North Middlesex Approves Bullying Prevention Plan Amid Asbestos Removal
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
07/24/2024
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Recording Published:
07/31/2024
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Duration:
62 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Ashby, Pepperell, Townsend
- Meeting Overview:
The North Middlesex Regional School Committee meeting addressed a range of issues, headlined by the approval of a bullying prevention intervention plan that includes legal recommendations to address the challenge of social media-related bullying occurring outside of school hours. The plan will be reviewed annually with students and staff and incorporated into open houses to increase family awareness. Additionally, the committee approved a contract for the removal of asbestos in the Ashby Elementary School tunnels, authorized the superintendent’s proficient evaluation rating, and debated the appointment process for subcommittee community members.
The discussion on the bullying prevention intervention plan was both detailed and comprehensive. The committee acknowledged the difficulties of dealing with bullying that originates on social media, especially since it often takes place outside of school hours. To combat this, the committee emphasized the seriousness of their approach to bullying, highlighting the annual review process with students and staff and the inclusion of the plan in open houses to educate families on the legal definition of bullying and the process for reporting it. The committee also stressed the importance of supporting parents and students in reporting incidents, offering assistance with filling out report forms when necessary.
Another topic was the removal of asbestos at the Ashby Elementary School. The committee received five bids and, after positive reference checks, voted to award the contract to the lowest bidder at $79,215. The funding for this project will be drawn from Ashby town’s ARP funds, not the district budget. This project is a critical step in ensuring a safe learning environment for the students and staff of Ashby Elementary School.
The superintendent’s evaluation was another focal point of the meeting. The committee conducted a thorough evaluation based on the superintendent’s goals and performance standards, ultimately rating the superintendent as proficient in several key areas, including instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture. The overall rating for the superintendent was also proficient. Committee comments highlighted the superintendent’s contributions to student development, effective district leadership, and adept management of budgetary issues. Suggestions for the future included increasing opportunities for student participation and enhancing transparency and communication with stakeholders.
Subcommittee updates were also a topic of interest, particularly regarding the Ashby Elementary Building Committee and the Finance Subcommittee. The committee discussed the need for Ashby representation and the procedure for appointing community members to these subcommittees. It was determined that the chair of each subcommittee should recommend appointments, and all community members must be approved by the entire committee.
In addition to these discussions, the committee addressed policies on various issues. A new policy on sexual harassment was approved for a first reading, despite not being vetted through the policy subcommittee. Further, a new policy regarding the use of cell phones and portable communication devices in schools was discussed, with particular concern for high school students using cell phones for classwork. A policy on student absences and excuses, as well as a policy on school admissions that included a requirement for potty training for preschool and kindergarten students, were both approved for a first reading.
Public communications featured a resident raising concerns about appointing an Ashby resident to the finance subcommittee. The suggestion was made for the school committee and the Ashby select board to collaborate in finding a suitable candidate. This topic was slated for further discussion later in the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a motion to go into executive session for several purposes, including compliance with legal and federal grant requirements, and to prepare for collective bargaining with the teachers’ association. This executive session was indicative of the committee’s ongoing efforts to address legal, operational, and personnel matters confidentially and effectively.
Brad Morgan
School Board Officials:
Craig Hansen, June McNeil, Lisa Bloom, David Carney, Thomas Casey, Jessica Ann Funaiole, William Hackler, Lisa Martin, Randee Rusch
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
07/24/2024
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Recording Published:
07/31/2024
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Duration:
62 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Ashby, Pepperell, Townsend
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