Meeting Recap: 9/23/24

After a long executive session and some technical issues involving a frozen feed, the Medford School Committee convened its second meeting of the new school year. Unofficial summary below, presented (as always) from my own personal perspective. 

Agenda | Recording

1. Consent agenda, including a $50k grant for cybersecurity - all approved after some clarification about the lighting upgrades to the Missituk & Brooks schools

2. Superintendent updates - Curriculum nights, bus transportation update [no news is no news];  Health Department update including in-school flu clinics, vocational school updates including Mustang Mall and Bistro 489 opening; Upcoming events

3. We received an update on the City Year partnerships at the Missituk & McGlynn schools and (separately) approved an (internal) transfer of funds to support this work.

4. Donations for summer arts program (from the Cummings Foundation MAD$ program) and Project Transition (for students ages 18-22 from an anonymous parent) were approved. Director Fee presented an overview of the various arts projects.

5. Assistant Superintendent Cushing and the senior class officers presented a plan for student parking fees at the high school—$75 for any student to park, $75 for seniors to paint their spaces. After discussion about the district’s decision to stop offering fully subsidized MBTA passes (contrary to school committee’s previous directive), community standards, and free speech, the second part passed. The first did not. 

6. Continuing business - The updated Policy AC (Non-Discrimination Including Harassment and Retaliation) was approved

7. Resolution that the Medford School Committee support 3 ballot questions on the November ballot - The motion was divided to allow members to vote separately on the three questions. All three passed, unanimously for Question 2 (eliminating the MCAS as a graduation requirement), 6/1 for Question 7 (stabilizing the MPS budget and investing in the DPW), 5/1/1 for Question 8 (expanding opportunities within MPS). 

8. Approval of updated policy ADC prohibiting the use of tobacco products on school premises - Due to an apparent clerical error, this was only half of the update; the student portion will be presented next time. The new language was approved with the addition of nicotine pouches and other such products not prescribed by a physician (i.e., gum, patches ok for medical purposes).

9. Consolidation Language for Facilities Maintenance - This was the follow up from the June 24 meeting, allowing the City to support MPS in various activities related to building and grounds. It was approved. 

10. Condolences & adjournment