Brian Connolly

Key discussions included the Investigating History grant application from two coaches and the status of the Alison Trust gift, which the committee is scheduled to accept at a later meeting. The status of the Free Period Fair Share Earmark and the Athletics Sponsorship Program was reviewed. An audit of FY24 Title II, III, and ESSER III grants concluded with no findings regarding compliance or documentation. Transportation changes were discussed, specifically shifting parochial school bus operations to in-house buses and the upcoming renewal process for the First Student contract. For FY27 Budget Planning, the Inspector General's Office commended Weymouth's financial controls. Scenarios for fee increases (10%, 20%, 30%) were presented transparently to address a projected $3.8M shortfall resulting from the town directive for only a 1% budget increase across departments. Budget proposals for Health, Student Services, Instruction, Professional Development, Transportation, and Maintenance were reviewed, each reflecting the 1% increase. Special Education staffing requests included a speech pathologist and ABA roles. The curriculum budget will absorb Scholastic costs for Library 2 materials, with a separate $150K capital measure requested for curriculum. Utility costs are being supplemented using Revolving funds from Champions and Food Service. Public discussion emphasized advocating for increased funding, noting that Weymouth lags in Chapter 70 funding and per pupil expenditure statistics.

The public hearing addressed multiple cases. Case #2991 involved an application for a special permit for a drive-thru window service and a variance for signage related to a Taco Bell/KFC restaurant. Discussions included traffic engineering peer review findings, proposed site changes such as sewer stub relocation, retaining wall and fencing adjustments, and truck routing. Concerns were raised regarding traffic level of service at local intersections and the need for potential mitigation funding contributions. Case #2995 concerned an application to construct an attached garage partially within a 100-year floodplain. The Board approved the special permit with conditions related to utilities and wall maintenance. Case #2996 involved an application for a second-story addition to a garage, which included plans for a recreation room and bathroom. The application was ultimately withdrawn without prejudice after discussion regarding the legality of including water and sewer connections in an addition located in a floodplain, contrasting with prior allowances for similar structures.

The Board addressed an application from KCNB, LLC d/b/a KC's Pub & Grill concerning alterations to their licensed premises, including the addition of an enclosed smoking area accessed only from inside the bar, with conditions related to no live music and building permits. The Board also considered the application for a Common Victualler License for Tong Chao Zhang d/b/a Fortune Cookie Restaurant, approving it subject to the payment of outstanding personal property taxes owed by the previous owner. Approvals were granted for a One-Day Liquor Permit for Immaculate Conception Church and One-Day Food Vendor and Entertainment Permits for the Weymouth Day event. New business included a report on the shutdown of an illegal tattoo parlor and an ongoing investigation into noise levels from live entertainment at the Next Page Café.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which included the payment of bills and the approval of field trip requests for the WHS Model UN Team to Washington, DC, and the WHS Robotics Team to Houston, TX. A student council presentation provided updates on midterms, activities, and fundraisers at WHS, along with recognition for a student accepted to Harvard University. The Superintendent's report covered the opening of Kindergarten registration, updates on ongoing FY27 budget sub-committee meetings, the upcoming strategic planning kick-off, and scheduling for future budget reviews, including the public hearing date. The Chair expressed concerns during a statement regarding the reliance on Union Point build-out for revenue and voiced strong opposition to a proposed 1% school budget increase, suggesting consideration of a Proposition 2.5 override. The committee also reported on sub-committee activities, including ongoing collective bargaining negotiations and policy discussions on Wellness, AI, and Games of Chance. New business included the unanimous vote to accept the $100,000 William Alison Trust Gift, designated for continuing education and skills training scholarships for CTE and music students.

The meeting focused primarily on FY27 budget planning, with presentations on proposed budgets for various areas, each reflecting a 1% increase. Specific budget reviews covered Weymouth High School (WHS), Athletics (including a request for a half-time Assistant Athletic Director), Career and Technical Education (CTE), Chapman School, and Educational Technology. Discussions included the proposed shift in the one-to-one device initiative for primary schools and staff replacement plans. Administration provided an update, noting that a level service budget may require staffing cuts due to revenue projections and fixed cost increases, presenting three proactive scenarios. Revenue projections showed a 2.7% projected increase. Public comments focused heavily on increased student needs (special education, mental health), the potential impact of Union Point development, and concerns over level funding resulting in mediocrity or significant staff cuts.