School Committee - 7/22/2026

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[0:21] Okay, calling this meeting to order to a roll call, Ms. Carter, Ms. Manahan, Mr. Chair, Ms. Roy,
[0:37] Yeah, cool things are called this meeting to order
[0:43] Let's meet find the agenda here, and I'm sorry. I'm all in a
[0:48] VB laptop screen and
[0:51] That does not work well for me
[1:01] unfinished business
[1:04] Miss Roy miss Carter who wants just to the policy that we're going to be voting on tonight
[1:15] Oh, go ahead
[1:17] Well, I'm happy to do it unless you, um, this was drawn to our attention by, um,
[1:26] MSC. Um, there is a new policy put forward by the Department of Elementary and Secondary
[1:32] Education, which, um, we are legally required to update our policy in relation to time out and
[1:40] inclusion by August 17th. So this is our second reading of the updated policy as recommended
[1:52] by the department by mass association school committees and department of elementary and secondary
[1:58] ed.
[2:01] All right, great. Thank you. I want to pivot to the school committee members. We've all had
[2:08] this document for a while so I'm sure it threw it. Are there any open question that policies
[2:13] of committee, or what we take a vote?
[2:20] I'm going to head. Go down, I'll head.
[2:22] Yes, Mr. Jai, go ahead.
[2:26] Oh, did Kathleen have something?
[2:29] Oh, OK. Yeah, I went through the policy. It's certainly understandable why this is being done.
[2:39] there are a lot of guidelines and protection for students in particular.
[2:47] When I first read through it, I thought a lot of what they were trying to do is important
[2:54] and reasonable guardrails.
[2:58] But there were a lot of things in there that I just wondered how implementation would go.
[3:04] And then I read Dr. Hackett's memo and thank goodness, you know, we have people, on the case we're working on the pieces of it.
[3:13] So I guess I might, obviously, we have to approve this policy. I'm just wondering how those implementation steps will go.
[3:23] Particularly, there were quite a few things that ask for
[3:28] three sign off by a principle or pre-sign off by parents that I just wonder if that's going
[3:37] to be an easy thing to cover in advance of some of these occurrences when it could be
[3:46] that in the moment staff members feel the need to it and then we have to then worry about
[3:53] where those things lined up in advance and so forth and so on.
[3:57] So I just wonder about those implementation pieces of it
[4:02] and how we would plan to address it.
[4:10] I wanted to add something.
[4:13] I just, yeah, so I, so yeah,
[4:15] that I's Dr. Hackett had a really good memo on this,
[4:18] but it's just, I wouldn't echo a little bit of what Dr. Jason
[4:21] in terms of, I'm just, you know,
[4:23] I'm just thinking about the logistics and the resources
[4:25] is that we'll be needed.
[4:26] Some hoping there'll be an opportunity
[4:27] after my colleague speak for Dr. Hackett
[4:30] because she and her staff have been working on this
[4:32] and such to maybe speak to this as well.
[4:34] I know we have to do this,
[4:36] and it was not only just saying that we had to have the policy
[4:38] but also the details of, you know,
[4:41] the procedures in place before August
[4:42] or it does line as tight.
[4:45] So, all right, thanks.
[4:46] And I forgot to acknowledge you Dr. Hackett
[4:49] at the top of the meeting.
[4:51] I told you this little top screen
[4:53] and these old eyes don't go together. So I did see you. But take yourself off me, please.
[5:00] Okay. I am happy to speak on the implementation and I want to just start by giving
[5:09] Sarah Carter and Mona Roy a shout out because they have been working really hard all
[5:14] summer long on policy. Policy excuse me and that doesn't always happen. Sometimes we resume
[5:21] in September. So I know it's a lot of work and they take it really seriously and it's very helpful to us.
[5:28] So thank you for that. I also wanted to relay some of the conversation that I've been able to have with
[5:36] Ms. Roy and Ms. Carter relative to unfunded mandates and they raised a really good point which is
[5:44] that any time we have to adopt a policy and make changes, we should be looking at the cost associated with those changes and I know you've all talked about this at school committee particularly in light of
[5:59] the reduction of force that we've gone through every dollar, we know counts and so I added to the memo.
