A primary focus of the meeting was the role of the School Committee in strategic planning. Members discussed the process, emphasizing that while the committee is responsible for approving policies and evaluating the superintendent, the strategic planning process is initiated by the superintendent and the district’s leadership team. The superintendent and their team are tasked with proposing strategic plans, engaging with the community, and incorporating school improvement plans. The committee’s role is primarily advisory until proposals are brought forward for approval. The strategic plan is recommended to last three years, allowing for continuous improvement and addressing changes within the district, such as building projects or curriculum shifts.

A committee member raised concerns about the timing of community engagement in the strategic planning process, emphasizing the importance of reviewing and providing input on drafts before wider community feedback. This concern stemmed from potential discrepancies between community expectations and the committee’s perspectives. The discussion stressed the need for measurable data and well-defined goals within the strategic plan. It was agreed that the third year of the strategic plan should focus on evaluation and preparing for the next cycle, maintaining continuity.

Building maintenance, particularly the heating systems in several schools, emerged as an issue. Pre-functional testing was scheduled for the Marblehead High School roof. The Veterans Memorial Elementary School roof project faced setbacks due to improper installation, leading to water damage, which requires addressing once weather conditions permit. The HVAC system at Glover School experienced circuit breaker issues during recent cold weather, causing discomfort for students and staff. This was compounded by problems at Brown School, where failed fan motors led to overheating wires and unpleasant odors. The Veterans School also encountered a fan wheel failure, but swift action from a consultant resolved the issue.

The committee explored potential solutions to heat management, such as installing large industrial fans or “heat curtains” to circulate air and reduce heat loss. Acknowledgment was made of a growing maintenance list, which had not been updated due to a lack of recent building walkthroughs. Plans were discussed for walkthroughs starting in late February, involving personnel to assess the state of the buildings and generate new maintenance items.

The committee also addressed capital requests to the town, categorized by priority, with life safety as the top concern. The financial outlook for receiving adequate funding appeared bleak, prompting discussions about potential borrowing options. There was mention of a state grant application for tree planting at the high school parking lot, aimed at mitigating the “asphalt jungle” effect. Concerns were raised about maintaining the trees, especially ensuring consistent watering.

The committee considered ways to enhance educator voices in their processes, exploring the addition of non-voting members to the table for broader representation. Forums for staff input on the strategic plan and budget discussions were planned, recognizing the importance of staff engagement in addressing issues.