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Palmer School Committee approves first reading of wellness policy, accepts $26,000 earmark and ratifies cafeteria contract
Summary
At its Dec. 17 meeting, the Palmer School Committee approved a first reading of the Schools Wellness Policy, accepted an FC2517 earmark of $26,000, approved revisions to the 2025–26 Program of Studies, authorized a 2027 PHS international trip, and ratified a cafeteria union contract; votes were unanimous except one abstention on the Program of Studies.
The Palmer School Committee on Dec. 17 approved a slate of routine but consequential items, including the first reading of the Schools Wellness Policy, acceptance of a $26,000 FC2517 earmark, revisions to the Program of Studies, approval of a 2027 international trip for Palmer High School students, and ratification of a new contract with the Palmer Cafeteria Association.
The committee voted 4-0 to approve the first reading of the Schools Wellness Policy after discussion about whether screen-time initiatives should be included. Mr. Joseph Nompleggi suggested adding screen-time initiatives; Superintendent Matthew Francis said a Wellness Committee will take up screen-time concerns as part of a broader health curriculum review. Mr. Nompleggi moved the motion and Ms. Sandra Noonan seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The committee approved acceptance of FC2517, an earmark totaling $26,000, on a motion by Mr. Nompleggi and a second from Ms. Noonan. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
Members voted to approve revisions to the 2025–2026 Program of Studies (specifically the Middle Schools Pathways Exploration section). Mr. Matthew Lovell moved the measure and Mr. Nompleggi seconded. Ms. Noonan recorded an abstention; the motion passed (3-0-1).
The School Committee also approved a recommended 10-day Palmer High School trip in 2027 to London, Paris and the Alps, with the committee noting that families would have ample time to make payments to broaden student access. Mr. Nompleggi moved the approval and Ms. Noonan seconded; the vote was unanimous.
The committee confirmed a new ratified contract between the Palmer School Committee and the Palmer Cafeteria Association. Ms. Noonan asked staff to confirm that each building has a lead cook and a supervisor; Mrs. Sara Menard confirmed those positions exist. Ms. Noonan moved the contract approval and Mr. Matthew Lovell seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The meeting also included a finance snapshot: the district had spent $4,683,390 of $6,559,633 (71.4%) with $3,153,772 in encumbrances; OMP had spent $1,662,045 of $6,002,598 (27.7%) including $21,272 encumbrances; PHS had spent $1,879,593 of $6,231,861 (30.2%) including $140,202 encumbrances. No formal budget actions were taken at this meeting.
The committee adjourned to executive session under M.G.L. c.30A, s.21(a)(3) for strategy and contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (including the superintendent and directors) and did not return to the open meeting. The motions and vote tallies above reflect the recorded minutes of the Dec. 17 meeting.