[6:06] Just a little update about that, well, we are not thinking that we need more staff to implement
[6:14] these changes.
[6:15] I do want to be clear that the changes will create more work for people.
[6:18] They will create more communication that's necessary as Dr. J was just pointing out and also
[6:26] just time to make sure the procedures are followed.
[6:28] And anytime that we have additional work on to an already very busy workload, that means that it's time away from, you know, ultimately kids and that's, that's always a concern.
[6:42] So I think it was wise, you were wise to flag it, and especially credit to Mona who really asked about that and said, let's make sure that we highlight that.
[6:52] So we did, there are really four key policy changes in the memo that Ms. Carter alluded to.
[7:03] They're listed in the memo.
[7:04] I will go through them all.
[7:07] Instead, I'll call your attention to the district readiness and training timeline.
[7:11] And I want to give my team a particular shout out.
[7:14] And also Attorney Brunt, who's office organized some trainings for people across the state,
[7:20] work in the same spot that we're in in terms of trying to hurry and get this policy through.
[7:27] So, on April 28th, they had an initial-
[7:30] Training by legal counsel on regulatory changes. And I should add, this is an actual cost. Any time you go to do a training, you pay those hourly fees. And we did that. And we did send some team members on June 25th. They, the behavioral specialists for the system review, the formal desi memorandum on updated solution definitions and expectations on July 27th, which is coming up soon.
[7:58] The district administration will be doing a deep dive follow-up webinar with Attorney
[8:05] Brunts office, Stomin, Chandler and Miller to refine implementation guidelines.
[8:10] So we have a lot in place and we are going to continue on that refinement.
[8:15] On August 18th, we have an adjoint council meeting and might memo Lora Spear and Sarah
[8:21] Fenzel will cover policy details, operational impacts and new documentation and reporting
[8:26] work flows. And then in the fall, we will be at the place where we can roll this out at the
[8:32] building level. Principles will review it at Jump between Council with staff before the first
[8:38] day of school. We've also linked some FAQs and some crosswalks that show what's different.
[8:47] So a lot is going on, but we are well positioned for the changes ahead and ahead of the state deadline.
[8:55] And I will keep you apprised if more implementation challenges or successes come up along the way.
[9:03] But I think this is we're ready to adopt and I appreciate the request for the procedures along with the policy.
[9:10] I think that's very helpful.
[9:14] All right. Great. Thank you.
[9:17] Any follow-ups, Ms. Roy or Mr.
[9:23] Do we have to vote on this again? Do we only need two readings?
[9:26] This is a rewritten policy. I didn't know what the rules are.
[9:28] Do we have to vote on this three times? Or twice? Just twice this one? Great. I think it's twice.
[9:36] I don't know. I'm asking my colleagues. This is where being the one I'm never sure.
[9:41] Yes. Great. You made readings. We...
[9:44] This is the second reading.
[9:47] I'm sorry. Excuse me, Mr. Freeman, go ahead.
[9:50] No, you please continue.
[9:53] No, I just... I wasn't clear.
[9:55] is there a pre-existing policy with those same policy letters?
[10:00] Yes. Okay, let's just rewrite. Okay, go.
[10:03] Okay, okay, great.
[10:08] Any other questions concerns before we have not, can I get a motion?
[10:15] Some moved.
[10:17] Second.
[10:19] Second.
[10:20] Thank you.
[10:22] All members in favor.
[10:24] I'm going to verbal roll call since we are on remote, Miss Carter.
[10:30] Yes.
[10:31] On a hand.
[10:33] Yes.
[10:34] Okay.
[10:36] Yes.
[10:38] And Miss Roy.
[10:40] Yes.
[10:41] And I am a yes.
[10:42] So that's five in agreement.
[10:45] Zero against.
[10:46] Thank you all for that.
[10:48] Thank you, Sarah.
[10:49] No, no.
[10:50] Well, all the hard work you put into this.
[10:54] Okay, the next item on the agenda, a very important
[11:00] proclamation that we met the month of June, the
[11:03] month of proclamation.
