11 Takeaways from the May 1 School Committee Meeting

Anderson thanks TPD for certifying almost 50 students in CPR

The Tewksbury School Committee met last night with all members present. 

After exiting executive session, the committee moved to a recognition of TPS Food & Nutrition Services staff, including the Carnation’s Julie Naughton 👏 The full list of those recognized is in the packet. 

1. Katie Anderson read a proclamation and Chair Bridget Garabedian noted the important work done by the “lunch ladies.”

“Rich and I both have had an opportunity to be in a few of the schools recently, where we’ve actually gone through the line to eat lunch,” said Garabedian. “I can’t even say enough, seeing the interaction between you personally and the students. It makes such an impact in their day. You can see these kids, their faces, they light up, they ask for you by name.

She continued: “For some of these kids, I think you’re the highlight of their day. So thank you.” 

2. Debralee Mugford, Director of Food & Nutrition Services, gave a presentation. Mugford said universal free meals in the district has seen “an incredible increase in participation.” She called out highlights including Meatless Mondays and using more local ingredients while expanding students’ culinary horizons with global flavors and more use of ingredients like fresh ginger. The district recently added chilled grab-and-go salads at the Wynn and hot grab-and-go at TMHS. The aim is to give kids more options.

Mugford also called out “taste test kitchens,” a visiting chef and the famous “TMHS Food Critic” account on Instagram, which she said provides invaluable feedback. They also survey students on new meal offerings.

The program is investing close to $500,000 in equipment, including a brand new walk-in cooler and freezer at the Dewing. The team is also focusing on nutrition education, with programs driven by each school.

“We’re going back to more scratch cooking,” said Mugford. “We have a lot planned. We’re really excited.”

Rich Russo thanked the staff for attending, clarified that the equipment upgrades come from the Food Services revolving account and asked how it would help the program. Mugford said the new gear both saves effort — the department is understaffed by about five positions — and lets the district offer new options. Kayla Biagioni-Smith asked about breakfast options. Mugford says they’re working to reduce carbs by offering cheese sticks.

Garabedian complemented Mugford’s work on the Wellness Committee and said she’s excited to see the equipment improvements.

3. There were no speakers in the Citizens Forum, and minutes and payroll were approved unanimously.

4. In her report, Superintendent Brenda Theriault-Regan said May is a busy month, including  School Lunch Hero Day on May 3 and a recognition of these high-achieving seniors tonight. Next week is teacher and nurse appreciation week. She encouraged families to thank the entire “village” that makes our schools run, including School Committee members. Other key points:

> VFW Post 8164 shared the Voice of Democracy information for next year early, and the application will go digital.

> Regan called “bravo” to drama students, staff and volunteers for their excellent production of The Addams Family. She was impressed with the number of families attending.

> TMHS Rocket League esports players Peter Impink, Toffy Beyloune and Santiago Avendano defeated Shrewsbury High School in four straight games in a best of seven match. They’re heading to Foxboro for the semi-finals in their hunt to win their fourth straight state championship in a row. Residents can watch the match livestream at 5 p.m. today on Twitch.

> 56 colleges, universities and of the U.S. military branches attended the recent TMHS college and career fair, and she thanked the student council members for their assistance.

> Over the next two weeks, 394 AP exams will be administered at the high school in 16 different courses.

> The posting is closed for the Acting Director of Student Services and Special Education role. She will bring a formal recommendation forward at the May 22 School Committee meeting. She will also post an anticipated opening for the Interim Assistant Director of Student Services and Special Ed. 

5. Assistant Superintendent Lori McDermott reported that the district had its final professional development day and planning is happening for next year. MCAS testing is also underway. 

> A firmware update caused issues with wireless connectivity. Twelve wireless access points at the Center Elementary School stopped working, but McDermott is confident that all access points will be fixed or replaced prior to the next MCAS administration. Per a question from Russo, she said there were no cybersecurity issues.

> There was a spoofed email sent out. Regan said there is a need to protect staff addresses from easy access. This led to more discussion about email security and phishing.

> Finally, she congratulated the CES production of Peter Pan. “You could really see that some of the kids are already actors,” said McDermott, calling out the hard work of Principal Jay Harding and many volunteers. On Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., “The Hearing,” a short 45-minute play, will be presented at the Wynn. Tickets at the door or through a Wynn student.

