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Agenda for the February 26 Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee

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Agenda for the February 26 Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee
Medford School Committee Meeting

The Fourth Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee

Date/Time

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Executive Session: 5:30 p.m.

Regular Meeting: 6:00 p.m.

Location

Please be advised that there will be a Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee held via remote participation only.

This meeting can be viewed live on the Medford Public Schools YouTube channel or via Medford Community Media on your local cable channel (Comcast Channel 9, 8 or 22 and Verizon Channel 43, 45 or 47). Participants can log in by using the link below.

Agenda

Agenda for the February 26, 2025 Fourth Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee

Zoom Link

https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/95164621937?pwd=u577efiftOb94x7ITOM4bUuv2BOCBy.1

Complete Agenda

I. Roll Call of Members and Student Representatives

II. Salute the Flag

III. Executive Session

In a Motion to enter into executive session pursuant to M. G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(3). 

The Medford School Committee will convene in Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation with respect to Kodis v. Medford Public Schools. 

The Medford School Committee will convene in public session immediately following the conclusion of the executive session, approximately 600 p.m.

IV. Consent Agenda

  • Approval of Bills and Payrolls 
  • Approval of Capital Purchases 
  • Approval of Grants 
  • Approval of Field Trips 
  • Approval of Meeting Minutes
    • Regular Meeting - February 19, 2025

V. Report of the Subcommittees

VI. Report of the Superintendent

  1. International Travel and Exchange - Dr. Peter J. Cushing, Assistant Superintendent and Ms. Vilma Bibeau, Director of World Language 
  2. Job Description for Facilities (Director and Assistant Director) - Dr. Peter J. Cushing, Assistant Superintendent 
  3. Vocational Presentation to Adjust for MSBA - Dr. Peter J. Cushing, Assistant Superintendent and Mr. Chad Fallon, Director/Principal of Medford Vocational Technical High School

Presentations of the Public (not to begin before 7:00 p.m.) 

“Regular Meetings of the School Committee include this ‘Presentations of the Public’ agenda item to give any resident the opportunity to place a presentation before the School Committee. A resident may only present once at any meeting. 

These presentations are an opportunity for the public to make a presentation to the Committee but are not opportunities for dialog with the Committee. If one or more members of the Committee wishes to have a conversation about the topic presented, a member may request that the item be added to a subsequent Regular Meeting. 

The details for submitting a presentation can be found within the policy BEDH, Public Comment and Presentations of the Public” 

Pursuant to policy BEDH, Public Comment and Presentations of the Public - any resident in the audience may be given permission to speak once on any item on the agenda for up to three (3) minutes. The speaker is expected to keep their comments to the item on the agenda. The speaker must begin their comments by providing their full name and full Medford street address where they reside. A welcoming, inclusive community is both a value of the School Committee and an aspirational goal. We ask for your help in achieving this goal and value your perspective. Employees of the Medford Public Schools are exempt from the residency requirement of this policy. The voice of our employees is welcomed on all matters before this body. When a non-Medford-resident employee is participating in public comment or submitting a presentation of the public they will include their home address and identify themselves as an employee of the Medford Public Schools.

VII. Continued Business

Second Reading MHS Graduation and Competency Determination Requirements - Dr. Suzanne B. Galusi, Interim Superintendent

IFK - Requirements for Graduation

Medford High School students must meet the following requirements to participate in graduation. This includes a total of 112 required credits and the completion of Competency Determination criteria. Further information can be found in the MHS Handbook 

(https://mhs-mvths.mps02155.org/about/student-handbook) and the Program of Studies (https://mhs-mvths.mps02155.org/academics/program-of-studies) catalog.
Subject Criteria Credits
English Four Years Take and Pass
Mathematics Four Years (including Integrated Math I, II, and III) Take and Pass
Wellness Four Years Take and Pass
Science Three Years (including Biology and Chemistry) Take and Pass
Social Studies Three Years (including the student-led civics project) Take and Pass
World Language Two Years (if not enrolled in a CTE program)1 Take and Pass
Arts One Course Take and Pass
Community Service2 Community service enables students to make a difference and fosters civic responsibility. It develops essential life skills like teamwork and leadership, preparing them for future challenges in college and careers while enabling them to discover their strengths and passions. Additionally, it promotes personal growth, self-confidence, and connections with peers and community members. 60 Total Hours Required
Competency Determination

In addition to meeting the local graduation requirements and community service hours articulated in this School Committee Policy IKF, a student must meet the competency determination articulated in MGL c. 69 sect. 1D and in 603 CMR 30.00-30.05 in order to receive their high school diploma from Medford High School. 

