The most pressing topic discussed was the chronic absenteeism among students. The Committee highlighted collaborative efforts involving student support teams, Re-engagement Center staff, and family liaisons to combat this issue. They acknowledged the complex factors contributing to absenteeism, such as family caregiving responsibilities, homelessness, employment, and mental health challenges. To facilitate students’ return to school, resources like backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards from local businesses were provided. The emphasis was placed on improving connections with students beyond pre-COVID absenteeism levels.

Superintendent Mary Skipper detailed the re-engagement efforts, noting that 50 volunteers had canvassed neighborhoods aiming to connect with students who had dropped out or were struggling. This initiative reached 300 students classified as chronically absent, and overall, the re-engagement center interacted with 748 students facing challenges in their current enrollment status.

Transportation issues were another significant concern, particularly the rollout of new technology to optimize bus operations. The superintendent reported initial delays, with only 62 percent of buses arriving within a 15-minute window on the first day of school. However, improvements were noted, with 83 percent meeting the timeframe the following day. The transportation team is working on retraining drivers and addressing issues with the app used for tracking bus routes and student boarding. Communication with families regarding bus delays remains a critical focus, with existing systems like a transportation hotline and an email address being utilized to report issues.

The meeting also included a discussion on the usage of Yonder phone pouches in schools, with 31 schools implementing the system to manage cell phone usage during school hours. The goal is to balance the benefits of technology with the need to minimize distractions in the classroom. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the learning environment for students.

A point of discussion was the proposed expansion of the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (AEMC). Dr. Karen Walker Gregory presented a charter amendment seeking to increase the maximum enrollment from 448 students to 800 over the next four years, starting in the fall of 2025. The school had received a $38 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support this growth. The proposal garnered support from the Boston Teachers Union.

The Committee also addressed the operational challenges within the transportation and food service sectors. Positive feedback was shared regarding the quality of school lunches, although disparities in food quality across schools were noted. The importance of nutrition in relation to student performance was emphasized, with calls for increased parental involvement in school councils.

Public comments during the meeting were diverse, covering topics such as the proposed renovations to White Stadium and concerns regarding the Boston Public Schools’ information sharing policy with the Boston Police Department. Speakers highlighted the need for renovations due to safety issues and the importance of providing a safe and functional facility for student athletes. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the renovation project on the community and the need for clear communication and accountability.

The meeting concluded with the approval of policy revision recommendations for the school naming process and the authorization for the superintendent to enter into a lease agreement for the White Stadium renovation. The next hybrid school committee meeting is scheduled for September 25th at 6 p.m. in the Boulding Building.