[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,87,99],{"_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",6179020,"mediaKeyId","5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898","parentId",5134397,"title","School district introduces new middle‑school principal, Matt LeVangi","audioSeconds",285,"startMs",2085000,"endMs",2370000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898&start=2085&end=2370","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898/thumbnail_2085000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179020/Massachusetts/School-district-introduces-new-middleschool-principal-Matt-LeVangi","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179020-d35f59681f8ec19e2fd5bb63b88fd092/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765028&Signature=hUgab76kq34YSk6oTBPgzLtVqNtcmp9iZ2gFdbmuR39mFJ39rFd51bEld~bh1R11134tXhyGGrnTqwYHtN0-pA5d-eaW~1Bj30TH0tVK0gvuAtfb0ZdrMql55HPv2dHglP5qW5zv29mUYUjKzZd2yp-2i2wqqHd6cCW-n4jOPgQ7hgSjoYd05FOzMd1cwDysk0jK0dMQydpejYppPXZjpdJ-haKjCAypw4B1AXds8GSh1m0frU3ZP9u5e-co1Jfi3UmPcCLcgbC17P5hxcKIOVtcrscwAP6ZVfnRkyclPkLQX~2ZI70RyShP3aNzqvQn32jGtWg07C4~wrZFWMFRqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marblehead Public Schools, MA","date","2025-07-03T12:28:00Z","article","The Marblehead School Committee formally introduced Matt LeVangi as the new principal for the town's middle school at the meeting. District staff said LeVangi was selected following an extensive search that included interviews, focus groups and a site visit to his previous district.

John (district official) said the committee and the district conducted a robust search led by Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira and that LeVangi was praised by teachers in his prior district. \"Teachers that were there from the school were very enthusiastic about your interview,\" one committee member told LeVangi. LeVangi began in the role the prior week and told the committee he had already received a warm welcome on his first two days.

Committee members and administrators welcomed LeVangi and said they look forward to his work with students and staff over the coming year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marblehead School Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The district introduced Matt LeVangi as the new principal of the middle school; committee members and staff welcomed him and described the search process.","taxTitle","Marblehead Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",68732,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179025,"Committee adopts technology and recess policies, approves handbooks; high school attendance rule draws dissent",0,5691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898&start=5691&end=5691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898/thumbnail_5691000.jpg","/articles/6179025/Massachusetts/Committee-adopts-technology-and-recess-policies-approves-handbooks-high-school-attendance-rule-draws-dissent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179025-00b499893001cbaccfae594a43207850/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765028&Signature=oAlksUUQ2yzml63a0jrXnkZ6WbbUscT6rZ4QWiONNVhV9gAGeEXr28t3sTtrOc28fq378~CS2bm0HD7Gk9L5ysn~YlotVVFk4O4ECm0PE8lb-qjVCw8SX8v6fxWRtRygBF1V~ITdRCFYRyqPaPCXWVOZv8eQOYddvPD3rG4HaxYFMCDkK2Jdg3xWMe6dicKKD3rDkopt-9hnrmIPmwuggSYVeH9drrQbTUFfN16JUm5cOVQRsNqP5A5agDlxNQEn0cLUwGufrhUap1NMOSNap9jgo9jiW5By2HyTpoyrk58IoPBr8r0xPD3BfvT9jQgbSkfT3barULnV--RnEFGrwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marblehead School Committee voted to approve a set of updated technology policies and to adopt a district recess policy while approving student handbooks for the coming year. Committee members also approved related parent consent forms and email/posting guidelines for student use of district technology.

The technology updates included revisions to the acceptable use policy and the parent/guardian consent form. The committee approved IJNDB (student acceptable usage policy) and related forms unanimously.

On recess, the committee approved a new policy recognizing the importance of physical activity in the elementary grades. The adopted draft states that kindergarten through third grade \"may have up to two scheduled recess periods\" and grades 4 through 6 \"may have one scheduled recess period,\" with all recess periods supervised by staff. The superintendent and committee members noted implementation depends on a five‑minute change to student start times being settled with the teachers union; the committee voted 5‑0 to adopt the policy.

