Chief operations officer Kenneth Lord updated the committee on MSBA Accelerated Repair Program feasibility studies for three elementary schools (Brooks, Misotuck/Mistock, Roberts), timeline for HVAC/roof/solar work, a district network refresh and near-complete security upgrades; he reported National Grid rebates totaling roughly $1.677 million for Andrews and McGlynn projects.
Member Graham reported that Medford submitted a ~2,000-page preliminary design program to the MSBA and outlined an April 27 down-selection from 29 options to 3'5; the committee also voted to approve a revised capital plan with prioritization aligned to the Collins Center's citywide update.
Superintendent Suzanne Gallucci and Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Talbot told the School Committee the district is joining DESE's Learning Acceleration Network focused on grades 3'2 ELA at McGlynn and has rebranded staff professional development as 'Mustang University' with new online tools to track and analyze PD participation and feedback.
The Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee voted to submit its Preliminary Design Report to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, after project staff reported corrections that lowered some alternatives’ estimated costs by millions.
After reviewing a draft evaluation matrix for 29 alternatives, the committee revised wording, split and added criteria (classroom wording, maintenance-cost measures, site stewardship, traffic circulation, community access to ECC/CTE), and asked the project team to deliver a measurable explainer and a draft completed matrix before the next meeting.
Consultants presented the PDP space summary showing large proposed net floor areas (classrooms at MSBA upper limits, a 10,000‑sqft auditorium and expanded CTE space). Committee members pressed for clarity on what portions MSBA will reimburse and expressed concern that building size drives municipal cost.
A motion to ask consultants for reimbursement‑percentage ranges for each proposed space and a benchmarking table comparing Medford to Waltham and Somerville failed after consultants said the work is not typically done at the PDP stage and members cited MSBA timing, scope and cost concerns.
The Medford comprehensive high school building committee approved a communications and engagement plan, authorized January invoices, and approved a $17,600 contract amendment reallocating feasibility‑phase estimating funds within the existing $3 million feasibility budget.
The committee approved Resolution 2026‑6 directing members to submit proposed rule amendments by Feb. 23, 2026, with a compilation and draft revision to be presented March 2 and a goal of adopting revised rules on March 16.
At Tuesday’s Medford School Committee meeting, district leaders reviewed 2025 MCAS and ACCESS data, noting a modest increase in students meeting expectations and identifying K–5 reading and elementary ACCESS outcomes as priority areas for targeted interventions and professional development.
