Medford High School’s recognition for its efforts in reducing chronic absenteeism was a focal point of the meeting. Superintendent Dr. Maurice Edouard-Vincent highlighted the school’s initiatives, which included providing gym access during lunch as an incentive for attendance. These efforts resulted in one of the steepest declines in chronic absenteeism among Massachusetts high schools, garnering national media coverage from outlets such as the Associated Press and NBC 10. This achievement reflects the impact of the school’s initiatives on student attendance.

In addition to discussing absenteeism, the committee approved several significant grants to support various school programs. A $35,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation was approved for the Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (CCSR) for the 2024-2025 school year. Dr. Vincent noted that this grant is part of a larger $350,000 award from 2021, aimed at supporting school initiatives over ten years. Member Jenny Graham emphasized the importance of disclosing any unusual grant requirements, particularly those related to staff compensation, before granting approval.

Another grant approval included a $50,000 award from the Ernie Bach Jr. Music Drives Us organization to Roberts Elementary School for updated musical equipment. Principal Michelle Crowell elaborated on the need for new instruments, including 40 violins, a grand piano, student risers, ukuleles, and an electric keyboard. The grant aims to enhance the school’s music program and provide more opportunities for students to engage in musical education.

A $200,000 grant from the Bar Foundation was also approved for Medford High School to promote educational equity, particularly for marginalized students. Principal Mara Cabal explained that the grant would enhance educational experiences and support equity initiatives within the school.

The committee also discussed the need for redistricting to address enrollment disparities among elementary schools. Significant differences in student populations were noted, with some schools experiencing overcrowding while others had lower enrollments. The committee acknowledged the emotional impact of redistricting on families but emphasized the necessity of balancing school populations to ensure equitable access to education. The Roberts Elementary School, in particular, faced severe overcrowding, with nearly 600 students enrolled. The need for a strategic approach to managing enrollment and resources was highlighted as a priority for the upcoming budget discussions.

Transportation challenges were another topic at the meeting. The district faced a shortage of qualified bus drivers, compounded by the loss of 12 drivers out of a pool of 16. This shortage led to overcrowding on bus routes, particularly for middle school students. The committee discussed interim solutions, such as partnering with local organizations and potentially hiring bus monitors to ensure student safety. Member Paul Ruseau suggested considering in-house transportation management, similar to the approach taken by the Framingham district, but acknowledged that this would require extensive planning and resources.

Public comments underscored the transportation issues, with parents expressing concerns about the safety of students walking to school due to the reduction in bus services. A local resident highlighted the lack of crossing guards at critical intersections and the dangers posed by increased traffic. The committee acknowledged these concerns and discussed the need for clearer communication regarding bus service changes.

Infrastructure upgrades were also addressed, with reports on various facilities and maintenance issues within the district. Dr. Peter Cushing provided updates on the replacement of lighting at Freedom Way, repairs to the HVAC chilling towers at Roberts School, and ongoing issues with water infiltration at the Mlin complex. The committee discussed a $300,000 lighting upgrade project under the Mass Saves program, which would be partially reimbursed, reducing the district’s cost to $149,000. The project aims to replace outdated lighting fixtures with more energy-efficient alternatives.

The meeting concluded with discussions on new policy readings, including a non-discrimination, harassment, and retaliation policy (Policy AC). The policy aims to maintain an educational environment free from discrimination and to address grievances effectively. The first reading of the policy was approved, with plans to revisit it for final approval in the following week.