At the March 11, 2025 meeting the School Committee received and discussed the following presentations:

The Committee heard a presentation of the proposed WHS Competency Determination Requirement. Sandy Trach, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, along with many WPS district leaders, led this effort to make a recommendation for a district-based, Competency Determination (CD) for high school graduation, now that MCAS can no longer be used for that purpose. The proposed CD is required for students to graduate from Wellesley High School, effective December 5, 2024. (Each public school district in Massachusetts will come up with its own CD.) It is important to note that Wellesley High School's local graduation requirements remain the same. Additionally, MCAS administration and participation continue to be required for all Grade 3-10 students.

The Policy Subcommittee brought forward amended Title IX-related policies: AC (Amended) Non-Discrimination Policy including Harassment, Retaliation; AC-R (New) - Civil Rights Grievance Procedure; ACAB (Amended) - Sexual Harassment / Title IX Policy; and ACAB-R (New) - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment. The recommendation is for two sets of policies. One policy would address sexual harassment under Title IX, which is the Federal Discrimination Statute with a related policy outlining the procedures to address discrimination complaints, consistent with the 2020 Title IX regulations to which the new Federal administration has reverted. The second set of policies would address all other Civil Rights issues and complaints. It is recommended to have a broad non-discrimination policy (and a companion policy with procedures to address the complaints) to comply with Federal and State laws.

The Committee heard an update on ATM Article 18 - WPS Air Conditioning Feasibility Study. The Town Advisory Committee discussed and recommended favorable action on the Article during the past two weeks. The Article will be heard during Town Meeting in April. Committee member Niki Ofenloch is working closely with Town partners to incorporate Town priorities and processes.

The Committee then heard an update on the Team Rooms Design & Permitting. Committee member Linda Chow asked for consensus on a preferred design option. SC Members favored Option 2, which included an overhang above the stairs. Appreciation was noted for all the collaboration and dedication of many town partners involved.

The Committee then heard an update on the playing of Pickleball at Sprague. The Committee is discussing this because WPS is the land owner of Sprague tennis courts where pickleball play is currently allowed two days a week with some restrictions. The Committee will continue discussion at the next meeting.

The Committee approved revisions to Policy JG-Student Enrollment and School Assignment modified to reference policy JG-R-Elementary Transfer Option Procedure.

The Committee approved the receipt of fiscal year 2025 Federal and State grants; three (3) new grants and increased funding for four (4) current grant awards as detailed in the attached memo.

Coming up…….

School Committee Meetings:

3/18, 4/3 School Committee Meetings 6:30pm (Zoom)

School Committee Office Hours:

3/19 10 am, 4/16 7:00 pm (Zoom) Sign up here

Click to access documents from the March 11, 2025 meeting.

Click to watch the meeting on Wellesley Media.

Click to sign up for upcoming School Committee Office Hours.