The most notable development was the update on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) project, where the committee detailed progress in hiring an OPM for a high school feasibility study. Ten proposals were received, and following evaluations, Left Field was chosen for its specialized expertise in managing such projects. This selection was made unanimously, with committee members expressing optimism about the team’s energy and credentials. The building committee planned to meet with Left Field the following week, with a recommendation to the MSBA expected shortly thereafter. The urgency of the project was underscored by hopes that the new facility could be completed before current eighth graders graduate, emphasizing the need to avoid delays and additional costs.

In another important decision, the school committee voted to maintain Medford Public Schools’ no school choice status for the 2025-2026 academic year. The interim superintendent recommended this course of action due to enrollment and capacity issues at three of the four elementary schools and a waitlist for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Under current legislation, districts are presumed to accept school choice unless a specific vote is taken to opt out, which the committee decided to do.

The meeting also addressed budgetary concerns, with the director of finances presenting a budget transfer request of $25,971.41 for supplies and services. A particular focus was placed on a transfer for repairing the sound system at the McGlin auditorium. The approval of these budget transfers was unanimous, following inquiries about the functionality restoration of the sound system.

Food allergy awareness was another prominent topic, with a proclamation introduced to recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week from May 11th to 17th, 2025. Members shared personal stories and stressed the need for increased public understanding of food allergies and the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. The district’s Director of Nursing contributed insights on existing measures, such as safe meal provision and training for staff, and discussed the “Be a PAL” program, which educates students on food safety practices. The committee voted in favor of the proclamation, supporting ongoing efforts to raise awareness.

Community engagement strategies were another focus, particularly in relation to the high school project. The committee discussed aligning the project’s timeline with community input, acknowledging summer as a period when educators are typically on vacation. A subcommittee for engagement and communications was reviewing past meetings and working on enhancing the website to boost community interest before a debt exclusion vote. The goal is to prepare for community discussions by early fall, with the designer’s involvement seen as important to avoid additional costs from potential rework.

Resolutions put forth included the nomination of a delegate and alternate for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) annual conference. A member was nominated as the delegate with unanimous support, and an alternate was also selected after initial hesitation. Another resolution reaffirmed support for sanctuary laws for transgender students and a special education reserve fund, among others, noting a change in MASC bylaws requiring renewal votes every three years. A resolution also proposed a meeting of the family engagement and communication subcommittee to discuss communication protocols for after-school enrollment and academic transitions, highlighting the need for clear expectations for families.

Supply shortages due to shipping and tariff fluctuations were addressed in a resolution calling for essential supply lists to be made available to families by June 2nd. This was deemed labor-intensive as lists change annually, with secondary supplies often depending on summer-issued student schedules.