The committee also approved updated student handbooks after administrators added an \"academic integrity expectations\" section that covers use of artificial intelligence tools; the student handbook passed on a 4‑1 vote (one member voted no).

A contentious point arose over the high school attendance policy. Some parents and at least one committee member said the handbook's absence thresholds and the way schools count \"excused\" versus \"unexcused\" absences could pressure families to send sick students to school and penalize routine illnesses. One member said the policy as written did not feel like an adequate solution to chronic absenteeism and asked for further community engagement; the committee approved the handbook despite the dissenting vote and asked administration to continue working with families and staff on the issue.

Committee members also discussed ensuring policies conform to state guidance and MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) recommendations; staff said they would review the survey/opt‑out language in light of MASC and federal guidance before final publication.

The meeting included public comments both supporting and criticizing aspects of district policy; administrators said they will continue refining language and return to the committee with clarifications where necessary.","The committee approved updates to technology policies and handbooks and adopted a recess policy; but the high school attendance policy and how absences are counted drew criticism from some members and parents.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179029,"Committee approves amended design contracts and directs dual bids for high‑school roof and HVAC work",1781,3360000,5141000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898&start=3360&end=5141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898/thumbnail_3360000.jpg","/articles/6179029/Massachusetts/Committee-approves-amended-design-contracts-and-directs-dual-bids-for-highschool-roof-and-HVAC-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179029-fa76590de01f6a324006258d5f675eb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765028&Signature=RVinlULWWIJKPToWVLcq39WYGJ3Jp9dcd9HhhWGgmWJVoFEvWA3UAvA-xrZlPpHW94BUnlsR~Og1F6YtfOvIaxxAeHT702vdXSP9-bOpGIFHWCPxayNcIQtbO7d1VXrnuWvzsFMKTYteGzi3p46cdRsCLQrRyelo0iGozFBypOsJ6bule2gryhnBbi7EBKyPPtqevL50yPtBC64NPJlO2dMTXA2XPAcj2uWMfzZD8a4cigpAFw17teoQFGVpNcqjiqi9B4HCbGQJ82C5GyV7lmTfB7DeUOT6TkjyzqjFbpMKvi5NhGBzhSJ96QaX6sAVw~m2NY-5bJreiO39d8khnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marblehead School Committee voted to approve amended contracts with Raymond Design Associates (RDA) and Left Field (owner's project manager) and instructed the design team to prepare bid packages that include two roof options and in‑kind rooftop HVAC replacement.

The decision follows a multi‑phase project that began with an initial borrowing authorization for roofing work and later expanded after town meeting to include HVAC and related scope. Committee members and the project's OPM described an aggressive schedule aimed at issuing bids this fall so construction could take place during the summer window to limit disruption to students.

Left Field project executive David Sanden and senior project manager Lina Wong outlined a timeline and scope, noting the project evolved from a roof replacement to a combined roof and HVAC effort. \"We're anticipating having construction activities commence next summer,\" Sanden said, and that rooftop HVAC equipment lead times were a primary schedule driver.

Design lead Jean Raymond (Raymond Design Associates) included both a membrane replacement option and a fluid‑applied roof restoration as alternates in the contract amendment. The committee approved amendments that fund RDA to prepare bid documents for both options so the market can determine the final choice. RDA's estimates suggested the fluid‑applied option could show substantial cost savings in some scenarios, but committee members and the OPM emphasized those are estimates and said market bids would be determinative.

Public commenters raised related concerns during the meeting's public comment portion. Mark Adams urged the committee to choose an electric heat‑pump system for the high school HVAC replacement rather than reinstalling natural‑gas boilers, saying heat pumps better align with the town's net‑zero by 2040 goal. Michelle Bell of Sustainable Marblehead requested the project include conduit and design features to make the high school roof \"solar ready,\" arguing it is far cheaper to install conduit during a renovation than after the roof has been closed up.

