Medway Public Schools

The meeting agenda included administrative updates from the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, along with a presentation on the FY25 Budget Planning and Priorities. Key discussion items involved the Mid Cycle Review of Superintendent Goals, 2024-2025 Athletic Fees, and a Mid-Year Review of FY24 Grant Awards. Action items included consideration for accepting or modifying recommended changes to the Transportation Program, setting the Early Childhood Tuition Rate (including recommended increases and reduced rates consistent with free/reduced lunch guidelines), setting the Community Education Day Care Tuition rate, and approving the Medway 2023-2024 Day Care Parent Handbook. The consent agenda covered warrants, budget transfers, and donations/grants received, such as funding for Behavioral Health Supports and a Deeper Learning Implementation Grant. The meeting concluded with updates and an adjournment to Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions for negotiations with the teachers' union.

This Program of Studies serves as a guide to Medway High School's comprehensive educational offerings and requirements for the academic year 2026-2027. It details the school's mission to foster an environment of excellence for all students through learning, aiming to develop knowledge, talents, skills, independent thinking, and responsible citizenship. Key areas include graduation requirements, academic domains (English, Math, Science, History, World Languages), social and civic development, wellness, performing and visual arts, and specialized programs such as Innovation Career Pathways, the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, and the Global Leadership and Citizenship Certificate, all designed to prepare students for success in a global society.

The meeting included administrative updates where the Superintendent recognized the Medway High School Cheer Squad for winning the New England Championship and discussed the Community Education Strategic Plan, including the creation of multilingual welcome videos for new English Language students. The Assistant Superintendent reported on a Tech Audit participation and student attendance at a music festival. A comprehensive Special Education Program Update was presented, covering stable enrollment in special education, MCAS findings for Students with Disabilities (SWD), the implementation of the new Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and the development of specialized classrooms. Discussion items included first readings of proposed changes to the Athletic Handbook, Policy JH Student Absences and Excuses, and Facilities Rental Rates. The committee also discussed future School Committee engagement with legislators. Action items included the approval of updates to Student Handbooks, the Student Opportunity Act 3-year plan, revisions to the ACCEPT Articles of Agreement, authorization for executing utility contracts, approval of the Proposed FY25 School Department Budget ($31,576,000), approval to supplement the budget with School Choice Funds (not to exceed $535,451), and authorization to request $30,465.90 for the Memorial Roof Replacement Project using unspent capital funds. The consent agenda, which included approval of warrants totaling $30,465.90 for various repairs and upgrades, budget transfers, and policy revisions, was also passed.

The 2025-2030 Medway Public Schools Strategic Plan outlines the district's long-term direction, focusing on Vision, Mission, Core Values, and four Strategic Priorities: Dynamic Learning, Innovative Instruction, Leadership & Operations, and Culture & Community. The plan aims to provide an academically challenging, safe, and supportive learning environment for all students, ensuring evolving needs are met through personalized programs, educator support, aligned resources, and a compassionate district culture.

The meeting included administrative updates from the Superintendent regarding attendance at the AASA Conference on Student Mental Health and recognition for the Middle School Science Fair and MFPA Musical Bingo night. The Assistant Superintendent reported on a successful math academy funded by a DESE grant. During public comment, concerns were raised regarding the first amendment rights during public forum and adherence to School Committee Policy BCA (Ethics) related to prior meeting discussions on transportation policy. The main discussion centered on the FY25 Preliminary Budget Presentation, which highlighted financial challenges such as state funding shortfalls and enrollment trends influencing School Choice recommendations. Efficiencies and potential cost-saving measures, including an audit of Educational Technology, were reviewed, alongside discussions on maintaining a level service budget. Key policy first reads included the EEA Student Transportation Policy and EEAA Walkers and Riders policy. The committee also publicly noted the prior authorization to sign a side letter agreement for the Varsity Football Coach Stipend and began discussions regarding the Medway Public Schools Strategic Plan Development and March Office Hours focused on the budget. Action items included the approval to transfer funds from the School Choice Revolving fund for FY23 Activity Stipends, awarding the cleaning services contract to SJ Services, and maintaining the current Athletic Fees structure, including setting reduced rates at an 80% reduction for eligible students. The consent agenda covered warrants, budget transfers, grant approvals, and donations, and approved minutes from the January 18 and February 1 meetings. The meeting concluded with an adjournment to executive session to discuss Open Meeting Law Complaints filed by David Fitzgerald.