School Committee — June 9, 2026

Students presented a project identifying pest control as a safety and health hazard at the high school. They proposed solutions such as improved cleaning, sealing structural holes, and creating a student cleaning club with disciplinary consequences for littering.

The committee commended the students for their thorough research and the potential utility of their findings for the upcoming high school construction project.

Mr. Tanglas and student Isaac Ortiz discussed how the Peterson School provides hands-on training in trades like plumbing and electrical work. The program is funded through Title IV federal grants and supplemented by philanthropy.

Committee members expressed interest in expanding these pathways and connecting local tradespeople with students seeking apprenticeships.

The school administration will look into creating apprenticeship pathways and connecting local tradespeople to the program.

Representatives reported on the success of the Student Resource and Support Center, which had zero waitlist students in April. They also discussed the rollout of the Wayfinder social-emotional learning curriculum and provided data on bullying investigations and the Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) at the Higgins.

The committee discussed ways to increase parent engagement with mental health resources and community newsletters.

The district will investigate technical ways to include Peabody Promise newsletter opt-ins during the student enrollment process via Aspen and explore 'passive consent' models for subscriptions.

Members discussed the need for clear notification to parents regarding cyberbullying and bullying prevention. A key improvement in the new policy is the requirement for reports to be documented in writing to ensure accountability and prompt turnaround for families. Discussion also touched on extending these conversations to younger students (preschool/kindergarten) and using a 'train-the-trainer' model for staff and parents.

The policy underwent its first reading, with the full text read into the record.

A second reading and adoption vote will occur at the next meeting. Following adoption, the district will develop a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP), plan administrator training for August, and district-wide staff training for September 1st.

CPAC highlighted staff recognition for special education educators, reported on their May activities including the Special Olympics, and announced new board elections. They also discussed a community survey and the goal of establishing parent-guardian liaisons for each school.

The Committee voted to receive the CPAC presentation as a late communication.

CPAC will review survey results and meet with district leadership; a 'back to school' event is being planned.

The application process for design companies has concluded with four large firms applying. A working group is currently reviewing these applications to prepare for the MSBA designer panel selection process.

The project is proceeding through the official MSBA selection stages.

The designer selection panel will meet remotely next week to discuss the four firms.

The committee debated whether to adopt MassCore requirements now or wait for upcoming guidance from the Governor's Graduation Council (expected around June 17th). Arguments were made regarding the need to provide students with a clear academic foundation versus the risk of having to revise policies if state mandates change. Concerns were also raised about staffing needs for additional math and science courses.

The motion to adopt the policy for a first reading was defeated. Instead, the committee decided to refer the policy to the Quality and Standards Subcommittee.

The policy will be referred to the Quality and Standards Subcommittee for review and a potential first reading at a future meeting (possibly June 23rd or 30th).

Dr. Vidala detailed recent escalations of hateful speech among students and outlined a two-part response: immediate individual consequences/support and a proactive educational approach. This includes grade-level assemblies with the Lapin Foundation and a proposed 'community read' of Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning.' Board members noted reports of antisemitic incidents in the broader community, including a swastika on a school ball field.

The Superintendent introduced the community read initiative and announced upcoming assemblies for middle school students.

Debbie Colton from the Lapin Foundation will provide grade-level assemblies this coming Friday.

The committee discussed the award received by the Safety Task Force from Safe Routes to School. There was also discussion regarding the rollout of bus stop cameras, including negotiations with Bus Patrol and coordination with the police department regarding enforcement and warnings.

The committee is currently in negotiations to finalize an agreement for the camera installation.

The committee expects to sign an agreement with Bus Patrol this week; cameras will be installed on buses first.

The subcommittee presented updates to the Field Trip policy (form adjustments), Access to Buildings and Grounds (clarifying staff access), Bus Driver Examination and Training (removing tuberculosis proof requirement), School Choice (prioritizing siblings), and Parent Advisory Councils (clarifying Open Meeting Law status). The policies on medication administration were also reviewed for alignment with MA DPH regulations.

Most presented policies were approved for a first reading. The policy regarding timeout, seclusion, and restraint is being held until updates from Dr. Crompton are completed.

The policy regarding timeout, seclusion, and restraint will be brought forward once the manual and related policies are completed.

These updates align district policy with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations. The policies address proper storage and allow school nurses to delegate administration to trained, supervised personnel, while also recognizing students' ability to self-carry items like insulin or EpiPens.

Both files were approved for first reading via roll call vote.

The subcommittee has not yet met due to scheduling difficulties. They intend to meet with Mr. Politano regarding building status and Mr. Bloom regarding security.

No decisions made; status update only.

Coordinate schedules for meetings with Mr. Politano and Mr. Bloom.

The committee discussed the distinction between a 'subcommittee' and the legally required 'School Wellness Advisory Committee' (which includes nutrition and nursing staff). Members also debated renaming the 'Athletics and Wellness Subcommittee' to be more inclusive of all extracurriculars (e.g., performing arts, clubs) versus keeping it focused on health and athletics.

A motion to establish the District Wellness Advisory Committee was passed. The renaming of the Athletics and Wellness subcommittee was left open for further thought and discussion.

a speaker will lead the effort to establish the Wellness Committee and report back; the committee will further consider subcommittee structures.