As defined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/2024- 1211student-cd-update.html), the "competency determination" shall be based on the academic standards and curriculum frameworks for tenth graders in the areas of mathematics, science and technology, history and social science, foreign languages, and English, and shall represent a determination that a particular student has demonstrated mastery of a common core of skills, competencies, and knowledge in these areas by satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student's district as showing mastery of the skills, competencies, and knowledge contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in the areas measured by the MCAS high school tests described in section one administered in 2023, and in any additional areas determined by the board. 

Students who have previously earned a Competency Determination (CD) through a regular or retest administration of the MCAS (including the November 2024 retest) or through a DESE appeal process have earned their competency determination. 

MHS Students who have not yet earned their competency determination through previous MCAS administrations can meet the requirements for a competency determination through the following: 

  • Successful completion of Grade 9 & 10 English Language Arts (ELA) coursework aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks;
  • Successful completion of Grade 9 & 10 Math coursework (Integrated Math 1 and Integrated Math 2) aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks; 
  • Successful completion of high school Biology coursework aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks;
  • Participation in MCAS ELA, Math, and Biology tests as assigned. 
 Meet Requirements

1Course requirements differ for students who are enrolled in Career Technical Education. A students' credits should include four years in an approved Career Technical Education (CTE) program. 

2Course requirements differ for students who are enrolled in Curtis Tufts High School.

Policy Information

First Adopted: Unknown 

Last Amended: TBD 

Last Reviewed: None 

Review Frequency: six (6) month 

Next Review: TBD 

Version: 1 

Policy ID: IKF 

Related Policies: IKFC 

Legal References

2024-44 Offered By Member Intoppa

Second Reading (First Reading approved on 12.2.2024) POLICY ADF-W - WATER WELLNESS POLICY 

The Medford Public Schools is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community/community partners. In doing so, the Medford Public Schools commits to providing safe, drinkable water for consumption districtwide. To ensure safe water the following testing frequency will occur: 

  • Water testing for all non-drinking intended fixtures (bathroom sinks, “slop sinks," outdoor fixtures, etc.) will occur every four calendar years, to ensure the action level demands are met for lead/copper levels. 
  • Water testing for all drinking intended fixtures (kitchen sinks, classroom sinks, water fountains, water filter stations, etc.) will take place every 2 calendar years, to ensure the action level demands are met for lead/copper levels. 

Action Levels 

The action levels, per 310 CMR 22 The Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, are defined as follows for each metal: 

  • In the presence of lead results in the range of 1—<15 ppb and/or equal to or greater than 15 ppb, the Medford Public Schools will conduct water testing of all fixtures in said building at least twice a singular calendar year until all results yield <1 ppb. Testing will continue at this frequency for an additional year to ensure safety needs are met. 
  • In the presence of copper results equal to or greater than 1300 ppb, the Medford Public Schools will conduct water testing of all fixtures in said building at least twice a singular calendar year until all results yield <1300 ppb. Testing will continue at this frequency for an additional year to ensure safety needs are met. 

Action Plan 

If the action levels are met, per 310 CMR 22, the following procedures must be met by the administration & building staff: 

  • In the presence of lead results in the range of 1—<15 ppb, hand washing only signs must be posted at each impacted fixture. 
  • In the presence of lead results equal to or greater than 15 ppb, the fixture must be disabled and signage must be posted at each impacted fixture.
  • The presence of copper results equal to or greater than 1300 ppb, the fixture must be disabled and signage must be posted at each impacted fixture. 

All Action Plan items must be communicated and executed to the impacted community(s) of the impacted building no later than 36 hours after the discovery of said results. 

