At the May 27, 2025 meeting, the School Committee received and discussed the following presentations:

The Committee held its annual public hearing on participating in the state school choice program. This hearing was posted in both the print and online editions of the Wellesley Townsman on May 8 and May 15, 2025. Per the attached memo, the Administration

is recommending that the district not participate in this program. No community members chose to attend the hearing. The Committee voted to withdraw from participating in the state school choice program for the SY2025-2026.

The Committee heard the details of an award that recognized WMS Social Studies teacher, Michelle Gabrielson, who is being honored with the Frederick C. Graham Award that is given to a teacher who inspires his or her students with the study of the American Revolution. The award was presented by Thomas Thaler and Robert Allison from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. Congratulations and much appreciation to Michelle Gabrielson for her passion and commitment to WPS students!

The Committee then heard a presentation from the administration on the WMS Program of Studies for SY2025-2026, with updated language reflecting the approved competency determination language for high school graduation requirements. The WHS Program of Studies was previously approved at the April 29 Committee meeting and the Administration had asked for more time to complete the WMS Program of Studies with regard to math placement. The Administration provided additional clarification on the WMS math pathways and the linkage to 9th grade math offerings.

The Committee then heard the annual end-of-year review of the District and Superintendent Goals for SY2024-25.

The School Committee Policy Subcommittee presented an updated School Committee Policy on staff conduct (GBEB), for discussion. This draft was previously shared with the WEA leadership. The Policy Subcommittee routinely updates policies for clarity and comprehensiveness and/or to align with changes or additions to federal, state or local laws.

The Committee approved the five-year space lease agreement for the Launch Program with Regis College. As discussed at the May 13 Committee meeting, this program provides a post-high school education for students aged 18 to 22 with complex language, learning, and cognitive disabilities. Dr. Kat Bernklow, Director of Student Services, discussed the beneficial opportunities of this partnership and expressed appreciation for the hard work and vision Mike McIntyre, Director of Secondary Learning Centers and Out-of-District/LAUNCH, and his team put into this opportunity. The Committee also approved the related tuition rates for the Launch Program at this new venue. Similar to other specialized programs, WPS students do not pay tuition, but students of other districts may be able to utilize the program and those districts pay tuition to WPS.

The Committee approved the RFP to contract for district-wide counseling services and the recommended proposal to renew the contract with Human Relations Service (HRS) - a Wellesley-based non-profit mental health agency. Dr. Kat Bernklow, Director of Student Services, discussed the rationale and benefits of the recommended proposal at the May 13 Committee meeting.

The WPS Administration presented their recommendations for non-union salary increases for FY’2026. The Committee discussed and reviewed these increases at a previous executive session on this topic.

Finally, the Committee approved the acceptance of the Influence 100 Grant, as well as the METCO Supplemental Special Education Grant. These grants were presented at the Committee’s May 13 meeting as part of the quarter three fiscal update.

Coming up…….

School Committee Meetings:

6/10 School Committee Meeting 6:30 pm (Zoom)

School Committee Office Hours:

6/11 School Committee Office Hours 7:00 pm (Zoom) Sign up here

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