School committee approves three‑year policy manual hosting with MASC

The Salem School Committee on Dec. 2 voted unanimously to contract with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to review and host the district’s policy manual.

Member Cornell moved the measure and Member Miranda seconded. The committee approved the three‑year review and hosting agreement with an initial three‑year price of $10,500, a one‑time upload fee (reported in committee materials) and an annual hosting fee thereafter of $950, according to the packet presented to members.

Committee members said the current policy manual was “messy” and stored in an insecure Word document; MASC’s service will standardize policy numbering, flag changes to Massachusetts law and provide a searchable, hosted library that committee members and the public can consult. Members emphasized that MASC’s service will not automatically change local policy; any legal updates flagged by MASC would still require committee action to adopt.

Member Cruz noted MASC staff who support the process include current and former school committee members and that the service is a tool — not a replacement for the committee’s policymaking authority. "It will make it easier on policy subcommittees," a member said during discussion.

The motion passed by roll call vote: Member Hoffman — yes; Member Manning — yes; Member Miranda — yes; Member Cornell — yes; Member Cruz — yes; Chair Dominic — yes. The committee recorded no dissenting votes.

The committee’s policy subcommittee will continue the review work with MASC’s assistance and bring proposed policy changes back for committee approval.