[{"_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",6474005,"mediaKeyId","5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e","parentId",5742764,"title","Facilities director reports new door locks, playground work and Shamrock roof bid","audioSeconds",176,"startMs",5424000,"endMs",5600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e&start=5424&end=5600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e/thumbnail_5424000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474005/Massachusetts/Facilities-director-reports-new-door-locks-playground-work-and-Shamrock-roof-bid","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474005-3e08389ed6a526932576c559490e320b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775161079&Signature=kNEPc6-sl6gJYka2TmnGpaFItAVhj23FO2ufCV8xo6gLOf0bA88sZPcqGFfvk33xV2z4yGQ99-rJbK3wR2nYV6nrrwlvXPblsSgQKklWXqggbqkw8vbu07K2H~n2VoevYfZVQugeRNMxy-2kOYppTaPWn5hBul4XqlmVIB7i6H-LuHC119MXkWpJa0~HDlj139PBu6NFFmBoZZ7YkRjbhnz5ZLixqEbEl7URwwsl3BwtQGuuQRh6T05hZFWbuKevVFtF~6O4Om7-1N6Iaum1GngkFLLKBEBjjT6bpgnTqNof9zGoikKCGkK5buqAriABv2C0LKdcNxoM4-jwCsyUSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Woburn Public Schools, MA","date","2025-09-09T14:06:19Z","article","Woburn's facilities director on Sept. 9 summarized summer projects that officials say left school buildings ready for the start of the year.

Lennie Burnham told the school committee his department focused on mechanical maintenance and energy-efficiency upgrades to building control systems. He said the district installed new door locks at four schools and began a district-wide keying system intended to improve security and simplify key management.

The district also completed space reconfigurations to create breakout spaces and meeting areas, and the facilities office implemented a new work-order system for custodial and maintenance staff to track repairs and replacement needs.

Burnham credited the city Department of Public Works for on-site help that reduced costs for paving, stormwater mitigation and other work. He said the Malcolm White playground project is proceeding with city partnership and that the Shamrock roof project is scheduled to go out to bid this week with expected construction next spring.

Committee members thanked Burnham for the work; member Andrew Lipsett singled out the Malcolm White playground as a long-standing community priority and praised the facilities team for consulting parents and school staff.

Why it matters: Facilities projects directly affect school safety, operations and student experience. Door-lock upgrades and a district keying system are tangible security improvements; playground and roof projects address deferred maintenance.

What's next: Burnham said the district will continue energy-efficiency work in partnership with the city and monitor bidding and timelines for the Shamrock roof and other capital projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Woburn School Committee 9/9/25","oneSentenceSummary","Facilities Director Lennie Burnham said crews completed mechanical work, new door locks in four schools and space reconfigurations this summer; the Malcolm White playground is underway and a Shamrock roof project is planned to go out to bid.","taxTitle","Woburn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71058,"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},6474010,"Woburn superintendent highlights hires, 1-to-1 iPads and AI summer program",334,2699000,3033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e&start=2699&end=3033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e/thumbnail_2699000.jpg","/articles/6474010/Massachusetts/Woburn-superintendent-highlights-hires-1-to-1-iPads-and-AI-summer-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474010-6dd72ac16da5a235669f68bf421d1136/orig.mp4?Expires=1775161078&Signature=Y~QBv~Vmy6~3Xa~pkTRNuVsufhx9cyXYri8iFeqh1cCzkhiqQQjyhgYInkGZk1jHQtHxsULT7rKjXS3fkelN-z0eqBQwMAySbHGA4qkIycx1Kk~b9S~UCtAzIYvfzMdtNMTcJsWCE4wmt5yzf8gfuJgyO5az-w2QETGH0P~4HU604Rk7ccsMuTVKbGEciGWkTxca4W75Kew7KdXoCwhAKNEriWv38jKPTxqML~C-dpBplreDA8IV83rRKR-uD5kHrBeeeQXdnW8l7lYRLR9~jgNVhuG-XAkq-wt9GQEzICgG57m80I9UkdZiVmBpJ7Y9tdyAjaCVMyRCAPhHnoUYuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley told the Woburn School Committee that the district completed more than 100 hires over the summer and began the 2025-26 school year with positive enrollment and staffing trends.

Crowley said the district hired 102 people in roles ranging from paraprofessionals to teachers and an associate principal at the high school. He described summer onboarding and a revised new-teacher orientation intended to smooth transitions for new hires.

Technology and devices: Crowley said Woburn ordered 500 new iPads, enabling a k'12 one-to-one iPad program; Chromebooks remain the device for grade 2 and above. He also named Kim Miles as interim director of technology and said the technology team spent much of the summer preparing devices, charging carts and classroom configurations.

