June 4, 2026 Meeting of the Whole

 

Weymouth Town Hall | 75 Middle Street, Weymouth
June 4, 2026 | 5:00 p.m

 

Members In Attendance: Tracey Nardone, Chair; Danielle Graziano, Vice Chair; Mary-Ellen Devine, Secretary; Kelly McClean; Ashley Dickerman; Cindy Lyons,

Members Absent: Mayor Molisse

Also Present: Melanie Curtin, Superintendent; Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Fratollilo

 

 

The Chair explained that the packets include each member’s evaluation of the Superintendent for discussion and thanked Ms. Graziano for compiling the responses. She expressed her disagreement that the evaluation should be done publicly as no other public position (Mayor, Chief of Police/Fired, etc.) is.

 

Vice Graziano advised members to double check their submission for accuracy and that anything highlighted would need to be rated. Packets are to be submitted back to Ms. Graziano within 24 hours and the final evaluation rating will be completed after all packets are received. Once finalized, members will each sign their evaluation. It was shared that narratives from the organizer were put into each corresponding section, and the rating for Step 2, Page 1 must match the rating at the bottom of each standard. Not all boxes need to be checked, only the ones that correspond to goals of Student Learning, Professional Practice, and District Improvement.

 

Ms. Dickerman’s evaluation was reviewed. Topics discussed: Weymouth students participating in Civics project showcase, Testing data availability on the DESE website, Instructional Leadership-availability of data (scores) corresponding with the goal timeline, expectations of growth from pilot programs, and gauging the effectiveness of the ‘Five Coaching Conversations’ and professional development.

 

The Superintendent shared that a smaller goal of only a few grades testing at or above the state level could have been made; however the District is focused on the goal affecting all grades, pushing to do better while being mindful of supports that have been lost (MTSS coaches, etc.). She emphasized that there is curriculum oversight at Chapman now and the significant gains utilizing Illustrative Math. Strategic survey results were generated with Claude AI (unbiased). Grievances have decreased from 39-0.

 

Also talked through-Targets of goals are always moving (good so the District pushes forward to be better), the Inclusive Practices bar is ever changing, meeting benchmarks of goals, vision statement plan availability, school improvement plans, stability at Chapman, and communication with families, staff, and administrators. Suggestion made for the Superintendent (or Assistant Superintendents) to do quarterly SMORE out to families. Thanks and appreciation expressed to Kelly Powers for the communication via website, social media and Dennis Jones in stabilizing Chapman.

 

Ms. Devine's evaluation was reviewed. Topics discussed: Staff absence (ensuring Teachers are in the building teaching), Building relationships and advocating with Town Councilors early in the budget season as a school committee member as well as citizen. South Shore Hospital payment in lieu of taxes property valuation review, goal setting in addition to the past fiscal year (transparency, planning) and tangible and not 1 time funding. Suggestion was made to market the District Vision; for it to be everywhere (every school, website, budget book, etc.) and be consistent. Working with Town Councilors early in the process, and the amount (number) of communication (types of information), was talked through.

 

Ms. McClean’s evaluation was reviewed. The Chair shared that the members are elected and that the Chair has a separate role (sets agenda, signs contracts/grievances/diplomas, etc.). Clarification to remarks of chain of command for communication was made; not within the committee however with a few families having issues communicating (opinion shared that they are intimidated) with building administrators and administration (not hearing anything back). Extensive conversation was had regarding the chain of command-parent to teacher to Department Head or Principal (to solve the problem) or then escalates to Administration, as well as the disagreement with the collective response or answer. It was stated that for email communication if you are cc’d on an email then it is not addressed to you and it is more of an FYI. Being as transparent as possible while protecting information regarding shifts, attrition, reductions in force was talked about.

 

Opinion was shared that the committee should be respectful of the Superintendent's contract and allow her (with her amazing team) to do her job and that the evaluation is on the performance of the Superintendent and not a reflection on personal feeling/opinion.

 

Reminder was made to submit evaluations to Ms. Graziano within 24 hours. Mention of having the evaluation be over a 2 year period instead of 1 (still meet in the Spring 2027 but evaluation would be Spring 2028) to allow the committee time for reflection for vision and school improvement plan improvements was made. Suggested tips for graduation day were given.

 

The Meeting adjourned at 5:55pm on the motion by Ms. Graziano and seconded by Ms. Lyons. Roll call vote. Motion passed unanimously.