Committee approves annual museum trip

Sixth-grade science teacher Glenn Tarullo asked the School Committee to approve the annual overnight trip to the Museum of Science, scheduled for March 11. He reported that 92 students are expected to attend, with a record number of parental volunteers (28) to accompany them. The committee unanimously and enthusiastically approved the trip.

Cheveralls provides update on Supreme Court ruling

Chairman Keith Cheveralls reported that he had spoken with the school district’s attorney, Naomi Stonberg, about the impact of a recent Supreme Judicial Court decision involving Wayland, in which the court ruled that school committees must discuss the professional competence of the superintendent in open session, but must develop the written evaluation in executive session. Cheveralls noted that the written evaluation later becomes part of the public record.

Community Education revenue drops

In discussing revenue sources for the school district, the School Committee looked at figures for Community Education, which has included such programs as Bridges, Base, and Extended Day Care. Cheveralls noted, “The figures tell an alarming story,” with a huge drop in revenue over three fiscal years. One possible explanation is that fewer families were able to pay for after-school programs because of the declining economy, with the result that students are going to the library instead. Asked how to increase revenue, committee member Stu Sklar drew a laugh when he suggested, “Close the library from two to five.” 

—Marty Green