Policy Information 

First Adopted: TBD 

Last Amended: N/A 

Last Reviewed: N/A 

Review Frequency: four (4) years 

Next Review: TBD 

Version: 1 

Policy ID: 

Original Source: 

Legal References: 

References: 

VIII. New Business

2025-07 Offered by Member Olapade and Member Reinfeld

Resolution in Support of MPS’s LGBTQIA+ Community 

The Medford School Committee affirms the Medford Public Schools’ commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, and educational rights of our queer* and gender non-conforming** community members. 

We recognize and celebrate the unique qualities and potential that each of these individuals brings to our community and reject any efforts to erase, denigrate, or weaponize their identities as a direct affront to the values and practices of Medford Public Schools. 

We remain committed to upholding the non-discrimination principles and protocols outlined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, Section 5 and Chapter 662, Medford Public Schools’ policies AC, ACA-1, AC-E/ACA-E, and JB, and all federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We also affirm students’ and employees’ right to privacy in accordance with the above and other relevant state and federal laws. 

Be it therefore resolved that Medford Public Schools shall continue all activities and initiatives to ensure a healthy and welcoming school environment for our queer, questioning, and gender non-conforming community members in and beyond the classroom. 

*including but not limited to gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual students, teachers, and staff 

**including but not limited to transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex students, teachers, and staff 

Date Submitted: February 18, 2025 

Date Requested to be on Agenda: February 26, 2025

2025-08 Offered by Member Olapade and Member Reinfeld

Whereas federal and state-level actions outside of Massachusetts have recently sought to limit educational practices, restrict local control, and suppress diverse perspectives in public schools across the nation; the Medford School Committee believes that education should empower students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and cultural awareness necessary to thrive in a diverse society and to contribute meaningfully to their communities; 

Whereas the Medford School Committee recognizes that a high-quality education must respect and celebrate the abilities, needs, and potential of all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, religion, or language background; 

Therefore, be it resolved that the Medford School Committee reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as foundational principles that inform all aspects of district policy, curriculum development, and educational practice; Be it further resolved that the Medford School Committee fully supports the district’s use of robust and inclusive educational resources that: 

Accurately reflect and affirm the diverse lived experiences of our students and families; Provide historically and culturally responsive curricula that honor the contributions and histories of all people, including historically marginalized communities; 

Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and global awareness necessary to engage in respectful dialogue, civic engagement, and lifelong learning; 

Be it further resolved that the Medford School Committee strongly opposes any efforts to restrict or eliminate essential academic content—including history, art, science, literature, and health education—on the basis of political or ideological agendas that seek to erase diverse voices and lived experiences; 

Be it further resolved that the Medford School Committee unequivocally opposes the removal of resources, support systems, or accommodations for neurodiverse learners and students with disabilities, recognizing that access to an equitable and inclusive education is a fundamental right for all students; 

Be it further resolved that the Medford School Committee extends this commitment beyond the classroom, ensuring that extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and school-sponsored initiatives remain inclusive and accessible to all students, fostering leadership, creativity, and personal growth; 

Be it further resolved that the Medford School Committee will not tolerate bullying, harassment, or intimidation—whether from within or outside the district—particularly when such actions seek to undermine students’ rights to a fair, comprehensive, and affirming education in a safe and welcoming environment; 

Be it finally resolved that the Medford School Committee remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a school system that is inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all students, staff, and families, and will continue to advocate for policies and practices that advance these values.

Date Submitted: February 18, 2025 

Date Requested to be on Agenda: February 26, 2025

IX: Reports Requested

X: Condolences

The Members of the Medford School Committee express their sincerest condolences to the family of Bruno Divito, father of Gina Divito Moran, Evaluation Team Leader at the McGlynn Middle School. 

The Members of the Medford School Committee express their sincerest condolences to the family of Robert E. Skerry, former Medford School Committee Member and cousin to Medford High teacher and Unified Basketball Coach John Skerry.

XI: Next Regular Meeting

  • Monday, March 24, 2025 Public Budget Hearing- Alden Memorial Chambers, Medford City Hall in addition to Zoom. 

XII: Adjournment 

 
 

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