The School Committee approved a one-year, revocable use-and-occupancy agreement allowing Big Blue Bargains to use portables and two second-floor classrooms at Clark School. Members expressed concerns about egress, staffing and building security; the motion passed 3–1 with committee members asking the operator to address staffing and access controls.
The Swampscott School Committee unanimously approved a FY27 budget of $35,484,012 on Feb. 5, 2026, endorsing a 3.96% increase and noting a preliminary $382,000 rise in net state school aid; members urged continued work with town finance officials on long-term pressures such as special education and transportation costs.
The committee heard a detailed presentation on the Massachusetts School Building Authority statement-of-interest process and middle-school conditions. Members generally favored a comprehensive MSBA renovation path but raised timing and town‑funding concerns; the committee did not take a vote and asked staff to return with formal language and coordination with the select board.
The Swampscott School Committee reviewed a proposed FY2027 budget that would raise spending 3.96%, add a fifth-grade teacher at the middle school, create a middle-school health teacher position, and shift some grant-funded roles into the operating budget; the committee also approved a Boston Bruins Foundation donation.
Students and staff described a monthlong, youth-led social media detox piloted at Swampscott High School. Presenters said survey results show many students cut screen time and reported improved focus; committee asked about measurement, definitions of 'social media' and next steps for a smaller-scale repeat.
The school committee accepted a $500 gift for the high-school theater program, $7,000 for the high-school TV program and $1,000 from an estate for Swampscott High School. Motions to accept donations and to approve minutes passed; no controversy or conditions were recorded.
District leaders described midyear progress on elementary and middle school improvement plans, including a targeted instruction (TI) pilot using homogeneous groupings for 40 minutes per day with an aim that 70% of targeted students show a year of growth; staff will survey families and students for cycle adjustments.
The committee voted unanimously to accept edits to the chemical health policy that remove punitive treatment of off‑campus, non‑school incidents after consultation with counsel; the handbook language will be updated and the change was placed on the consent agenda.
Vice chair Glenn Pastor and other members responded to the resignation of long‑time chair Amy O'Connor, praising her service and urging the town and boards to focus on collaboration and better public understanding of school finance. The committee outlined procedural steps for filling the vacancy.
A Swampscott High health elective, Bridging Generations, embeds the OMA (creative arts for people with dementia) program in the curriculum to connect students with older adults; students and partners say the class improves senior mood, builds student skills and will culminate in an art show Jan. 14 at the Swampscott Senior Center.
