12 Takeaways from the April 10 School Committee Meeting

Nancy Milligan will be Tewksbury’s new assistant superintendent

Katie Anderson was the only member not in attendance last night. It was Chris Moncada’s first meeting as a new member.

1. The meeting began with a reorganization. Bridget Garabedian was again elected Chair, Rich Russo Vice Chair and new member Chris Moncada as Clerk.

2. Tonight’s recognitions began with 6th grade Ryan student Brady Anderson, who was the Patriot Pen winner for his essay on the topic, “How are you Inspired by America?” Brady was the first-place winner at the Tewksbury post and at the district level. Watch for more on the essay and a scholarship opportunity with the VFW.

Brady, above with (l-r) Senior Vice Commander Jimmy Williams, Ryan teacher Kathleen Anderson and VFW Post 8164 Commander Vinnie Oliva.

Recognitions continued for Special Education District Director Rick Pelletier, who is retiring after 13 years in the district. Per Superintendent Regan, Pelletier “started in his service to education as a reading teacher, a guidance counselor, a supervisor 18 chair, our program coordinator, a department head evaluation team supervisor, all in the field of special education.” She also praised his “patience and compassion.”

3. The Committee approved hiring of new Assistant Superintendent Nancy Milligan. Milligan has been an Assistant Superintendent for 10 years, eight in Massachusetts at the North Middlesex Regional School District and the last two years in Windham, NH. Superintendent Regan noted she was looking for someone with relevant experience who could jump right in and believes Milligan fits the bill. The committee voted unanimously to approve the hire. Milligan’s first day will be July 1, 2024.

4. The district is looking to roll out a new TMHS Student Exchange Program. The program being explored is not a traditional year- or semester-long exchange, but is more involved than the yearly trips abroad. It would be run by Forum by Prométour, a provider of customized group travel for students and teachers. For this program, a small group of students and teachers would visit Tewksbury and stay with host families for 10-16 days. The students would stay in touch, and then Tewksbury students would travel abroad and stay with the same student’s families. The benefits to this program, according to presenters, are lower costs, the opportunity for long-term partnerships and the ability to involve more students. The district is still researching this potential program, and it wouldn’t happen until the 2025-2026 school year at the earliest.

5. On hand were Principal John Weir and school council member Kerry Tuttle to discuss the Wynn Middle School cell phone pilot. The program will begin when the students come back from April vacation. Weir said students at the Wynn are responsible with their phones, but statistics show how often they’re getting messages and how social media is leading to poor sleep quality, anxiety and depression. Students will lock their phones in Yondr pouches during the school day, and they will be opened at the end of the day with a magnet. The student will keep the same pouch for the school year. The pouches were purchased with a grant.

6. In her superintendent’s report, Regan shared that:
• The district is looking at its current homework policy; there is a survey for parents that is live through this Friday, the link can be found here.
• The Select Board is considering reconstituting the Long Range School Space Planning Committee to study the short- and long-term needs of our schools. Learn more.
• TMHS has implemented a low-tech cell phone solution with shoe organizers in classrooms for students to put cell phones in.
• Finally, Assistant Director of Student Services and Special Education Candace Tharrett will be stepping up as the Acting Director of Student Services and Special Ed for the remainder of the school year.

7. Lori McDermott had a bunch of updates for her assistant superintendent report.
• The 40th annual districtwide art show and band and chorus concert will be held on May 3 and 4.
• The Wynn recently had a multicultural night, where students shared food and performances about their various cultures.
• The TMHS theater program has an upcoming performance of The Addams Family. Tickets are here.
• The 21st Century and Penguin Pride afterschool programs are back at the Dewing and Heath Brook. Per McDermott, “These programs are grant funded afterschool enrichment opportunities for students in special populations. And for those students who are recommended by their teacher, activities include physical education, hands-on projects again and social emotional learning activities.”

8. Business Manager Dave Libby shared that the district opened bids for subcontractors for the Heath Brook. Next week, bids will open for general contractor. The Wynn HVAC project is also moving along. There is a bid out for copiers. And finally, the bus app is fixed; half days should be working this Friday.

9. School Committee Member Reports:

Tewksbury SEPSC: The business meeting is tomorrow, and elections are coming up. Those interested in running for TSEPAC office are asked for nominations by May 6th.
Wellness Advisory Committee: The committee discussed the Yondr pouches, vapes and a survey with TMHS and Wynn students looking for at risk behaviors.
Policy Sub-Committee:
- First and final reading, recommended to approve with no changes (unanimously approved by committee)
  - ADDA – Background Checks
  - ADDA-R – DCJIS Model CORI policy

10. The committee then approved various new business items. There were no changes to the budget since Libby’s last presentation, and the budget was approved to go to Town Meeting on Monday, May 6. Next the committee set the negotiation subcommittee assignments. They accepted a Project Lead the Way grant for $40,000 over three years. This will help fund STEM curriculums. A new contract addendum with slightly increased tuitions was approved for Alphabest, the company that provides extended day services for students. Regan suggested the committee not participate in school choice, and the committee took her recommendation. Finally, the committee voted June 14 as the last day of school

11. During School Committee matters of interest, new Vice Chair Russo shared he recently met with the district security team where they discussed the Yondr pouches, vape detectors at TMHS and recent ALICE drills. He thanked Heath Brook teacher and TTA member Emily Niles for hosting the school committee negotiating team at the Heath Brook so they can see what a teacher’s day looks like.

Moncada noted that PACs will be looking for year-end volunteers. He had a thank you for the early release day to watch the eclipse, and he’s looking forward to the upcoming plays.

Biagioni-Smith noted the upcoming Center School Peter Pan play, the TMHS presentation of The Addams Family and the Wynn show The Hearing, which will be performed in town then go on to competition with other schools. She also said Multicultural night at the Wynn was a wonderful event.

Garabedian also thanked the Heath Brook staff and said they’re still looking for nominees for the Polimeno and Ginsberg awards. Applications are due by April 12. She shared there will be a volunteer reception on May 1.

12. Upcoming meetings