Summer programs and AI: Crowley described multiple summer programs across the district and highlighted a new four-week AI academy in partnership with Burlington and other nearby districts. He said the program included mentorship from college students and teachers, and partners included Inspirat AI, UMass Lowell and companies that hosted tours and presentations, such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and the Broad Institute. Crowley said the AI program aimed to expose students to machine-learning concepts, Python programming and career pathways.

Committee members asked about classroom uses and potential harms of artificial intelligence in education. Member Andrew Lipsett said he is cautious about AI's role in classrooms and urged the district to define best practices. Crowley and assistant administrators said curriculum leaders will work with the committee to develop guidance on AI use.

Why it matters: The device purchases and staffing decisions affect classroom instruction and student access to technology. The district's AI partnership exposes students to internships and technical pathways but raises questions about academic integrity and appropriate classroom policies.

What's next: The administration will continue onboarding new staff, distribute iPads and work with the curriculum office and school committee to develop AI guidance for classrooms.","Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley reported the district hired 102 staff over the summer, ordered 500 iPads bringing the district to K'12 one-to-one for iPad use, and described a four-week AI career academy involving Woburn students and regional partners.",{"_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},6474015,"Woburn School Committee: votes on handbook, policies, parking fee and invoices",404,6516000,6920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e&start=6516&end=6920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e/thumbnail_6516000.jpg","/articles/6474015/Massachusetts/Woburn-School-Committee-votes-on-handbook-policies-parking-fee-and-invoices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474015-2f57496d84d73e479ffbce1636adf85c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775161078&Signature=HHqPb7Zv-yV1qKoOPFQ36kCpytUcK32MRHUAGFv1WeNxp1~yBJPsA-nMlr95Xk-jh30meaSfIdvqcZqyt-iej46C6ldZ3zKH3-lAluzcg5aRFKUUDF95yTuCwde2BCjVNa4SP298VkRjupYUraBs9jJglqttNP-YNDuHopxL3Crm3g0VC0qJimc8CESa2uEpuCS-EPcV4E3Hci0SYw~T4otIvKPk6SynfpBR6sLZNR480fumOY1iCBhOK44651r7yO36yvMMlRsW79yTXUEvta5ObnbG8PHnRC6zdUDP8Rl7kUO6MBohb9ZkvjRGD5mbx2sE8weUeK4CaIF6orvG1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woburn School Committee on Sept. 9 approved a set of administrative items including the high school handbook, several policy updates, a high-school parking fee and multiple vendor payments.

What the committee approved

- Woburn Memorial High School handbook: The committee voted to approve the updated WMHS handbook as presented. Chair Colleen Cormier called for the motion; the committee voted unanimously in favor.

- Removal of Policy EF (School Cafeterias): The committee removed an obsolete brief policy governing cafeteria operations (citing MGL c.71 \u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 71:72 as referenced by staff) by unanimous vote.

- Policy updates (EEA and related transportation policies, JCA assignment of students): The committee approved a package of policies including EEA (student transportation services), EEAB (transportation for exceptional children), and related bus-safety and conduct regulations, and JCA (assignment of students to schools). The vote was recorded as unanimous.

- Woburn Memorial High School student parking fee: The committee authorized a $30 parking pass for students at WMHS, with senior priority and a lottery if applications exceed 200 spaces. The administration will manage sales; the committee approved the fee unanimously.

- Vendor invoice packets: The committee approved four invoice packets totaling approximately $3,308,906.56 across the packets (packet amounts announced during the meeting): Packet 1 $1,054,882.89; Packet 2 $1,681,008.67; Packet 3 $43,007.12; Packet 4 $530,008.35. The committee unanimously approved payment.

- Food service civil-rights policy (EFE replacement): The committee suspended the rules and approved replacing the prior EFE food-service policy with updated civil-rights language and directed staff to post complaint procedures on the district website. The motion passed unanimously.

How votes were taken

Most votes were taken by voice: Chair Cormier called for the motion and asked for \"All in favor? Aye.\" In each case the meeting record shows unanimous affirmative responses and no recorded objections. The committee roll call at the meeting opening indicated seven members were present.

Why it matters

The WMHS handbook and policy updates establish expectations and procedures that affect students and staff. The $30 parking fee introduces a modest revenue stream and a new administrative process at the high school. The civil-rights update for food service clarifies complaint procedures for families and ensures compliance with nondiscrimination requirements.

