Chelsea School Committee accepts multiple DESE grants, approves $440,000 intra‑district transfer and five‑year A/E agreement

The Chelsea Public Schools School Committee on Jan. 2 unanimously approved a package of grant acceptances, a $440,000 budget transfer and authorization to enter a multi‑year architectural and engineering agreement.

Two parents who spoke during public comment urged the committee to prioritize student‑facing positions when reallocating vacancy savings. Catherine Anderson, who identified herself as a special education liaison at Brown Middle School and president of the Chelsea Teachers Union, said she was “concerned that we're not living up to the spirit of our public budget process” after the district moved funds mid‑year. Vanessa Mendoza Mercado, a Chelsea resident and parent, asked whether vacancy savings “are supporting the students in the schools that are missing these staff members?”

The committee proceeded through a series of roll‑call votes on grant awards and budget items. All roll calls on new business passed with eight yes votes and one absence. The items accepted included competitive and earmarked grants from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and awards from other partners; the committee then approved a $440,000 transfer of funds and authorized a five‑year house doctor agreement for architectural and engineering services.

Votes at a glance

- Accepted $100,000 from DESE for a competitive grant supporting student social, emotional learning, behavioral and mental health and wellness (roll call: 8 yes, 1 absent; motion carries). - Accepted $3,000 from DESE for the Influence100 grant (8–0, 1 absent; motion…