The meeting opened with public outcry over the impending closure of the Paul A. Dever School. Speakers emphasized the school’s historical significance and its role in the community, with one asserting, “You can close a school building, but you cannot close its legacy.” Concerns were raised about the lack of community engagement in the decision-making process. A Dorchester resident criticized the district’s leadership for prioritizing appointed boards over elected ones, a move he claimed disregarded public sentiment expressed in prior elections and city council votes. He argued that recent administrative decisions undermined previous equity initiatives, disproportionately affecting low-income students of color.

Additional public comments highlighted the broader impact of school closures on community identity and continuity. A parent from Devil Elementary School urged the district not to transfer closed school properties to private entities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community control. Another speaker lamented the district’s failure to uphold equitable treatment in school admissions, urging the committee to address policies that disenfranchise high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds.

The committee addressed several key financial concerns, including rising material costs impacting the White Stadium project. Mr. Cardet-Hernandez requested a detailed update on these escalating expenses. Additionally, discussions touched on the development of a district-wide artificial intelligence policy, with updates expected in the upcoming school year. The meeting also highlighted an $8 million funding shortfall, critical to the district’s operational needs.

Superintendent Mary Skipper provided a report on staffing transitions within the district. Notable departures included the chief of staff Michelle Wosu and senior deputy superintendent of academics Dr. Linda Chen, both leaving for personal reasons. Leslie Ryan Miller was also stepping down after 23 years, transitioning to a new role with the Girl Scouts of America. Dr. Angela Hedley Mitchell was appointed as interim chief of teaching and learning, bringing extensive experience from her previous role. Skipper emphasized the dedication of departing staff and the importance of finding suitable replacements to maintain district operations.

The committee also voted on several grants totaling over $934,000, covering areas like school health services, behavioral health research, and community learning center initiatives. These grants aim to address chronic absenteeism, provide vision programs, and support community engagement. The committee unanimously approved the grants following a brief discussion led by the chair.

Public comments during the meeting also shed light on ongoing challenges related to educational equity. Sadi Jasmine, representing local bus monitors, expressed frustration over the district’s treatment of monitors, calling for fair wages and respect. Concerns were also raised about the district’s support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and those with specific medical needs, highlighting systemic issues in communication and resource allocation.

The committee concluded with a discussion on the superintendent’s evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year. While the superintendent expressed gratitude for the committee’s support, a member raised concerns about the lack of quantitative data in the evaluation. They stressed the need for clear, measurable outcomes to build community confidence and address persistent achievement gaps among Black and Latino students. The committee ultimately approved the evaluation and moved to authorize contract negotiations with the superintendent, with a focus on continued progress in operational and academic initiatives.