John Barnes

The committee held an executive session for contract negotiations before reconvening for a public hearing on state school choice participation. Discussions included public input on school programs, approval of various staff resignations, receipt of donations, and out-of-state travel requests. The committee also considered a request to rename an elementary school, received updates on enrollment and staffing, and engaged in a detailed review of the FY '27 preliminary budget and staffing reductions. Furthermore, the committee discussed the Valor High School program, evaluated revisions to the district calendar, and scheduled upcoming summer meetings.

The committee meeting covered a range of school district matters. Highlights included the recognition of high school athletes, updates on personnel hiring and transfers, and a presentation on the FY27 budget timeline. There was an extensive review of graduation and dropout rates, resulting in the development of a response plan focused on improved attendance tracking and academic support. Additionally, updates were provided on nursing protocols, community engagement initiatives, recruitment efforts, and library media technology integration. The committee approved the construction of an inclusive playground at Northeast Elementary School and conducted a review of the Waltham High School project and the reutilization plan for 617 Lexington Street.

The meeting focused on several key areas related to the local wellness policy. Discussions included the completion and review of the Massachusetts Local Wellness Policy Strength Checklist Report, identifying strengths and areas for clearer language and stronger implementation. The team outlined a structured plan to review assessment findings and prepare prioritized recommendations for the larger Wellness Committee. Guidance and best practices from surrounding districts regarding policy structure and compliance monitoring were reviewed for potential adaptation. Finally, a shared Google Drive folder was established to centralize documents and support efficient collaboration.

This document is a report detailing the responses made by Waltham Public Schools on their Massachusetts Local Wellness Policy Strength Checklist. It outlines the current status and action plans across various categories, including Implementation & Communication, School Meal Programming, Competitive Foods & Beverage Standards, Nutrition & Food System Education, Physical Activity & Education, Staff Wellness, and Social-Emotional Climate and Caregiver Engagement. The report aims to assess the strength and areas for improvement within the district's local wellness policy.

The meeting included a period moving into Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions and negotiations regarding collective bargaining with several employee groups, including the WSSA, WSAA, technicians, food service workers, and building trades, and to discuss litigation strategy. Upon reconvening, the committee observed moments of silence for Marcia Delaney and John "Jack" Daddona. Public input expressed disapproval regarding a potential change to the high school schedule that could reduce class blocks, impacting elective and academic courses, especially for CTE students. Student input noted achievements in winter sports tournaments and updates on spring sports registration. The Superintendent's Update covered staff retirements and resignations, acknowledgment of a donation to the Class of 2027, and announcements regarding the annual Parenting Awareness Conference and CTE Tech 1 application deadlines. Financial discussions during the budget workshop focused on FY '26 out-of-district tuition and transportation costs, revealing a projected $1,316,009 deficit, leading to a vote to request funding from the City of Waltham. The mid-year budget report indicated 47% of the FY '25-'26 budget had been expended through January 31, 2026. Curriculum discussions included recommending the adoption of the OpenSciEd Middle School curriculum for science across grades six through eight. Unfinished business addressed the close-out process for the Waltham High School Project, ongoing work on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, exploration of the Dual Language School Model at 617 Lexington Street, and the status of the Waltham High School Schedule and CTE Department.