The declaration of Chelsea Public Schools as a sanctuary district was a central topic of the meeting. The resolution, spearheaded by Dr. Neville, underscores the district’s dedication to providing equal educational access to all students, irrespective of immigration status. The resolution explicitly states that the district will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without judicial oversight. This decision follows public comments advocating for the resolution, including statements from Katherine Anderson, a special education teacher and president of the Chelsea Teachers Union, who emphasized the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ and immigrant students. Anderson highlighted the need for explicit public support for these groups.

Allison Gorman Hill, a fifth-grade teacher, also spoke passionately in favor of the sanctuary resolution, citing a decline in student attendance linked to changes in federal immigration policies. Hill emphasized that the presence of ICE in schools would be distressing for all students, regardless of immigration status. She argued that reaffirming the district’s sanctuary status would reassure families and encourage student attendance, thereby enhancing educational success.

The resolution was passed with six affirmative votes, with expressions of gratitude directed towards those involved in its development.

In addition to the sanctuary resolution, the meeting plans for the renovation of a building on County Road, formerly an old church, into a facility for educational programs, including the Chelsea Opportunity Academy (COA) and the Intergenerational Literacy Program (ILP). This $10 million project aims to address space constraints faced by these programs. The building will feature color-coded spaces for different programs and include amenities like shower and laundry facilities for parenting students. The renovation plans, presented by project manager Ron Smi, emphasize maintaining the building’s historical architecture while modernizing its interior for educational purposes.

The project has already secured a $5 million commitment, including a $1 million donation from Bob Hildr. Additional funding will be sought through donations and grants, with a community event planned to encourage local contributions. The project is expected to serve as a vital community resource, addressing the needs of a growing student population and enhancing educational opportunities.

Committee discussions also touched on the importance of public input in the design process, particularly regarding the science lab’s layout. However, there was a cautionary note about balancing public engagement with the potential delays it might cause. Acknowledgment was given to the former owners, the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, for their willingness to see the property continue serving the community.

The meeting also covered reports on district success indicators, including attendance rates and dropout statistics, presented by Malik Hon. Notably, high school attendance rates showed an unexpected increase, while dropout rates were broken down by student demographics. A personnel report highlighted the demographic composition of newly hired staff, and student reports provided updates on sports activities and planned events at Chelsea High School.

In the realm of new business, the committee accepted a donation of 290 copies of a book valued at $2,370 for Sakowski School and discussed an increase in the acceleration academy grant for the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting concluded with communications regarding city council collaborations, upcoming community events, and programs supporting special needs students.