The selection of Jason Kalishman as superintendent was the focal point of the committee meeting. Kalishman’s internal candidacy was emphasized as a major advantage, with his long-standing relationship with the community and familiarity with the district’s needs cited as key factors in the decision. Members expressed confidence in Kalishman’s ability to address areas for growth, particularly in budget and finance, viewing these as opportunities rather than drawbacks.

In the discussion, committee members noted the absence of external candidates, explaining the unique community ties that Kalishman embodies, which they felt would best serve the district.

Following the unanimous vote, Kalishman addressed the committee, expressing gratitude and a commitment to not disappoint. The atmosphere in the room was positive, with remarks from outgoing Superintendent Angelakis, who humorously acknowledged her own areas for growth even after eleven years in the role. The committee’s thorough process and the community’s engagement were lauded as contributing factors to the successful appointment.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) results revealed that students in Swampscott met or exceeded state standards, with high school biology scores notably outperforming state averages by 20-25%. Performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics also saw gains, attributed to the introduction of new curricula and a commitment to professional development.

The committee discussed the critical role of instructional coaching in sustaining these improvements, with a consensus on the need for sustained support over several years to fully integrate new teaching methods. The elimination of math coaching positions raised concerns, prompting a broader conversation on the importance of in-class support versus external consultants. The collaborative approach seen in the ELA program was highlighted as a successful model.

Student performance among subgroups, particularly students with disabilities, was a point of discussion. While these students did not experience the same drop during the pandemic, the committee recognized the ongoing need to close performance gaps. There was a commitment to enhancing support through co-teaching and professional development.

In addition to academic discussions, the committee reviewed various proposals, including a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center and another for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) club to attend a convention in New York City. These trips were seen as valuable educational opportunities, with the committee considering cost-effective measures and fundraising efforts to support student participation.

Financial matters were also addressed, with a first-quarter budget update indicating a tight but manageable financial situation. Special education costs were projected to exceed the budget due to increased needs, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing educational demands with fiscal responsibility. The committee discussed the importance of maintaining oversight on student activity accounts, setting new financial limits to prevent issues such as bounced checks.