A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the progress of the new high school building. The School Building Committee provided updates on the eligibility phase, with two out of five deliverables already submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The discussions included the establishment of subcommittees focused on communications and community engagement, along with rules and onboarding. A dedicated website for the School Building Committee, featuring member bios, documents, and FAQs, is nearing completion. During this segment, discussions with the director of planning and sustainability were highlighted, addressing potential sites for the new high school, considering crucial factors such as transportation and accessibility for students. Additionally, the finance subcommittee met to discuss the selection of an owner’s project manager, aiming for an aggressive timeline for the request for proposal (RFP) process.

In the context of the new high school, the committee emphasized the importance of proactive communication to engage the community in the decision-making process. The members discussed the upcoming feasibility study and expressed excitement about the opportunity for community input in the design process. The need for a feasible and transparent budget preparation process that aligns with the school year was also discussed, with concerns raised about the timing of certain phases and the workload on the superintendent’s office.

The Student Opportunity Act submission was another major topic of discussion. The committee outlined priorities such as early literacy programs and support for high school students, with projected investments over the next three years amounting to approximately $720,000. Additionally, there was a focus on measuring family engagement and the plan was approved after the committee requested its passage.

The meeting also served as a platform to announce key leadership appointments within the district. The new principal of the Missu Elementary School, Nancy Sherman Hudson, was introduced, expressing enthusiasm about her new role. Christina Luongo Dudley was welcomed as the new director of Medford’s Kids Corner Child Care Center. She outlined her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for the children.

An update on the Mlin Playground renovations was presented, detailing extensive improvements and emphasizing the inclusive and accessible nature of the project. The inclusivity was specifically designed to cater to children with low vision, and the renovations have been supported through funding sources including a federal earmark and the Community Preservation Committee. The presentation was well-received, with commendations for the design and the committee’s expression of excitement about the project.

The arts were another focal point of the meeting, with a discussion on the success of Medford students in the Arts and the importance of supporting the Arts in the school district. Suzanne Fee, coordinator of Fine Arts, presented the winners of the photo contest and Scholastic Art Awards. The Bloom Leadership Awards were also discussed, with a student project aimed at increasing representation and access to AP courses at Medford High School taking the spotlight.

In terms of budget discussions, concerns were raised about the lack of clarity and transparency in budget planning. The need for strategic planning to be more distinct from the financial realities was underscored. There was a reflection on the different approaches to budget planning over the years and the challenges of aligning departmental priorities. The importance of involving department heads and principals in presenting budget priorities to school councils was also debated.