Committee members asked the design team to confirm whether the current high school structure and the proposed roof options were compatible with future photovoltaic arrays, and to consult the original building engineer if needed. Staff said the contract amendments and the dual‑bid approach fit within the total project authorization authorized at town meeting (approximately $14 million) and that the committee would need to coordinate with the board of selectmen for the contract approvals required for town capital spending.

The committee also discussed forming or reconvening a facilities subcommittee and inviting a local building‑envelope specialist who has offered to assist. Members said a small, decisive group will be needed to review bid results and make a timely decision when bids are returned to preserve the summer construction window.","The committee approved contract amendments and instructed the design team to prepare bid documents for two roof restoration options and rooftop HVAC replacement; members discussed schedule risks, warranty periods and making the roof solar‑ready.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179030,"Marblehead School Committee elects Al Williams chair amid questions about process",307,121000,428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898&start=121&end=428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5134397-6169a87fcf2d8db22171cc8801039898/thumbnail_121000.jpg","/articles/6179030/Massachusetts/Marblehead-School-Committee-elects-Al-Williams-chair-amid-questions-about-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179030-e50d4844843ee8faf5c780b163622759/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765028&Signature=hfSsjG81vNnyAtqq9gTR1wNpyFc14wxLrBdJNzKggdJPEwFl7QnxZ-PXzeAC26j7ZNPlZcIL47a32QWpGPiPM9Yy3F6QbHfRBSL-fWhBFSPFzegVe3MajeTj~8-0I5AstOMBx66PazXjAAsllQNYzecLbzfSjHl8Gsk6M09RRHsG0xYO6U5kbw3~fFnc-1GDpeUX9XVa8yJ8ipRHoawZdG6rlePN9-EyOAYKqrQem1NZv0NJgYrkHOlpxumzKdJXZ3VPW8swb69gsXMySKnIKqnYydi4FudQvwLkuHcOTCcAFiXwRM7ZJu6Dj0bdTC1RiAWMrfNxPny4prdIO1x-Qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Al Williams was elected chair of the Marblehead School Committee after competing nominations and a formal vote, the committee said at its reorganization meeting.

The vote followed nominations for chair and other leadership posts. Brian (last name not specified) nominated Williams; another member nominated Jen Schaffner to continue as chair. The committee then moved to select a vice chair and secretary; Kate Schmettepper (vice chair nominee) and Henry (last name not specified) were chosen for officer posts later in the meeting.

The leadership change drew public comment challenging the way nominations and votes were handled. Resident Sarah Fox told the committee during public comment that she believed the initial nominations and related communications constituted serial communication that, in her view, could amount to an open‑meeting law violation. \"Public business happens in public,\" Fox said, urging the committee to remedy any procedural errors and, if necessary, revote in public to correct them.

Committee members acknowledged the comment and then conducted formal motions, seconds and recorded votes on the leadership positions during the meeting's business portion. One committee member abstained from the vice‑chair vote, citing discomfort with the process; members discussed seeking guidance from an ethics office to confirm whether any conflicts would affect the secretary's ability to participate in executive sessions.

The committee made the leadership decisions on the record and moved on to other agenda items, including district updates, policy votes and a large facilities project. Committee members said they would follow up on the concerns raised about process and, if needed, seek legal or ethics advice to ensure compliance with open‑meeting and ethics rules.

The meeting included multiple public commentators who both praised outgoing service and called for transparency and adherence to public‑meeting rules going forward. The committee proceeded with existing business after confirming the leadership votes on the public record.","The Marblehead School Committee voted to elect Al Williams as chair, named a vice chair and secretary, and faced public comments alleging procedural irregularities and possible open‑meeting violations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School district introduces new middle‑school principal, Matt LeVangi

Committee adopts technology and recess policies, approves handbooks; high school attendance rule draws dissent

Committee approves amended design contracts and directs dual bids for high‑school roof and HVAC work

Marblehead School Committee elects Al Williams chair amid questions about process