[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6306568,"mediaKeyId","2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca","parentId",2437312,"title","Votes at a glance: Medford School Committee, Feb. 26, 2025","audioSeconds",4787,"startMs",2047000,"endMs",6834000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca&start=2047&end=6834","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca/thumbnail_2047000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306568/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Medford-School-Committee-Feb-26-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306568-fcc8d87ff3e7d487217fc359c77703a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013443&Signature=bnUu5~oRfJ-WYIWr5fWR~v6t76EEjOaunBbiNQJE7N9QGT6UVUbVpBwoIJJX3Adl-m7LrPGsqn60LcYtvGzKU0JCFuxoIdf3mgLJHBCBYpAW2onZN4RPsVazJ01Mj4IK9hOxx09l4~q3bnAZjZh6FkwxOaFqV0I-35c0FEhr35-IU~kZ9aub2aaINtaHkuP3RiysWJ28Ht4~elrUvy1uHSU8GfqmqyRcCEeUwrsd864DjoKs05LCAp34LpzkOjSz3BmFz4SbUpZPGnnASL54B1EVw0hW-Gb1~4xlMw-FJjwxNFQ8RoYM2QvpLY2AyE7A4R2sVHelvD31vpjHVGCMvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Medford Public Schools, MA","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","At its Feb. 26 meeting the Medford School Committee took the following formal actions (all votes taken by roll call unless noted). Where movers or seconders were recorded in the meeting transcript, they are listed; roll-call tallies are shown as recorded.

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve routine items including bills and payrolls, capital purchases, grants, field trips and minutes; mover: Member Brantley; seconder: Member Olapade. Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

- International student exchange pilot (Italy): Motion to authorize planning, host-family recruitment and program development for a pilot exchange; mover: Member Olapade; seconder: Member Brantley. Vote: 7-0, motion approved. (See separate article for details.)

- Facilities director job description: Motion to approve as amended (amendments included revised on-call language, added special-project duties, and a general 'other job-related responsibilities' clause); mover: Member Graham. Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

- Assistant facilities director job description: Motion to approve as amended (clarify weather mitigation duties, 'assist with' collective bargaining and contract administration, and add 'additional duties as assigned'); mover: Member Graham; seconder: Member Olapade. Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

- Vocational/CTE Chapter 74 adjustment: Motion to remove veterinary science from the district’s Chapter 74 submission and adjust expansion timelines for dental assisting, criminal justice/protective services, plumbing, HVAC, and information systems per staff presentation; mover: Member Graham. Vote: 7-0, motion approved. (See separate article for details.)

- IKF (graduation and competency determination) policy, second reading: Motion to waive full reading and approve the revised graduation/competency determination policy. Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

- Water wellness policy (ADF-W): Motion to waive full reading and approve with an amendment to reference a 10 parts-per-billion lead standard (committee amended to align with updated guidance). Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

- Resolution in support of Medford Public Schools' LGBTQIA+ community: Motion to adopt a resolution affirming nondiscrimination, privacy protections, and continued district supports for queer and gender-nonconforming students and staff; mover: Member Reinfeld; seconder: Member Olapade (as amended in chat). Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

- Resolution reaffirming commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion: Motion to adopt a resolution reaffirming district DEI commitments and opposing efforts to remove inclusive materials or supports. Vote: 7-0, motion approved.

Several other procedural items (executive session convening and adjournment) were recorded; the meeting adjourned after the votes and a moment of silence for community members.

