The recently implemented cell phone policy was a central topic, with reports indicating a 75% decrease in office discipline referrals at Gardner High School compared to the previous year. Committee members expressed satisfaction with the policy’s impact, attributing the success to the cooperation between principals, teachers, and students. The policy has reportedly improved student focus and engagement during class, effectively mitigating distractions caused by cell phones. Gardner educators received acknowledgment at an international conference in Chicago for their work, including the cell phone policy’s implementation, which has been positively received by both staff and students.

Attention then shifted to a crucial upcoming vote on November 5 concerning Question Two, which proposes the elimination of the MCAS as a graduation requirement. The committee underscored the weight this decision carries for students statewide, sharing a notable anecdote about a student named Samantha. The current MCAS requirements forced Samantha to pause her studies to prepare for retesting. The suggestion was put forward to adopt a more comprehensive evaluation system for student success, incorporating GPA, teacher assessments, and coursework instead of relying heavily on a single exam. Committee members stressed the importance of voter participation, with early voting starting on October 19, and encouraged the community to stay informed and take part in the decision-making process.

The meeting also included updates from the finance subcommittee, which addressed budget concerns, particularly the deficit in the substitute teacher line due to recent maternity and sick leaves. This deficit is expected to stabilize as the leaves conclude. Additionally, the subcommittee noted a negative balance in the ELL teacher line, which is anticipated to improve with forthcoming state immigrant funding.

The policy subcommittee presented several policies for first and second readings, including those related to student conduct and non-discrimination. These policies were adopted without discussion. Updates on curriculum coordination, multilingual learners, and special education were shared, with positive remarks on the increasing number of students in the multilingual program. The director of multilingual learners praised the team’s efforts in accommodating this growth.

Nora Morris, the student representative, provided updates from the Student Advisory Board, celebrating various school achievements and the positive reception of the cell phone policy. She also reported on the early college program’s participation and the success of the 8th-grade orientation.

The committee acknowledged the importance of student voices in their discussions, thanking Nora for her contributions. Members also discussed the necessity of encouraging student involvement in initiatives like the United Way Youth Venture program, which empowers students to present ideas for future city programming.