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Orange School Committee approves calendar, policy package, e-waste disposal, handbook changes and emergency plan
Summary
At the Nov. 10 meeting the committee unanimously approved an updated school calendar to add five DESE-required weather days, adopted a package of district policies, authorized e-waste disposal, approved journal entries, revised handbook language for compliance, and adopted a Fisher Hill emergency plan; approval to enter executive session for negotiation strategy was also recorded.
At its Nov. 10 meeting, the Orange Elementary School Committee approved multiple administrative and policy items, including an updated school calendar required by DESE, a package of policies on academics and school operations, disposal of surplus technology as e-waste, handbook language updates, and an emergency plan for Fisher Hill Elementary.
Updated calendar: Dr. Liz said DESE notified the district that the previously approved school calendar lacked five additional post-last-day “weather” days required for weather-related closures. On a motion by Josefa Scherer, seconded by Crystal Clarke, the committee voted unanimously to approve the updated calendar adding the five days.
Policies adopted: On a motion by Josefa Scherer, seconded by Crystal Clarke, the committee voted unanimously to approve the second reading and adoption of multiple policies, including IKFE (Competency Determination), JJE (Student Fund-Raising Activities), KBE (Relations with Parents/Boosters), ECAB (Access to Buildings and Grounds), KI (Visitors to the Schools), EFBA (School Food and Nutrition - Meal Modifications), KBG (Parent Advisory Councils), JICDA (Academic Integrity), IMBC (Curriculum Opt Out), and JB (Equal Educational Opportunity).
Other votes: The committee authorized disposal of surplus/outdated technology as e-waste (motion by Crystal Clarke, seconded by Josefa Scherer); approved journal entries (motion by Crystal Clarke, seconded by Frank Hains); and approved revised handbook language after a DESE pre-review required updates to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations (motion by Crystal Clarke, seconded by Frank Hains). The committee also voted unanimously to approve the Fisher Hill Elementary Emergency Plan after administration said it was developed with local emergency officials to meet state requirements and local needs.
Minutes approval: The committee approved minutes from Sept. 8, 2025 on a motion by Crystal Clarke, seconded by Frank Hains; Josefa Scherer abstained on that vote. Roll call was taken by Chair Mallory Ellis for each motion recorded in the minutes.
Executive session: The committee voted to enter executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 21(a)(2) and M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel and to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy; the chair declared the committee would not return to open session and would adjourn from executive session.
Why it matters: The calendar change ensures DESE compliance; the policy adoptions and emergency plan update set operational and safety expectations across the district; the executive-session vote indicates the committee moved to closed-door negotiation strategy on personnel or litigation matters.