What's next

Administration will publish the approved handbook and post the food-service complaint procedure on the district website. The superintendent and principals will manage parking-pass distribution and will monitor first-week transportation issues.","The committee approved the WMHS handbook, updated policy language, removed an obsolete cafeteria policy, approved several transportation-related policies and authorized a $30 student parking pass at Woburn Memorial High School. The meeting also approved vendor invoices and updated the food-service civil-rights policy.",{"_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},6474020,"Parents, councilors press Woburn schools to restore bus stops after last-minute route changes",2537,991000,3528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e&start=991&end=3528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742764-e0dc33eefdc08f1f6e647da115a9225e/thumbnail_991000.jpg","/articles/6474020/Massachusetts/Parents-councilors-press-Woburn-schools-to-restore-bus-stops-after-last-minute-route-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474020-68d0c7d33e30eb46410c7bd9948600e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775161078&Signature=YQvHpJ7~F24sMfH7hDDz8rRfzHZ-RS9D0rbxSqArFwRodw0Koea222Vn5ViILtLcb08RXimSOyPWKXFjQhLis1uDCayjNinQDpce4mGgkE2zscLdq0OOdj4GqYCa9RBZD0L~gO~AM7d4rbbrc1MTeY14yczN9vtC5mWVW~mgDj9oSUepjUPIYWoAQlSt3ApghHcZbfkYHWuQqvL3YoqkTP9ZW-fXxf0Uy2dQjUYGI~RPPAb4hpNE7tRPmrR-Wmpwq6O~RVjlrX71C9bvZFGqTZ4u479fPEE6wj9xSIaADVh1SDqpXL4L6XSBdLprnGYtElFQKHRD3BEB1gII4IgdfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of parents and city officials urged the Woburn School Committee on Sept. 9 to restore or add bus stops after last-minute enforcement of the district's transportation policy left students without safe walking routes.

The complaints focused on neighborhoods served by Goodyear and Linscott elementaries and on stops near Pearl Street and the Westgate Apartments. Parent Megan Bowers said Linscott families found out too late that routes had changed and described the opening day as chaotic: \"What a sad sad way to start the school year.\" She added that streets near Westgate lack sidewalks and that drivers often ignore speed limits.

City Councilor Rob Toro, who said he is also a parent affected by the changes, told the committee the timing and manner of enforcement created real hardship for working families: \"Just because we have a policy doesn't mean the policy is good. This should be a time where we're looking at the policy and identifying hazards and maybe changing the policy.\" Several other residents, including Theresa and Shane Lane Day, recounted close calls and mobility concerns, and Rachel Packard described a new bus stop location that requires students to cross Montvale Avenue \"with no crosswalk, no crossing guard, and no flashing lights.\"

Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley told the committee the transportation notices went out on Aug. 20 after the district certified student data to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on Aug. 12. He said routes were adjusted to reflect redistricting and the district's 1.5-mile policy; students who were redistricted were prioritized. Crowley acknowledged gaps in outreach and accepted responsibility: \"I will own the lack of communication relative to that. And so that's on me.\" He said the district has posted bus information, a Q&A, and a bus-stop request form on its website and urged parents to contact school principals as first responders for localized issues.

Committee members pressed for quicker fixes. Vice Chair Patricia Chisholm suggested temporary crossing guards where needed; member Andrew Lipsett asked the city for funding if additional buses or stops are required. Several school committee members and the superintendent described plans for immediate follow-up: Crowley said he toured affected routes with the transportation coordinator; principals and the bus company will be engaged; and Dr. Crowley said he has a principals' meeting scheduled the next morning to address operational problems.

Chair Colleen Cormier closed public comment by referring the matter to the committee's Resources subcommittee for expedited review. \"The committee is taking action by referring it to resources,\" she said, and Vice Chair Chisholm and member Jesse Wetzel said they would convene the subcommittee and invite affected families to participate.

The committee did not adopt any emergency changes to stops during the meeting. Several members urged fast action and said they expected the superintendent to report back to the Resources subcommittee and the full committee at the next meetings.

Why it matters: Transportation changes affect families' ability to get students safely to school and can disproportionally burden working parents, children with disabilities and neighborhoods lacking pedestrian infrastructure. The committee's referral opens a path for operational fixes but does not immediately restore any specific stops.

What's next: The Resources subcommittee will meet with the superintendent, building principals and the bus company; the district says it will consider stop requests posted on its website and use the bus-tracking app to monitor routes. The superintendent committed to update the committee and to prioritize safety in any short-term adjustments.","Parents and city officials told the Woburn School Committee that last-minute enforcement of the district's 1.5-mile transportation policy left children without safe walking routes. Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley acknowledged communication failures and the committee referred the matter to its Resources subcommittee for rapid review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Facilities director reports new door locks, playground work and Shamrock roof bid

Woburn superintendent highlights hires, 1-to-1 iPads and AI summer program

Woburn School Committee: votes on handbook, policies, parking fee and invoices

Parents, councilors press Woburn schools to restore bus stops after last-minute route changes