Marblehead School Committee adopts calendar, program updates and multiple policy revisions; schedules budget hearing

The Marblehead School Committee on Jan. 29 approved the school district’s 2026–27 calendar and a slate of curricular and policy changes and scheduled a public budget hearing after the budget subcommittee presented a level‑funded proposal.

Chair (name not specified) opened the meeting at 7:01 p.m. and the committee first approved a consent agenda that included bills totaling $1,479,182.17, draft minutes from Jan. 15 and several policy rescissions and revisions. The motion carried 4–0.

Administrators then presented the 2026–27 calendar. The draft schedules staff orientation and professional‑development days in late August and proposed the first day for students on the Monday before Labor Day. Committee members discussed conference scheduling and asked that open‑house and school‑committee meeting dates be added before publication. The committee approved the calendar as presented pending those additions, 4–0.

In a separate vote, the committee approved the Program of Studies updates — a package that adds AP Business with Personal Finance, clarifies financial‑literacy competency options, removes unused COVID‑era programs (Marblehead Academy), phases out some legacy tracks (Algebra 3 C.P.), and adjusts elective offerings in world language, social studies and the arts. Dr. Cross, who presented the proposals, told the committee the changes are intended to expand career and college readiness and align dual‑enrollment options.

The committee also authorized Marblehead High School to send students to the DECA State Career Development Conference in Boston (March 12–14, 2026). Committee members questioned housing arrangements and mixing students from other schools; an advisor said there is precedent and student approval for combined accommodations. The trip motion carried 4–0.

A lengthy series of policy updates were considered and adopted, including revisions on advisory programs, wellness policy review, staff ethics and conflict‑of‑interest language, staff conduct and personal safety, gifts and solicitations, staff political activity, professional staff positions and hiring, and principal employment. Discussion on the gifts/solicitations language focused on operationalizing approvals for donations from PTOs/PCOs and boosters; committee members asked administration and principals to develop a pragmatic approval process (quarterly or blanket approvals were suggested). All policy motions recorded at the meeting passed 4–0.

Budget subcommittee members reported they were able to pare an earlier proposal down to a level‑funded recommendation for presentation to the full committee next week. Presenters described declining revenue assumptions and said the coming public hearing will be the opportunity for the community to review details and ask questions. The committee confirmed that next week’s meeting will center on the budget presentation and hearing.

Near the end of the public session, the committee voted unanimously (4–0) to enter executive session under Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy related to potential litigation involving Jay Buckey; the chair declared the committee would not return to open session.

Votes at a glance: • Consent agenda (bills/minutes/policy rescissions): approved, 4–0. • 2026–27 school calendar (pending addition of open‑house and committee dates): approved, 4–0. • Program of Studies updates (curriculum and graduation requirement language): approved, 4–0. • DECA overnight trip (March 12–14, 2026): approved, 4–0. • Multiple policy revisions (advisory; wellness; gifts/solicitations; staff conduct/ethics; personnel/hiring; principal employment): approved, 4–0. • Motion to enter executive session on potential litigation (Chapter 30A §21(a)(3), Jay Buckey): approved, 4–0.

The committee’s next meeting will include a public budget hearing; administrators said the presentation will go to the full school committee at that meeting for further review and possible adjustment.