These actions reflect a mix of programmatic planning (exchange and CTE program updates), administrative housekeeping (job descriptions), policy adoption (IKF and water policy), and public-position resolutions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Medford School Committee Regular Meeting - 2.26.2025","oneSentenceSummary","A roll-up of formal actions the committee took on Feb. 26, including approvals for the international exchange pilot, facilities job descriptions, Chapter 74 program adjustments, policy second readings and affirming resolutions; most motions passed unanimously (7-0).","taxTitle","Medford Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71102,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306573,"Committee removes veterinary science from proposed CTE expansion, keeps other MSBA-linked plans under review",1003,4367000,5370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca&start=4367&end=5370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca/thumbnail_4367000.jpg","/articles/6306573/Massachusetts/Committee-removes-veterinary-science-from-proposed-CTE-expansion-keeps-other-MSBA-linked-plans-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306573-4a7742872ee831f463132082b3a0a73a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013443&Signature=MFRwXnHxzKq0PfHdNLogqNTJnL5Ht61KC8wk1HwNderabIJgrmMQqfr7AwOmTVknaeyp1D8GGIOt9mzr83LtPoXUxZyurSSjYrMVfSIGnhRFc6zrYUvrsYoKqxXjtko4PTRwCst~FhNsRJFAP05pCbwDr-ymsFF77lsVsCSV1Xr8ZqRbBrqW5acMshD5BnNO67VCSwqWwLqBaVZrKNEZnWV602xSrMh87GYqBZEODfQhJAgstyFbmDsKwm6BbIqhVxgWx6S99t6GNb-ofjMtzXSni59q-z3Zy1k4X7kJpE4eON1~XIgcc67lBmOTumecOOpgO54uCJgVT-gbUlqKHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medford School Committee on Feb. 26 voted 7-0 to remove veterinary science from the district’s Chapter 74 career and technical education (CTE) expansion plans after district staff and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advised that the program would require substantial ongoing animal-care commitments and certifications.

Assistant Superintendent Peter Cushing and Chad Fallon, director/principal of Medford Vocational Technical High School, briefed the committee on CTE enrollment and program-placement data and on conversations with DESE. Fallon said the district’s current waitlist stands at 18 students and that additional seats created after last year’s override eased demand. The district is continuing planning for other program expansions that would require new space in a future facility, including dental assisting, plumbing, HVAC and information systems; those programs remain under consideration and timelines will be adjusted to align with MSBA feasibility and facility planning.

Cushing told the committee that DESE’s eligibility review for veterinary science highlighted operational requirements beyond classroom instruction, including 24-hour care for animals in the program and additional certifications and upkeep. Director Fallon said agricultural and long-standing vocational programs in other districts typically have the infrastructure—space, staffing, and protocols—to support animal-based instruction, and Medford concluded it was not prepared to meet those commitments at this time.

Member Graham moved to remove veterinary science from the Chapter 74 submission and to adjust expansion timelines for dental assisting, criminal justice/protective services, plumbing, HVAC, and information systems per the presentation; the motion was seconded and passed 7-0.

Fallon presented program-placement metrics: 271 students completed the CTE exploratory this year, with 200 placed into programs, 18 wait-listed and 53 choosing the traditional high-school pathway. The district plans to expand freshman exploratory offerings next year (art, music, technology rotations and a freshman seminar) and to submit DESE applications for certain programs in the 2025–26 cycle so that approvals and MSBA feasibility work align.

The committee directed staff to update the paperwork submitted to MSBA to reflect the removal of veterinary science and to continue coordinating Chapter 74 application timing with MSBA feasibility work. No new spending beyond previously approved budget items was authorized by the vote; the action updates program planning and scheduling only.

