Central to the meeting was the presentation of the Communities That Care Youth Survey results, which revealed both positive and concerning trends among students. The survey, administered to Medford High School and Middle School students, showed a decline in depressive symptoms generally, but an increase among LGBTQ+ students and racial minorities. While alcohol and marijuana use mirrored state and national downward trends, vaping rates in middle schools showed a troubling rise. To combat this, the district has installed vape sensors in high school bathrooms to gather data on incidents and behavioral patterns, with reports indicating some bathrooms registered over 100 incidents in a single day.

The committee discussed the implications of this data and the need for ongoing attention to vaping, particularly in middle schools. Plans to enhance monitoring are underway, including the purchase of iPads for building monitors and principals to track data from sensors and cameras. These efforts aim to address the frequent instances of vaping and related misconduct. An educational diversion program was introduced to replace punitive measures for students caught vaping, and a youth wellness coach will offer one-on-one support through Project Amp.

Bullying among middle school students was another critical focus. The committee addressed data collected from surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023, emphasizing the importance of supportive adults in schools to connect students with necessary resources. Strategies to tackle bullying include healthful adult relationships, restorative practices, and programs promoting a positive school culture. Initiatives such as “Start With Hello” and “Mustang Allstars” aim to foster inclusivity and belonging among students.

This effort involves the district leadership literacy team, educators, and consultants working collaboratively to establish systems supporting a multi-tiered assessment and instructional framework. Despite staffing challenges, with one of three literacy coaches departing, the district remains focused on enhancing teacher support and literacy assessment processes. Training initiatives include the science of reading series and assessment tools like DIBELS and Lexia Core 5, with attention given to the unique needs of English learners.

In addition, the committee discussed the newly proposed Parent and Caregiver University, aimed at involving parents and caregivers in educational initiatives. This program will address various child development and support topics, leveraging in-district expertise and community partnerships. The structure allows parents to choose sessions without formal enrollment, but concerns were raised about the accessibility and clarity of communication regarding the program’s materials. The committee acknowledged the need for a central platform to house content and resources.

Administrative matters included the approval of a capital project for constructing a water heater at a school, funded by the city’s capital stabilization fund. A policy amendment was also approved to prohibit tobacco use on school property, including nicotine pouches but excluding prescribed products like patches.

Lastly, discussions touched on after-school programming, with a member requesting detailed reports on current waitlists and enrollment information. This request aims to clarify the context of waitlist issues and understand the size of the problem, amidst perceptions that no progress has been made.