Meeting Recap: 10/21/24

Only a few updates, and very little news, from this week’s meeting. Read on for summaries of and time-stamped video links to the reports about lead/water testing in the schools and district-wide busing. No fancy placard for the post, just a photo of me reminding you to vote before or on November 5!

The big news of the night was that chambers got itself an audio upgrade so everything was a little slow as we got used to the new microphones and system for managing who was speaking at any given time. Still, better than the frozen video from a few weeks ago! Anyway, on to the actual agenda (link):

1. Consent agenda passed with the exception of the strategic and capital planning subcommittee minutes from October 15 because the meeting did not adjourn. We meet again on November 19 to finish up the first phase of the capital planning process and will present recommendations at a Committee of the Whole meeting on December 11. 

2. Superintendent updates - McGlynn playground ribbon cutting, vaccine clinics, Clippership pop-up park, fall sports success, winter sports registration, college & career night + special education college info session, MHS 8th grade open house, and happy Halloween/harvest season wishes

3. Water testing report - Representatives from UMass Amherst and MassDEP provided context for the recent reports of lead in MPS water, and information about the state’s Water-Smart Program pilot program and SWIG (School Water Improvement Grants). Presentation and follow-on discussion included science, rules/regulations, protocols, data, context, frustration, assurances, and next steps. See video if you want to really get into it (link).

4. District wide busing report - The owner and Medford rep from our vendor (Eastern Bus Company) joined Director of Family and Community Engagement Megan Fidler Carey to talk about busing in Medford. As expected, we heard a lot about the driver shortage and training protocols. Committee members shared experiences from within the district (particularly around afterschool and tag protocols) and asked about opportunities to make sure things are running as efficiently as possible on our end, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks/months. Again, the meeting recording is your best bet for details (link).

5. Second reading of Policy ADC - Tobacco Products on School Premises Prohibited - Policy passed (see agenda for full text)

6. Condolences & adjournment