The committee devoted a substantial portion of the meeting to the topic of lead contamination in school water systems. Representatives from UMass Amherst and the Department of Environmental Protection presented findings from the School Water Improvement Grant (SWIG) program, which identified lead levels in drinking water fixtures across the district. The committee emphasized the nature of this issue, as over 82% of Massachusetts schools have reported some level of lead contamination. Testing in Medford schools revealed several fixtures with lead levels exceeding the acceptable threshold, with some readings as high as 967 parts per billion. This revelation prompted urgent discussions about remediation strategies and ongoing monitoring to ensure student safety.

The committee explored the logistics of addressing this issue through grants and remediation plans, including the replacement of contaminated fixtures and the installation of water fill stations. The SWIG grants, offering up to $3,000 per station, were highlighted as a key resource for schools needing to replace affected fixtures. Members expressed concern about the lack of mandatory state regulations for lead testing, underlining the importance of voluntary testing programs to safeguard student health.

In addition to water safety, the meeting addressed the ongoing transportation challenges faced by the district, primarily attributed to a school bus driver shortage. The district is in its final year of a five-year contract with Eastern Bus Company and is grappling with logistical hurdles due to a lack of available drivers. The speaker detailed the district’s proactive measures in anticipation of losing drivers each fall and the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Training new drivers has become increasingly time-consuming due to stricter testing protocols, further complicating efforts to maintain a stable workforce.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the driver shortage on transportation eligibility for students, particularly those living between one and two miles from school who do not qualify for bus services. Traffic congestion in Medford has made timely arrivals difficult, prompting suggestions that additional funding could expand bus services to accommodate more students. The committee also discussed the need for improved communication between schools and drivers, particularly regarding student tags and route changes, to ensure safety and efficiency in student transport.

The meeting concluded with updates on policy changes, including the prohibition of tobacco products on school premises and by staff members. These policy changes were approved after waiving readings and are part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. The committee also extended condolences to the family of a local educator and announced plans for future meetings, including a remote session due to the election process.