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Malden School Committee adopts cell phone and absence policies, raises MOST director salary
Summary
At the Dec. 4 meeting the Malden School Committee unanimously approved a district cell phone policy and a revised student absence policy, and approved a $115,000 salary for the Malden Out of School Time director effective Jan. 1, 2024; a proposed vandalism policy was tabled.
The Malden School Committee voted unanimously Dec. 4 to adopt a district cell phone policy and a revised student absence policy and later approved a pay increase for the non‑union Malden Out of School Time (MOST) director.
The cell phone policy, moved by School Committee member and Policy and Procedures Subcommittee chair Ms. Spadafora and seconded by Ms. Macklin, establishes separate rules for PreK–8 and grades 9–12 and preserves access for students when cellphone use is specified in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The committee voted to make the policy effective immediately.
Committee members also approved revisions to the student absence policy. Ms. Spadafora said caregivers who keep students home without a doctor’s note must notify the principal or school nurse; if approved the committee agreed the policy would take effect the next day. Members discussed whether to explicitly reference mental‑health treatment; Ms. Hortie urged explicit language while administrators said disability‑related absence language can cover extended treatment and the committee agreed it can be revisited.
During the evening the committee considered a proposed vandalism and damage policy that would define vandalism broadly (including unauthorized electronic access or tampering) and establish restitution processes. Ms. Spadafora noted the district purchased "over 7,000" Chromebooks during the pandemic and said warranty coverage is expiring; she warned replacement funds are limited. Members raised questions about when police reports would be filed, whether the $1,000 threshold cited in the policy aligns with statute, how incidents would be handled equitably, and whether city insurance would cover losses. The committee tabled the matter to consult counsel and to return at a future meeting.
After an executive session, the committee reconvened and approved a motion to increase the MOST director's salary to $115,000 effective Jan. 1, 2024. A roll call recorded unanimous YES votes from Mr. Drummey, Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Spadafora, Ms. Macklin, Ms. Hortie, Mr. Gray, Mr. Bernard, Ms. Rose‑Zeiberg and Mayor Christenson.
Votes at a glance • District cell phone policy — moved by Ms. Spadafora; seconded by Ms. Macklin; outcome: approved unanimously; effective immediately. • Student absence policy — moved by Ms. Spadafora; seconded by Mr. McCarthy; outcome: approved unanimously; effective next day. • Vandalism and damage policy — discussion held; outcome: tabled for future meeting; further counsel requested. • School Council membership lists (2023–24) — approved unanimously. • MOST director salary increase — moved by Ms. Spadafora; seconded by Mr. McCarthy; outcome: approved by roll call (unanimous); effective Jan. 1, 2024.
The committee adjourned at 9:21 p.m. and certified that notice of the meeting was filed according to state law.
