Delegate report: West Bridgewater’s representative summarizes MASC resolutions including MCAS alternative and raising compulsory attendance

Mrs. Lizardi reported to the West Bridgewater School Committee about the Massachusetts Association of School Committees delegate assembly she attended on Nov. 8 and summarized the main resolutions that were approved.

Key outcomes she cited included a resolution to develop an alternative to the high‑stakes MCAS test (the motion passed with an amendment removing a moratorium clause), a successful motion to raise the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18, and adoption of resolutions addressing safe firearm storage, school bus stop arm surveillance enforcement, and fiscal support for rural districts. Mrs. Lizardi said the meeting included debate and voice votes; one contested item reported a recorded vote of 60 in favor and 26 opposed on a taxing‑authority alignment resolution.

She also reported that 11 previously adopted resolutions were reauthorized as a slate, covering topics such as banning polystyrene in schools, educator diversity and recruitment, full funding of transportation costs, school committee anti‑racism efforts, prohibiting Native American mascots, and full funding for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Mrs. Lizardi described the assembly as orderly and said delegates learned procedural differences that helped the session run smoothly.

The summary the delegate provided was informational; no formal committee action was required. Committee members asked clarifying questions and accepted the delegate report for the record.