Waltham Public Schools

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.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session dedicated to strategy sessions and negotiations concerning collective bargaining agreements with several employee groups, including the WEA, WSSA, WSAA, MIS Technicians, Food Service Workers, and Building Trades. A specific grievance hearing related to Waltham School Administrators Association was also addressed. A public hearing was scheduled to discuss the proposed Emotional Support Dogs Policy. Key agenda items for the regular meeting included public/student/parent organization input, communications regarding staff out-of-district requests, and the Superintendent's update. Discussions under Curriculum and Instruction centered on an update for Elementary Math Curriculum. Unfinished business included the MSBA - Waltham High School Project, Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion matters, the Dual Language School Model, the second reading of the Emotional Support Dogs Policy, and the Waltham High School's CTE Department. New business introduced the first reading of the Revised Meal Charge Policy. Fiscal matters covered the FY '26 Out of District Tuition and Transportation update and review of bills on warrant.

The document outlines an Executive Session focused primarily on collective bargaining strategy and negotiations with various employee groups, including WSSA, WSAA, Waltham School MIS technicians, Waltham School Food Service Department workers, and the Waltham School construction union. It also details strategy regarding collective bargaining for the Waltham School Administrators Association concerning a grievance filed on November 4, 2025. Additionally, strategies for negotiations with non-union personnel, listing several director and administrative positions, were planned. Following the executive session, a workshop on the FY27 budget was scheduled, succeeded by a Regular Meeting agenda that included public input, student/parent council input, and updates on the FY26 enrollment and out-of-district transportation, the FY26 mid-year budget report, and pending invoices.

The meeting commenced with a vote to add an addendum item regarding negotiation strategies for non-union personnel, including various school principals. The committee subsequently voted to enter an Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions and negotiations concerning collective bargaining with multiple employee groups (WEA, WSSA, WSAA, MIS Technicians, Food Service Workers, Building Trades) and to discuss strategy related to litigation. Upon reconvening, public input included a parent's concerns about potential high school schedule changes impacting course availability and student support time (Hawk Block), and a student update on recent school activities like Dance Theatre performances and athletic achievements. The Consent Agenda, which was approved, included minutes from the previous meeting and several personnel actions (retirements and resignations). The Superintendent's Update detailed approval of staff requests for out-of-district student attendance for the next school year, announced new hires and transfers, highlighted athletic achievements, and noted upcoming family events and stabilized student enrollment at 5,655. Under Unfinished Business, the committee discussed anti-racism initiatives, the Dual Language School Model, the CTE Department, and approved the Second Reading of the Revised Meal Charge Policy. In New Business, the committee ratified the Memorandum of Agreement with the Waltham Educators Association (WEA), agreeing to a three-year contract featuring increased work days, mandatory meeting hours, expanded parental leave terms, a 2.5% COLA annually, stipend increases, and hourly wage increases for paras. The committee voted to request funding from the City Council to cover the salary increases for the WEA agreement. Fiscal matters involved paying bills on warrant. Future agenda items included recognizing the WHS Quiz Team and recent 100-point achieving athletes, and adding the WHS schedule discussion back to Unfinished Business.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the proposed Emotional Support Dogs policy, where speakers shared perspectives on the benefits and concerns, particularly regarding classroom teachers acting as handlers. The committee ultimately voted to approve the policy on its second reading, including an amendment to allow for expedited approval in emergent situations. Discussions and updates covered numerous topics: various personnel changes including retirements and new hires; several significant donations received by WHS CTE, Stanley Elementary, and the WHS Girls Basketball Program; a staff request for an out-of-district student transfer approval; recognition for Plympton Elementary as a School of Recognition; an update on staff performance, including recognition for the Director of Food Services; and detailed overviews of the Math curriculum alignment and implementation, the Career and Technical Education department, and the introduction of the interim Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services. Under Unfinished Business, updates were provided on the MSBA - Waltham High School Project, Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and the Dual Language School Model and Reutilization of 617 Lexington Street. The committee also reviewed the Revised Meal Charge Policy, addressing feedback from DESE, and discussed a significant projected deficit related to FY '26 Out of District Tuition and Transportation for special education placements. Finally, future agenda items included inquiries about GPS tracking and cameras for school buses.