Mathew Cerqua

The meeting commenced with the calling to order of the school committee workshop business session. Key discussions during public participation included extensive commentary regarding committee member conduct, allegations of online harassment, and controversies surrounding student bathroom policies and book content, specifically referencing Member Maxwell's comments and actions. Public participants expressed concerns about member interactions, alleged gaslighting, and the endorsement of individuals associated with negative online behavior. There was a discussion concerning alternative methods for public engagement via social media, including utilizing PTOs and interns, and a concern about blocking constituents on official pages. Later in the session, the committee accepted the Superintendent's resignation, publicly recognizing 24 years of dedicated service. Discussion then followed regarding the vote on the resignation acceptance, with one member noting a conversation about voting no to send a message to the departing Superintendent regarding their difficult tenure.

The Business Session covered several key agenda items. Following a moment of silence for a former staff member, the committee accepted the agenda. Discussions and reports covered the Healthy and Safety Task Force, student enrollment data, the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services report, the Human Resources Staffing Report, and disciplinary actions including out-of-school suspensions. In Old Business, an update was provided on the Superintendent search process. New Business saw a motion to table the Ratification of Unit B MOU, and approvals for the 10 Ditson Place Lease Addendum and CTE Updates and Program Advisory Council (PAC). The Finance and Operations section involved reviewing monthly reports and approving several warrants from September and October 2025, as well as approving FY26 Grant Awards. Finally, personnel matters included the approval of staff for the Marsh Pathways Program and the hiring of Program Assistants and a BCBA for Preschool. Committee members also discussed Open Meeting Law Disclosure and communication access protocols.

The session began with the acceptance of the amended agenda. The primary focus of the meeting was the MASC Policy Review, which involved multiple motions to approve and amend various policy sections (E, F, G, H, and L). Specifically, Section E approval was amended to include policies ECD, ECFA, EEAA, and EEAEA, and Section H was amended to remove policy HAE. No public participation was noted.

The key discussion point during this special session was the Superintendent Search. The committee discussed items intended for inclusion in the Superintendent Request for Proposal (RFP). The session concluded with adjournment.

The Policy Subcommittee meeting reviewed pulled policies from sections A and B and discussed the timeline for future reviews. The subcommittee agreed that policies for sections A and B, along with sections E, F, G, H, and L, should be ready for the first read on November 18th. The second read for all sections A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and L is scheduled for December 2nd. The subsequent committee meeting in January is planned to address sections I, J, and K.