[11:05] This Roy, where you're going to read that, or do you want this
[11:10] where you're going to read it?
[11:13] I like it.
[11:14] Yeah, well, someone else read it.
[11:15] I see my screen is even looking worse.
[11:19] Yeah.
[11:21] Okay.
[11:22] Okay.
[11:23] And also, if there's anything that needs to be changed,
[11:26] please tell. I think it's okay. Yeah, when I wrote it through it, it's in finance. Okay, this
[11:35] out of my way.
[11:43] I'm the Lexington School Committee Pride Month Proclamation. Whereas we recognize
[11:49] that Arden was founded upon principles that all people are equal, that possess the right to
[11:55] live at the pursuit of happiness and as Lexington Public Schools is committed to
[12:01] setting safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where every student, educator and staff member
[12:09] is treated, busy, respect and the sense of being and whereas recognizing the importance of equality,
[12:19] free belonging and ensuring that every student is the opportunity to learn, grow, and
[12:25] thrive. And whereas our school and community are strengthened by rich diversity of our students,
[12:33] families, educators, and staff, included the many ethnic, cultural, racial, religious,
[12:39] Blue, Mystic, Disability, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and other identities and backgrounds.
[12:49] They can, to the vibrant character of Lexington Public School, and whereas private recognizes
[12:56] the history, resilience, dignity, visibility, and contributions of the individual who
[13:03] identify as less gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asap, for a romantic,
[13:12] a gender and others of the LGBTQ plus community, while we're forming the importance of ensuring
[13:20] that every student is treated with respect and is free from discrimination, harassment, and
[13:26] And as the month of June is nationally, NASA's Pride Month and
[13:33] corroborate the Stonewall uprising in June, May 29th, April of then
[13:40] Martin L.G.V.T.Q. plus civil rights.
[13:46] Now, therefore, be it resolved, accepting Lexington School Committee here
[13:52] recognize as the multi-john as private and real firms. It's commitment to
[13:58] false goals where every student, family, educator, and staff member is welcomed.
[14:05] You'd be respected, and have supported, and it's both a committee.
[14:09] Congratulations. All members on the left will continue to need to celebrate the diversity
[14:13] of the community and to uphold the principle of dignity and equality.
[14:18] Thank you.
[14:20] Thank you.
[14:21] Thank
[14:23] you.
[14:24] This morning is what I want to make it in comment.
[14:27] Thank you for making time for this.
[14:29] I really appreciate it.
[14:30] And it's particularly special that you read it.
[14:32] Thank you, Larry.
[14:33] It means a lot.
[14:34] Thank you so much for doing that.
[14:36] Well, thank you for writing it.
[14:38] I really appreciate how you all share up of these partnerships.
[14:43] You're really glad.
[14:44] And this one in particular means a lot.
[14:46] And my family, since we are part of the LGBT plus community.
[14:54] Any other question, Mr. Ado, we need to take a vote all this.
[15:00] We typically do, if we want to post it as a school committee proclamation.
[15:07] Okay, I'm going to motion.
[15:10] So moved.
[15:15] Second.
[15:16] Second.
[15:18] All right, let's check the roll call vote.
[15:21] Ms. Lenohand.
[15:22] Yes.
[15:23] Ms. Gauder.
[15:24] Yes.
[15:25] Ms. Jay.
[15:27] Yes.
[15:27] Ms. Roll.
[15:29] Yes.
[15:29] And I am a yes, it's zero.
[15:32] Thank you all very much.
[15:36] Before we adjourn, are there any other topics?
[15:41] Is from any other school committee members?
[15:47] If not, thank you all for making time in your summer schedules for this.
[15:52] And to everyone, the June Proclamation, the Honourary agenda, the agenda just got so packed from any other end of year pressing issues.
[16:01] But we did want to make sure that we did so far back and we make that public
[16:06] But again, can I get into a juror?
[16:13] said so moved. I'm sorry second whatever
[16:17] All right, Ms. Lennahan. Yes, Ms. Carter. Yes, Ms. Roy. Yes
[16:26] And Mr. Yes, and I am a yes
[16:31] This video is adjourned, thank you all very much.