School Committee — May 19, 2026

Chair Weinstein called the May 19, 2026 regular School Committee meeting to order, confirmed remote participation rules, and opened public comment after roll call (Mayor Siddiqui and Member Harding absent).

Chris Montero (CEA president) spoke on the screen time audit and supported motions 26106 (retirement reform), 26108, and 26109; urged educator-led piloting before district-wide policies.

Noam Krakauer (student) advocated restricting screen time based on personal observations and studies; Paola Rebusco, Irene Kang, Kenny Hoda, and Jiajing Li supported motion 26107 opposing synthetic turf at Ahern Field due to heat, microplastics, and equity concerns.

School Committee adopted the May 5, 2026 regular meeting minutes by unanimous roll call vote.

Superintendent recommended and committee adopted the status-quo -1 calendar (early start before Labor Day) by unanimous roll call vote; grades -11 start September 1, PK/K start September 3.

Superintendent described activation of secure-and-hold at four schools, noted generally successful protocols with minor communication variability, and committed to periodic briefings and review; committee members asked about consistency, trauma-informed follow-up, and city alert processes.

Student members reported on Senior Skip Day success, upcoming graduation, finals, and a BSU cookout.

Superintendent provided hiring process details for assistant superintendents and principals, announced pending recommendations, and previewed the screen time analysis presentation.

Superintendent explained Chapter 71, Section 59 vesting appointment authority for assistant superintendents with the School Committee subject to superintendent recommendation, and local order authority for legal counsel position.

Superintendent recommended Carolyn Weissman (Weisman), currently Newton Assistant City Solicitor supporting Newton Public Schools; committee discussed qualifications and process before approval.

Superintendent recommended Tammy Strauss (Strass), principal of Newton South High School; discussed her background, interview process, and focus on career/technical education and secondary schools.

Members asked about posting locations, reference checks, civil rights lawsuit vetting, and diversifying pools; superintendent emphasized thorough checks including non-listed references and intentional recruitment.

Superintendent provided community forum recap and narrowed options for future use of the former Kennedy Longfellow building, excluding relinquishment or long-term swing space.

Discussion of reopening timeline for the building, potential student move-in by fall 2027 or 2028, capital improvements, and linkage to strategic planning process; emphasis on September 2026 decision deadline and separating physical vs. programming decisions.

Presentation of mixed-methods study on student screen use, findings on instructional alignment (91% instructional), grade-level increases in usage, and recommendations for intentional, balanced technology integration.

Presentation of district study results on classroom screen time, including an emerging definition of high-quality use (instructionally purposeful, active, standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate, time-bound, intentional) and distinction between high- and low-quality examples.

Report recommendations focused on district guidance for screen use, educator capacity building, protecting non-screen experiences, streamlining tools, and caregiver partnership.

Plans to convene educators in spring/summer 2026 for guidance development, streamline tools before next school year, and support school leaders and families.

Discussion of Chromebook analytics, educator reports, classroom observations; clarification that reported minutes primarily reflect device use rather than projected materials; limitations noted around special education, caregiver input, and outcome measures.

Questions and statements regarding circumvented filters, opportunity costs of screens, inequitable experiences across schools, mental health impacts, and need for rapid changes to practices like 10 p.m. deadlines.

Extended debate on reducing individualized device use in schools, identifying quick changes (e.g., no Chromebooks at lunch/recess, wind/flex blocks), differentiation challenges, age-based considerations, and shifting from technology-first orientation, especially for younger grades.

Vote to extend meeting; handling of consent agenda items including reconsideration of Assistant Superintendent appointment, contract awards, and subcommittee reports.

Discussion and vote on $600k contract for computer hardware (primarily 9th grade Chromebook replacements); concerns raised about one-to-one model alignment with ongoing policy review.

Motion urging support for state legislation fixing Retirement Plus to allow missed opt-ins (e.g., maternity leave); potential district budget savings noted.

Motion on Ahern Field design considerations (turf vs. natural, school community needs, health/heat effects); resolutions recognizing outgoing student members.

Committee members praised student representatives Zeham and Eva Ashraf for their service, leadership, and impact on the School Committee and CRLS community.

Mayor Siddiqui read a formal resolution recognizing Ashraf's leadership roles, community service, and academic achievements; the resolution was adopted unanimously.

Committee recognized 43 CRLS students who received 108 awards; resolution thanked students and supporting teachers and was adopted unanimously.

Members announced upcoming events (BSU cookout, band performance, fashion show); meeting adjourned after unanimous vote.