> The 40th annual district-wide art show and chorus concert is this Friday.

6. Dave Libby said the HVAC pre-construction work is proceeding, and insurance-funded flood remediation at the Heath Brook will pick up again in June as soon as schools let out. 

> ALICE drills were completed at TMHS, Wynn and Ryan in conjunction with the Tewksbury Police Department, with officers simulating an intruder. Parents of younger children are notified before and after a drill. Libby said these drills are being ramped up.

7. Committee updates:
Tewksbury SEPAC: Meets May 16, when there will be a reorganization.
Wellness Advisory Committee: There has not been a meeting since the last update.
Policy Sub-Committee: They’re working on some substantial policies, including wellness and homework policies, with the latter informed by a recent survey. The hope is to have a new homework policy in place for the next school year.

KFD and School Facilities for a Candidate Night were approved unanimously with no changes.

Garabedian said the Wellness Policy had not been looked at for some time; it’s important because it’s pivotal in both state and federal funding and compliance. A marked up version is available in the packet. Any resident with questions is encourage to reach out.

8. The 2024-2025 subcommittee appointments were approved unanimously as a full slate.

Collective Bargaining Negotiating Subcommittees:
TTA – Bridget Garabedian & Rich Russo
TTA – Education Support Personnel – Bridget Garabedian & Rich Russo
Custodians – Chris Moncada & Katie Anderson
Secretaries – Chris Moncada & Katie Anderson
TAG – Kayla Biagioni-Smith & Rich Russo
Nurses – Kayla Biagioni-Smith & Bridget Garabedian
Food Service – Katie Anderson & Kayla Biagioni-Smith 

School Committee Subcommittees:
Wellness Advisory Committee – Chris Moncada & Katie Anderson
Policy – Bridget Garabedian & Rich Russo
Tewksbury Special Education PAC (TSEPAC) – Katie Anderson & Kayla Biagioni-Smith 

Tewksbury Select Board Appointed School Committee Representatives:
Long-Range School Building Planning Committee – Bridget Garabedian & Rich Russo
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee (DEIAC) – Kayla Biagioni-Smith 

School Committee Representatives on District Committees:
District Security Team – Kayla Biagioni-Smith 

Any School Committee member may serve as an alternate for members that are not able to attend regular meetings, with the exception of town-appointed positions. 

9. The committee unanimously recommended adoption of Article 14 at Annual Town Meeting on May 6. Learn about Article 14 and other items on this year’s agenda here. 

10. The committee approved a TMHS out-of-state field trip to learn how life sciences work in manufacturing and engineering by having 14 or more students visit the Corning Manufacturing Plant in Kennebunk, Maine on May 29. The district hopes to subsidize the cost of the bus.

11. In new School Committee matters of interest, all members complimented the drama productions of The Addams Family and Peter Pan. In addition:

Biagioni-Smith mentioned the Wynn play tomorrow and Friday is going to be a great event and is only one act, about 40 minutes. She also asked for an update on the Yondr pouch pilot going on at the Wynn.

Anderson called out the partnership between the district and the police department: “Today they actually certified almost 50 kids in CPR,” she said. “Now we have a lot of kids that have that life skill.”

She also praised the use of QR-code-driven surveys given to students in different capacities and aspects: “To give them a QR code where they can give their feedback, and then taking all that feedback, whether it’s food services, whether it’s the career fair or the college fair, that’s going to be huge,” she said. “I’m really happy to hear that we’re asking for their feedback and giving them the opportunity.”

Russo reminded residents of Teacher Appreciation Week next week: “From the bottom of my heart, I know the effort and the things that you guys do to impact kids every single day,” he said. “And so kudos to all that hard work that you do.”

Garabedian recognized teachers and staff at all levels, noting that how they interact with students and with each other creates an amazing sense of community. She and Biagioni-Smith will be at the MASC Day on the Hill on Monday. Finally, she reminded residents that collective bargaining is happening with six of seven groups. Updates are posted on the district’s newly redesigned website.

Director of IT/Director of S.T.E.M. Jason Stamp will address a future meeting, per Regan.

The committee will meet next on May 22.