During the public comment portion, several speakers, including representatives from the MEA, expressed urgent concerns about ongoing contract negotiations. Nicole Chelman highlighted that contract negotiations, which began in January 2025, were nearing a critical juncture with final sessions scheduled for June 18, 2025. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the current contracts for each bargaining unit within the MEA are set to expire on August 31, 2025. Chelman criticized the city’s historical divestment from public education, despite increased state aid, and called for a resolution to the negotiations.

Liza Blackman from the MEA echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for a fair contract that addresses issues such as class sizes, competitive compensation, and safe, welcoming schools. She pointed out that Malden had accumulated $27 million in free cash over a period of divestment since fiscal year 2008 and urged the committee to act swiftly to reverse trends detrimental to students’ education. Additionally, Ross Baldridge, an eighth-grade civics teacher, advocated for safe school zones and protections for the LGBTQ+ community in the new contract, calling for decisive action from the committee.

Financial challenges were a recurring theme throughout the meeting. The committee acknowledged the difficulties in managing the budget, with a statement highlighting that $8 million of reserves are being used to balance the operating budget. The urgent need for a sustainable financial strategy was underscored, with warnings of potential severe cuts if a path forward is not found.

The superintendent addressed the committee, focusing on strategic improvements for the upcoming school year. Acknowledging the district’s strengths, such as its diverse student body and committed educators, the superintendent outlined plans to enhance student engagement and implement a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for students requiring additional assistance. The development of School Improvement Plans (SIPs) was discussed, with an emphasis on increasing student engagement across various content areas and addressing the need for phonics intervention in K-8 buildings.

The meeting also touched on the importance of improving student attendance. Strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism were discussed, including incorporating guidance counselors and social workers into attendance teams to enhance outreach and support. A new attendance portal was proposed to streamline communication and improve reporting processes, with the goal of fostering better connections with families about attendance issues.

Concerns were raised regarding the emphasis on mathematics in the academic priorities. A committee member noted the lack of focus on numeracy in the presented plans, despite its importance in early education. The superintendent responded by clarifying that mathematics is included in the academic priorities, with interventions planned as part of the MTSS framework. The assistant superintendent provided further details on the structured curriculum and interventions designed to support students struggling with math.

The committee also faced discussions on updating facility rental rates, which had not been adjusted in over a decade. The proposal for new rental fees aimed to align with those of surrounding districts while addressing rising operational costs. The new rates are set to take effect on July 1, with a focus on ensuring accessibility for local youth programs and minimizing the financial impact on community organizations.

In terms of curriculum, the committee unanimously approved the adoption of a new health curriculum, HealthSmart, following a review and input from families, educators, and students. The decision followed a careful selection process, with HealthSmart emerging as the preferred choice based on engagement and feedback. The new curriculum includes provisions for family transparency and options for parental opt-out on specific topics.