The motion passed by roll call vote, 7-0.","After DESE feedback highlighted resource and animal-care requirements, the committee voted 7-0 to remove veterinary science from its Chapter 74 expansion submission; the committee reaffirmed other CTE expansion timelines and will coordinate DESE/MSBA timing for programs that require new space.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306578,"School committee approves revised facilities director and assistant job descriptions after amendments",1312,3039000,4351000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca&start=3039&end=4351","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca/thumbnail_3039000.jpg","/articles/6306578/Massachusetts/School-committee-approves-revised-facilities-director-and-assistant-job-descriptions-after-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306578-be6dcc423ecff33852ecd3ef90e5f704/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013443&Signature=YcecPEyur6kh3ehpbQFxv~Za98bvIra1nIfo8tJ-8HAl52qTbq-c1H27gvQ4fjEmsi4EERK0dzpMiFnl1oOuAxZ3dhTG6Y0e-YY8wvG4CNgdmqGw1USW0GanjHSGUyuFtLoc785g-EIPPBm0LvN34nMIg9GLw1TsTlWbgTbVj2s-pkDQ1ZuAKgd9uGY9BpEO4cUAG0y7-t9TugzQDkn6rHvD85CxmjMazMtOptEKV4MwVpt3sCHy5IFg-lAvjNKM31oX0ZM0zbC~OlOwa8~HJVIIhHqh4HCYrHT14BbR~JGpvcbIpKV~DQqAULOLKdslwTglBCRJl4~pooqBW37f3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medford School Committee on Feb. 26 approved updated job descriptions for the facilities director and a newly created assistant facilities director position, voting 7-0 after committee amendments clarified on-call expectations, special-project responsibilities and contract-related duties.

Assistant Superintendent Peter Cushing presented both descriptions and said the updates reflect modern facilities management practice across districts and prepare the district for a growing capital portfolio, including potential MSBA-related projects. The descriptions were drafted after benchmarking about a dozen peer districts and were tied to recent override-funded staffing changes.

For the facilities director, the committee amended the on-call language to avoid a “24 hours a day” formulation. Vice Chair Graham proposed language to require the director to “be available for on-call support and to promptly address planned and unplanned needs,” and the committee agreed. Members also asked that special-project responsibilities and a general “other job-related responsibilities” clause be added so the job description covers future, evolving duties tied to MSBA and capital projects.

On the assistant facilities director description, the committee requested clearer language that the assistant would “assist with” collective bargaining and contract administration rather than be solely responsible for administering all contracts. Member Graham and others suggested changing wording about weather mitigation to emphasize both development and enactment of plans (snow, ice, heat protocols). Committee members also asked that the facilities director retain liaison duties with outside project managers (OPMs) and MSBA, with discretion to delegate to the assistant where appropriate.

Member Graham moved to approve the facilities director job description as amended; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call, 7-0. The committee later moved to approve the assistant facilities director job description as amended; that motion also passed 7-0.

Cushing said the facilities director position is currently filled but the job description had not been updated for several years. He told the committee the revised descriptions respond to increased facilities square footage (about 1.2 million square feet across district buildings) and a need to align responsibilities with academic and extracurricular uses of district spaces.

The approved descriptions list qualifications including a bachelor’s degree in facilities management or a related field (master’s preferred for complex building systems), a minimum of five years’ related experience with supervisory experience, familiarity with OSHA/EPA and Massachusetts building codes, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work flexible hours.

The committee asked staff to finalize the text for posting and to return any final, clean copies for personnel and posting processes. The actions do not themselves create a new funded position beyond the assistant director approved previously in the district override; they update and clarify the duties and expectations for hiring and supervision.

The motion to approve the facilities director job description as amended was made by Member Graham; the motion to approve the assistant facilities director description as amended was made by Member Graham. Both motions passed by roll call vote, 7-0.

