Everett School Committee
Monday December 18, 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 Item XII. 1.
During a public hearing from the Everett City School Committee, members and residents deeply engaged in discussions surrounding the selection process of a new superintendent, illustrating the community's concern for transparency, integrity, and proper representation. The hearing was grounded in a petition requested by Everett voters, urging the current committee to refrain from taking any actions regarding hiring or selecting a superintendent until the incoming committee members could take office in January. Speakers from the community voiced strong opinions on both sides. Advocates for the petition underscored the importance of respecting the voters' mandate, criticized the rushed and, in their view, opaque selection process, and highlighted past grievances with school committee decisions. Meanwhile, others defended the process as thorough and objected to the petition, stressing the need for continuity and leadership in the superintendent position. Throughout the hearing, the discourse illuminated the community's divided stance on governance, ethics in leadership, and the broader implications of the committee's decisions on the educational environment in Everett.
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Agenda Item III.
In the meeting, there was a proposal made by Ms. Sarnie and seconded by Mr. McLaughlin to waive the reading of the records, suggesting instead that they be placed on file. After the motion was put forth, a vote was taken. The majority supported the motion, as indicated by the overwhelmingly affirmative response, leading to the decision to not read the records aloud and to place them on file directly.
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Agenda Item IV.
During the public hearing segment on superintendent selection, speakers voiced their opinions on the potential appointment of William Hart as the next superintendent of the Everett Public School System. SERINO criticized certain school committee members for ignoring public support for the incumbent superintendent, Tahiliani, and for fostering a toxic work environment. She highlighted accusations of illegal actions by committee members and rumors of Hart's future appointment. STERITE raised concerns about residency violations by committee members, questioned the failure of a charter change meant to restrict job opportunities for elected officials, and criticized the committee's spending. M FORTIN expressed disillusionment with the committee's decisions and their disregard for public opinion. NELDA O'NEILL supported Hart, citing increased transparency and positive interactions between Hart and the union. SANDY JULIANO shared a story questioning the integrity of the selection process and supported delaying the vote for the new superintendent until a new committee is appointed. The session concluded with a motion to close public comments, indicating divided opinions on the superintendent selection process and concerns about transparency and ethics within the school committee.
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Agenda Item V.
The Ever High School Theater Company held its fall showcase, attracting 100 attendees, and is preparing for auditions for a new show. The boys' basketball team secured a win over Malden and faces Classical next, while the music department has conducted 13 holiday concerts with a gala forthcoming. An art auction featuring student work is scheduled, alongside the band and choir's participation in Everett's Christmas tree lighting. Sporting updates include the girls' basketball and hockey teams' current stands and upcoming games, with track teams and wrestling seeing varied successes. Spirit week is generating enthusiasm, and the orchestra performed for Saint Therese Apartments' residents. Students anticipate winter break beginning next week. The report, celebrating the season's achievements and festivities, was moved to be accepted and filed by Mr. McLaughlin and Ms. Sarnie, with unanimous approval.
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Agenda Item VI. 1.
The superintendent provided an update at a public hearing, expressing gratitude towards staff and students for their involvement in various events across the city, including music events, theater groups, and sports teams. He announced the upcoming holiday schedule, with schools closing for a week and highlighted the participation of Everett in a new school building project approved by the Mass School Building Association. This project aims to alleviate overcrowding in existing school facilities. Additionally, the superintendent mentioned the successful music and holiday programs organized by the schools, a community support initiative run by the high school guidance department, and a grant received by Neil Platnik for a cybersecurity awareness video project. He encouraged following the Everett Public Schools' activities through social media and acknowledged Mr. O'Connor for his communication efforts. The report was accepted by the committee and placed on file following a motion by Mr. McLaughlin and second by Ms. Cardello.
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Agenda Item VI. 2.
The passage discusses a request approved for Everett High School to have a delayed start on January 9 and 10, 2024, to facilitate mandated access testing. The motion, proposed by Ms. Lambert and seconded by Mr. McLaughlin, received unanimous approval with the stipulation of the correct dates being acknowledged in the request.
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Agenda Item VI. 3.
The request for approval to create a new budget line account for supplemental benefits for employees, which aren't covered through chargebacks, was discussed. The need for this new budget line is to manage funds for a new benefit for employees efficiently, as the current budget lacks a mechanism for handling these specific funds. The proposal faced scrutiny due to lack of detailed information and concerns regarding the appropriation of funds and the requirement of a two-thirds vote for creating a new budget line item. Hart clarified that no new expenditure was requested, merely the creation of an account to manage already anticipated chargebacks for an employee insurance program. Despite initially suggesting a deferment to achieve a clearer understanding in January, the motion eventually passed with a 6-2 vote, allowing the creation of the line item to proceed without waiting until the next session.
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Agenda Item VI. 4.
The section outlines a request for the acceptance of a $1,000 donation from Massachusetts Special Olympics, aimed at supporting the Unified Champion Schools program at Everett High School. The motion to accept this donation was unanimously carried with an 8-0 vote.
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Agenda Item VI. 5.
The section discusses a request for approval regarding the donation of gift cards totaling $500 from Caverion School teacher Anita Keheelin. The appeal is for favorable action on this donation, indicating an ongoing trend of similar requests being brought forward for approval. The item was successfully passed with a unanimous vote of 8-0.
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Agenda Item VII.
During this section of the public hearing, it was noted under item Roman numeral seven, titled "HART," that there were no items submitted by school committee members for discussion or review.
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Section 1474
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Agenda Item IX,
Cristiano thanked the chairman and submitted bills and payroll totaling $3,288,438.44 for consideration, after which Mangan announced the unanimous passing of the submission with a 7-0 vote.
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