Gregory Kelley

The Regular Meeting of the Swansea School Committee was scheduled to address several items. Key discussion topics included presentations on the Stephen C. Flanagan Enrichment Fund recipients, updates from EF Tours regarding international and domestic field trips, and a report from the Director of Veterans Services concerning Army ROTC. Discussion items for the Superintendent’s Report covered updates on Joseph Case High School's AP recognition, safety and security, policy subcommittee, and the Massachusetts School Building Authority update regarding the Joseph Case Junior High School project, as well as revisiting solar opportunities. The committee was also scheduled to vote on approving a list of technology items as surplus.

The subcommittee reviewed and discussed several policy updates for recommendation to the full school committee. Key discussions included revisions to the competency determination policy (IKFA) and high school graduation requirements (IKF), with a suggestion to incorporate MCAS test participation into graduation requirements. A new middle school pathway exploration policy (IHAIA) was reviewed to meet DESE requirements, and the subcommittee discussed the need for more 'hands-on' high school classes. Additionally, the subcommittee reviewed results from an AI tool survey, indicating agreement on usefulness for grading and personalized learning but noting a need for further training. The committee also addressed the need to update the bullying/harassment policy and discussed next steps regarding vaping, including investigating the cost of installing vape detectors in high school bathrooms.

The meeting included a Superintendent's Report highlighting recent Joseph Case High School achievements, including drama nominations and receiving the Unified Sports Champion banner. The committee recognized Emma Bouchard, a Joseph Case High School senior, with the MASS Certificate of Academic Excellence. The Swansea Historical Commission presented historical pieces for the administration building, including plans to install a bronze plaque and two canvas photos. A safety and security update detailed recommendations for camera upgrades and the implementation of geo-mapping for emergency response purposes, to be funded in part by a donation from Senator Rodriguez. The budget subcommittee provided an update on the next budget timeline, focusing initially on salaries, with the full budget presentation scheduled for early 2026. Policy updates included modifications to the Field Trip policy regarding financial accommodations for students and changes to Graduation Requirements (File IKF) and the Competency Determination Policy (File IKFA) to reflect updated state testing mandates. The committee also approved a new Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy (File IHAIA). Action items included the approval of a donation for flooring at Luther Elementary School and unanimous approval of the updated policies on graduation requirements and competency determination. A motion to classify Joseph Case Junior High School Cross Country as a sport rather than a club was tabled pending a draft MOU with the teachers' union. Funding for camera upgrades and geo-mapping of school buildings was approved using Fair Share Amendment Funds and the Joseph Case Trust Fund.

The meeting began with an entry into executive session before moving to open session. Key discussion items included the Superintendent's Report, which covered updates on the Joseph Case High School representative status and the Joseph Case Junior High School building project. The Committee reviewed presentations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget and FY2027 Capital Needs. A donation of wood was recognized and subject to an action vote. Action items involved voting to accept the wood donation, and approving the FY27 Initial Operating Budget Request and FY27 Initial Capital Budget Request. The agenda concluded with an executive session specifically to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for a tragedy at Brown University. Key discussions included the Superintendent's Report covering high school activities such as theatre performances, upcoming concerts, and athletic schedules, including a discussion about reestablishing a Thanksgiving football rivalry with Somerset-Berkeley High School. Updates were provided on the Luther flooring installation scheduled for winter break and the Joseph Case Junior High School building project, which advanced from feasibility to schematic design phase with a cost cap of $160M. A significant portion of the meeting detailed safety and security measures across the district, including the implementation of a keyless entry system using remaining grant funds, the completion of security risk assessments by GoodHarbour Techmark, the geo-mapping of all seven school buildings for emergency response, and the approval of the Omni Alert AI gun detection system. Additionally, camera upgrades are planned for the new year, and detailed police presence will be stationed at public events temporarily. A substantial discussion covered the initial budget request for FY27 employee salaries, highlighting necessary reductions due to the lack of a supplement received in the previous year, and estimated funding gaps the district faces.