One notable issue raised during the meeting was the ongoing negotiations about the workload of team chairs, with several educators voicing strong concerns. Liz Carer Madaras from Westport led the discussion, pointing out that since April 2023, negotiations had failed to address the disproportionate workload being borne by a small group of team chairs. Madaras explained that a practice once managed by over 200 educators was now relegated to just 21 team chairs, leading to an unsustainable situation. She provided a specific example from her own experience, where she projected having to run 320 meetings a year under the administration’s latest proposal, which she described as “unrealistic.”

Vieira urged the district to engage in more practical and respectful bargaining. Melissa French, a team chair from the Sylvia School, echoed these concerns, arguing that the proposed changes would negatively impact relationships with families and compliance, and called for a reconsideration of these adjustments.

In response to these allegations, a request was made for Superintendent Maria Pontes to address the claims. The discussion revealed a significant divide between the administration’s views and the educators’ reality, with repeated calls for more realistic expectations and acknowledgment of educators’ professional insights.

Another topic was the state of classroom conditions as the new school year approached. Several educators expressed distress over inadequate classroom facilities. One teacher notably highlighted the lack of essential fixtures such as sinks, counters, and cabinets, stating, “I have no sink, I have no counter, I have no cabinet. You can see through the walls,” and emphasized the urgency of having a functional classroom for students.

Lisa Lemieux, a union organizer with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, discussed the collaboration between the union and the administration on school cleanup efforts. While acknowledging improvements, Lemieux expressed disappointment over the conditions at Green School, particularly regarding mold issues and leadership problems. She criticized the lack of transparency and the unacceptability of current mold levels in schools.

Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacho provided updates on mold remediation, reporting ongoing work at Green School and addressing concerns about the timeline for completing tasks before students returned. He mentioned that while some installations, such as sinks, would take longer, efforts were being made to address the physical needs of the schools, including baseboard replacements and tile deliveries. Pacho assured that a preventive maintenance plan would follow the initial remediation, and an engineering firm would be engaged to assess and upgrade the district’s systems.

The meeting also touched on the broader issue of fear among staff about reporting problems, particularly related to mold. One committee member emphasized the importance of investigating these claims and ensuring staff felt safe to report potential hazards without fear of repercussions. Superintendent Pontes reassured that complaints were welcomed and essential for addressing and preventing future issues.

Further discussions included updates on the status of various school repairs and installations, such as dehumidifiers and wall humid sensors, and the replacement of damaged carpets. The committee stressed the need for ongoing communication and collaboration among staff, administration, and the Health and Safety Committee to ensure all concerns were addressed promptly.

The meeting concluded with a request for an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and strategy sessions related to various employee groups within the school system. The motion to enter executive session was approved, and upon reconvening, the minutes from the previous meeting were also approved without dissent.