Everett School Committee
Monday November 20, 2023
Clickable Transcript Printable Transcript Agenda
The order of items in transcripts appear in the chronological order in which they were taken up. Some Agenda items may have been skipped.
AGENDA IV.
At a public hearing, residents voiced concerns and criticisms regarding various issues within the Everett school system. Nancy Cianchetta highlighted safety concerns at Everett High School due to inadequate communication systems and criticized the prohibited use of biology textbooks due to an incomplete curriculum directive. Diane Nuzzo expressed dismay at the behavior observed during school committee meetings and questioned the fairness of the search committee selection. Peggy Serino and Mary Fortin defended Superintendent Priya Tahiliani and questioned the rush to replace her. Paula Sterite raised questions about the decision to place Tahiliani on administrative leave amidst allegations, highlighting the financial and organizational impact on the school system. Concerns were also raised about the criteria for selecting a new superintendent, implying a desire for a candidate aligned with certain political expectations. Jose Rosso called for a halt to the superintendent search until the new school committee takes office, emphasizing the need for diversity and accountability. Margaret Canelio lamented the negative perception and morale within Everett, urging the committee to reconsider their actions. Collectively, these comments underscore deep dissatisfaction with current school administration practices, concerns about transparency and fairness, and a call for immediate corrective actions to restore trust and integrity within the community and the educational system.
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AGENDA V.
Salvatore DiDomenico, representing Everett High School, highlighted the achievements and upcoming events involving the school's marching band, percussion ensemble, history club, and athletic teams. The marching band concluded their season successfully and participated in the Veterans Day ceremony, with plans to perform at the Everett Christmas tree lighting. The History Club visited the 911 Memorial in New York City, and accolades were given to fall athletes during a banquet. DiDomenico also mentioned the Thanksgiving Eve football game, the annual turkey toss, the start of winter sports, and reminded seniors about ordering caps and gowns. A clarification was sought about the location of the turkey toss, which was confirmed to be hosted in Everett at the recreation center on Elm Street.
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AGENDA VI. 1.
The superintendent provided an update covering recent achievements and upcoming events. He applauded the efforts and successes of students in fall sports, culinary competitions, and band performances, acknowledging the contributions of faculty, staff, and community members, including a notable donation from the Zonta club and personal contributions from individuals like a custodian at the Webb School. Preparations for Thanksgiving were mentioned, with school closures outlined. Additionally, an equity program for faculty, supported by a grant for a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, was highlighted, as well as further teacher training opportunities in technology slated to begin in January 2024. The superintendent emphasized the commitment to addressing educational challenges and ensuring safety, promising to dedicate himself fully to these objectives. The report concluded with a gesture of gratitude toward Everett Bank for a significant donation intended for future scholarships, illustrating community support for the students.
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AGENDA VI. 2.
The discussion focused on the approval of a memorandum of understanding between Everett Public Schools and the Everett Teachers Association regarding updates to the teacher evaluation process—a change deemed significant as it was the first update since the inception of the process. The memorandum serves as a collaborative agreement between the teachers' association and the administration, marking it as an acknowledged tool for evaluation to be incorporated into their existing contract. Marcony Almeida Barros of the City of Everett inquired about the necessity of adding this memorandum to the contract, to which it was explained that it signifies a collaborative effort between the teachers' association and the administration, recommended by both for inclusion in the contract.
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AGENDA VI. 3.
The discussion revolves around a request to initiate contractual negotiations with the Everett Teachers Association for units A, B, C, and D. Samantha Lambert from the City of Everett expresses her agreement with beginning negotiations, yet emphasizes that traditionally, such matters are handled by the finance and negotiation school committee, which holds the contract. She seeks confirmation that the negotiation meetings will start after January 1st. Mangan responds affirmatively, suggesting that the next elected chairman should expedite the process.
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AGENDA VII. 1.
The discussion revolves around a request to install handrails on exterior stairways at Republic Schools, prompted by incidents where children tripped and fell, particularly noted at the Old Everett High School on the Broadway side after Halloween. Concerns were raised about the safety of children, especially with the approach of bad weather increasing the risk of slips. It was noted that while some areas did have handrails, many did not, posing a risk not just to those who are handicapped but all students. The request, brought up by school committee members and highlighted by a concern from parents, was directed to be moved to Mr. Angelo Fabo, head of facilities maintenance at city hall, for the installation of necessary handrails to ensure student safety across all relevant school buildings.
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