December.
b. Collective Bargaining Sub-Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
Tentative agreement on Unit B contract; finalization is underway.
c. Policy Sub-Committee - Kathy Curran
This committee will now be chaired by Mr. Scott, who reported that the next meeting will be on Tuesday, 9/17 at 6 p.m. in the Adams Library. A meeting schedule has been posted for the school year and the school community is encouraged to stay involved and informed.
d. Wellness Committee - Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw
No updates at this time.
e. Memorial Committee - Kathy Curran
No updates at this time.
f. Weymouth Scholarship Committee - Mary-Ellen Devine
No updates at this time.
g. Facilities Master Plan Committee - Kathy Curran
Ms. Curran reported that the Johnson Feasibility Committee met this past Tuesday with town officials. This was a productive meeting with Mayor Hedlund and Mr. Langill. The group’s priority is to care for WPS students and overcrowding. Johnson is an old building and needs lots of work.
Ms. Curran noted that the committee is considering modular classrooms at existing schools so we don’t have to move students from their neighborhood schools.
The group will meet again in 2 weeks to identify funding sources and Ms. Curran noted that representatives from Hill International are also involved.
Ms. Curran would like to look at the master plan developed in 2023-2024 by Mr. Matt Meehan again. Given transportation and staffing costs, she believes these modules make sense, would last up to 25 years, and help us move past the crunch time.
Ms. Nardone asked for clarification that there has been no decision made yet as to which direction the committee is heading. Ms. Curran confirmed that no decision has been made.
h. Abigail Adams Early Education Facilities Committee - Mary-Ellen Devine
Ms. Devine reported that the Adams Facility Committee met a few weeks ago to wrap up. The building/school is open and successful and this committee will be dissolved.
i. Townwide Parent Council - Mary-Ellen Devine
Ms. Devine reported that a great meeting was held on Tuesday, led by Ashley Dickerman, and included representation from all schools. This was a great, productive conversation about budgeting and school-year kickoff events.
j. SEPAC - Danielle Graziano
SEPAC will meet 9/17 via Zoom. Ms. Graziano encourages people to visit SEPAC tables at Open House events this fall. In October the group will begin presentations from Mass Advocates For Children on the new IEP form.
j. Health & Safety - Dana Scott
Next meeting will be on 9/25 at 4 p.m. at Adams library.
OLD BUSINESS
a. Update and status of Abigail Adams and Johnson-Assistant Superintendent Smith
Assistant Superintendent Smith acknowledged the final meeting and reported that the project is now essentially complete; the building is open and students are in. A punch list remains and vendors are still working on mechanical, plumbing, and other tasks, which will be finished in the next couple of months. Thanks to Greg Labella and Mike Manning - and everyone involved in this project, including Principal Perez and her staff. Going forward, Ms. Perez will continue messaging families and create and tweak routines.
Ms. Curran asked about the playground status. Mr. Smith reported that the site is prepared, fencing is almost complete. The team is working with the Parks Department and receiving additional funding from the Mayor’s office. The play structure is ordered and should be in place by October. The playground should be operational before winter, definitely for spring.
Ms. Curran asked about the playground’s accessibility. Mr. Smith confirmed the new equipment is more updated than what was at Johnson.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Johnson Feasibility
Interim Superintendent Curtin once again reviewed the Johnson Feasibility meeting that took place on Tuesday, 9/10. The group reviewed all aspects of school operations, including a discussion of capital needs and estimated costs; estimated costs to the school operating budget; transportation and redistricting needs if a 9th elementary school opens. The group also discussed the feasibility of modulars; we have 7 in the district from the Chapman building project. This is an option to address enrollment/space concerns. Superintendents are visiting buildings this week to revisit space usage and needs.
The committee is meeting again in 2 weeks.
Interim Superintendent Curtin also noted that she and Assistant Superintendent Smith met with some families that were identified as possibly moving to Johnson if it opens. It was a great conversation and administrators were able to understand the families’ concerns and feelings; they assured families that this would be a slow, thoughtful process and will consider all options to create a short and long term plan that works for students and families.
Ms. Devine asked if Johnson is being staffed or maintained in the coming months, i.e., is there a custodian managing the building? Mr. Smith says yes, staff is monitoring the building and ensuring airflow, faucets are working, etc.
Ms. Curran asked how the new cell phone policy at Chapman and the high school is working. Ms. Curtin said at Chapman, it is going very well. Students are getting used to the new policy and staff is very excited about it. Kids are relieved to put their phones away. At the high school, the policy remains that phones remain out of sight.
Public Comment
In accordance with Policy BEDH and kept to 3 minutes. It was explained that 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.
-Melissa Moseley, 18 Leonard Rd.
Wanted to ensure that the community will be involved for discussions regarding Johnson.
-Christina Keefe, 82 Seavor Rd.
Renewed her disappointment in cutting the STEAM program
-Jessica Crowley, 863 Browning St.
Expressed concern for siblings being separated when Johsnon comes online as the 9th elementary school. It was explained that siblings already placed in their neighborhood school would be ‘grandfathered’ in.
Involvement in the JECC feasibility was mentioned. Community members may reach out to kathy.curran@weymouthschools.org.
Announcements:
There were no announcements
Next School Committee Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 7:00pm
The Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm on the motion by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw and seconded by Ms. Devine. Motion passed unanimously.