MARBLEHEAD – The School Committee discussed policy updates for the coming year and the project for the renovation of the high school roof.
Superintendent John Robidoux said he couldn’t be more proud of the work done to move the district forward this year.
“Our students have grown and are performing well. Our administrators are planning for next year. I am truly excited about what lies ahead for Marblehead public schools,” he said.
Concerns regarding antisemitism were once again shared during public comment Wednesday. This issue had already been raised in May, as the Committee passed a resolution against the Massachusetts Teachers Association’s (MTA’s) teaching materials, which was reported to negatively impact the Jewish community.
One community member took the stand to express the importance, according to her, of free speech in schools.
“The truth is that we should all be able to criticize and have free speech,” she said. “And that includes students in Marblehead public schools.”
Robidoux then reviewed the policies that will be modified in provision for next year. School Committee member Jenn Schaeffner said the administration’s “recommended policy” regarding elementary school recess would set school start time 5 minutes earlier, in order to accommodate an earlier recess in the morning. She added that the policy suggestion was developed by request of the community and explained that was the “genesis” of the suggested change.
The Committee voted unanimously in favor of the policy.
Another pressing policy matter raised by Robidoux was to update student handbooks, speaking to all levels alike, on the matter of antisemitism.
“As an educator, I don’t want to allow our kids to be chronically absent,” he said. “We’re not in a good place, and kids need to be in school.”
Schaeffner suggested that a lack of robust discussion was making student absence considerably unforgiving, especially in cases of illness when a student does not refer to a medical professional and stays home.
“Someone has a couple of bad viruses over the quarter, and they’re getting an F,” she said. “I don’t support that.”
Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira also discussed the inclusion in student handbooks of information on artificial intelligence as it regards academic integrity.
At the moment, Ferreira explained, “we do not have any academic integrity information in elementary handbooks.” She suggested that all handbooks have the same academic integrity standards, modeled on Marblehead High School.
Additionally, the Town plans to renovate Marblehead High School’s roof with HVAC equipment. A decision remains to be made between two project options.
David Saindon, project executive at LeftField, explained an “evolving” project for full restoration of the high school roof because of reported leaks and water damage in the existing condition.
Two alternatives have been endorsed by experts for the restoration.
“I do not want to waste the Town’s money,” Robidoux said. “But I also do not want to choose a roof that is not the best option for the school.”
Saindon noted the tight timeline for construction, aimed at July or August 2026, and the necessity for less debate and more space for data to ensure the choice is made.
“We need to make the decision and stick to the conviction,” Robidoux said. “We need to move forward otherwise that roof will not be done next summer.”
The Committee voted unanimously in favor of studying both bids before commencing the final portion, the design and construction, of the project.
