Christopher Cataldo

This document details the 2025-26 Redistricting Study conducted by Scituate Public Schools and Cropper GIS Consulting. The study aims to consolidate four elementary schools into three, preparing for the Fall 2027 opening of a new elementary school and the discontinuation of the Cushing Elementary site. Key objectives include balancing K-5th grade enrollment across the New School, Wampatuck ES, and Jenkins ES, optimizing busing efficiency, ensuring equitable facility utilization, considering economic, cultural, and ethnic diversity, and minimizing student impact while accounting for future growth.

The meeting included a student report acknowledging achievements by the girls and boys hockey teams, the boys basketball team, and the cheer team. It was also noted that the high school store achieved gold level certification by DECA. Key discussion centered on the update from the new elementary school naming task force, which convened in August 2025. The task force prioritized historical significance, connection to core values, representation of prominent women, and student involvement. This process resulted in three finalists: Enz Haynes Irwin, Satuit, and Venus Manning. The committee plans to release a community survey regarding these names, followed by a formal reading and discussion on March 16th, with a final vote scheduled for the March 30th meeting. Other topics addressed included the inability to clear snow from turf fields and communications regarding the Cushing and Hadley school names.

The meeting included several action items and reports. Action items involved the approval of the SHS Program of Studies, which added three new classes to the Fine Arts Department (Foundations of Theater, Acting One, and Set Design and Production), approval of the Interim Cushing Principal Contract for Kate Ciulla, acceptance of a donated enclosed trailer for the SHS Robotics Team, and approval of a contract for a district needs assessment, including community surveys assisted by the Beacon Group. The committee also approved a $1400.00 donation for the Scituate Wrestling Team. Superintendent and administrative reports covered the launch of new district social media pages and an update from the bullying prevention and intervention task force, which reviewed survey data. The Policy Subcommittee deferred action on the Scituate Public Schools Policy Manual and held the first reading for Policy JEB (Entrance Age). Warrants totaling $987,051.77 were listed. A subsequent FY27 Budget Public Hearing commenced, featuring presentations from various department heads and administrators regarding their respective budget components, followed by presentations on the Revenue portion of the budget.

The meeting commenced with public comment, during which a retired substitute teacher spoke regarding job satisfaction and requested a review of substitute salaries, noting they have not increased in four years. The committee acknowledged the concerns and stated that reviewing substitute salaries is a high priority for the district. Student reports highlighted the success of the recent 'Mean Girls' play, the results of the American Legion speech competition, and the selection of three teachers to present at a statewide conference on social studies topics. Additionally, updates were provided on early college planning nights and Model UN activities. Action items included the approval of minutes from the February 2nd, 2026 meeting and the acceptance of a $2,520 donation from Cassie and George Ty for the Exel program. The Superintendent presented the FY27 proposed budget of $55,029,600 for approval, noting previous presentations to the Select Board and Advisory Board affirmed the budget's focus on staffing flexibility. A committee member raised a continuing safety concern regarding pedestrian crossing at Route 3A, which was noted for follow-up with the Police Chief. Finally, the policy subcommittee reported on reviewing current district policies against state standards, specifically addressing differences in administration goals regarding the establishment of communication channels.

The meeting included the approval of minutes from the January 5, 2026 meeting. Key discussions involved the second reading and approval of the SHS (Student High School) program of studies, which included the addition of three new two-credit courses in dramatic arts for grades 9-12. The committee also voted to approve the interim contract for the Cushing Principal, effective from December 24, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a guaranteed return to the world languages department chair role in 2027. A motion was passed to accept a donated trailer for the robotics team, valued at approximately $3,000, pending confirmation with the insurance company regarding storage and maintenance responsibilities. Furthermore, the committee voted to approve a contract with Beacon Group for a district needs assessment, which involves broad community input through surveys and stakeholder focus groups, with the work estimated to take about a month. Finally, the committee accepted a donation totaling $1,400 for the wrestling team, contributed in memory of Kevin Curtis. An update was also provided on the launch of the school district's Facebook and Instagram accounts.