The committee also directed staff to produce a short administrative policy that records job description approval dates and subsequent amendments to maintain clearer records going forward.","The committee approved updated job descriptions for the facilities director and the new assistant facilities director with amendments to on-call language, special-project responsibility, and contract-management wording; votes were unanimous 7-0.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306583,"Medford School Committee approves pilot student exchange with Italian high school",929,2108000,3037000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca&start=2108&end=3037","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437312-0ecb2c16f136f1e85b52e721bba1d2ca/thumbnail_2108000.jpg","/articles/6306583/Massachusetts/Medford-School-Committee-approves-pilot-student-exchange-with-Italian-high-school","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306583-600730b9f806ac3ee5a6fee5dbfd6fcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013443&Signature=MPdB9Fv0KqRBiIMXWaB7urOaKRV96eT2bZt-Zjok2zZakqY410yw4YmNeqnjiIj-4OlCAyMBfPwrooBVl0uAAWPdgzPLTPCs0Ivqv~G60n2nF6-1t5Dn172VE570WCaVhl176Zg-GwuMl~9GYcVrPqZdmFPP9KeoT-yjZHpOcuwQcKVy2kAl7SixgoCuFizTIh~cvCVZYFu6JGy6GV6tKBqVXszGwIM8gPv8WYq3h7FOkwFbNlbylnfLDEx~pIjMc8~cxFJ9HRdOczQtZsp7otbOAb8ZzPwbrZZw6AZBTT0jecDSAXbEH84Kkb8i3wW5IU05rh1xQhIS0fufJqEaIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medford School Committee on Feb. 26 approved a pilot international student exchange with a high school in the Veneto region of Italy, voting 7-0 to authorize planning and recruitment for host families and student participation.

The approved pilot calls for a visit by up to 17 Italian students and two teachers to Medford in October 2025 and a trip by a Medford group of about 15 students to Italy in April 2026. The committee framed the program as a small, experimental effort intended to test logistics, hosting, and academic alignment before any broader rollout.

Assistant Superintendent Peter Cushing and Vilma Badeau, director of world languages, presented the proposal. Cushing said the district had been approached by a school near Venice and had worked with a travel agency, described in the presentation as Promoter, to assemble a program package. Badeau said the experience is designed to “immerse” students in language and culture and to create multiyear friendships between host- and visiting-students.

Cushing described program basics and eligibility rules presented to the committee: participants would be predominantly high-school students, the pilot group would be limited to roughly 10–17 students, and the itinerary would include five to six days in the partner school plus day trips to Milan, Verona and Venice. He told the committee the tentative outbound travel dates are April 15–20, 2026, and that the visiting group would come in October 2025; the exact dates would depend on approvals from the partner school and final travel planning.

Cushing also told the committee the vendor package includes a cancellable policy the district plans to make available to families: “we are also, just so that the committee is aware… offering, for $52 included in the overall price, a cancel at any time policy up to 48 hours prior to departure,” he said. The presenters said academic eligibility rules under consideration would include minimum grade and conduct standards and required participation in pre-trip orientations and journaling but that some details were still being finalized.

Committee members asked about equity and capacity. Member Reinfeld asked what would happen if demand exceeded the pilot cap; Cushing and Badeau said the district would prioritize seniors for this first trip and is exploring scholarship supports and possibly using recently approved grant funds to offset costs. Member In Tapa asked whether executive orders or travel restrictions might interfere; Cushing said nothing known at the time suggested a likely impact.

The motion to approve planning and recruitment for the pilot was made by Member Olapade and seconded by Member Brantley; Member Russo called the roll. The vote was 7-0 in favor.

The committee directed staff to begin host-family outreach, finalize eligibility and scholarship criteria, and coordinate dates with the Italian school and the travel vendor. Staff said they would return with more detailed logistics and cost breakdowns if the pilot moves forward.

The exchange is described in the district materials as a pilot and contingent on further approvals and family participation; the committee did not authorize specific spending beyond standard program planning and outreach.

Evidence from the meeting indicates the district intends to proceed cautiously with a small cohort and to seek financial supports and explicit family agreements before finalizing travel.","The Medford School Committee voted 7-0 to approve a pilot exchange with a Veneto-region high school that would bring up to 17 Italian students to Medford in October 2025 and send 15 Medford students to Italy in April 2026, subject to program details and host-family recruitment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Medford School Committee, Feb. 26, 2025

Committee removes veterinary science from proposed CTE expansion, keeps other MSBA-linked plans under review

School committee approves revised facilities director and assistant job descriptions after amendments

Medford School Committee approves pilot student exchange with Italian high school