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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-21-SC-minLEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 5:02 PM SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Eileen Jay, Chairperson Sara Cuthbertson, Clerk Sarah Carter SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent The minutes were taken by Julie Kaye, School Committee Meeting Recording Secretary. The School Committee convened at the School Committee Meeting Room at Central Office and remotely. Members of the public can view and participate in person or in the meeting webinar from their computer or tablet by clicking on the link provided with the meeting agenda. Please note that this meeting is being recorded and that attendees are participating by video conference. This evening's meeting is being broadcast live and also taped by LexMedia for future on -demand viewing. All supporting materials that have been provided to members of this body are available on the Town's website unless otherwise noted. EXECUTIVE SESSION Ms. Cuthbertson moved to enter Executive Session under Exemption 3 - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (LEA, Unit A, Level 3 Grievance), Ms. Carter seconded. The motion passed 3-0. The School Committee entered Executive Session at 5:03 PM and re-entered in Open Session at 6:18 PM. During Executive Session, Ms. Lenihan joined the meeting, and Ms. Cuthbertson left. [0]01F-1a►11i_1h4►117!1 Ms. Lenihan read the following consent agenda items: • Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrant Approval a. October 3, 2025 -Payroll in the amount of $5,269,707.35 b. October 17, 2025 - BMO Warrant in the amount of $26,624.39 c. October 17, 2025 -AP Warrant in the amount of $1,166,901.22 d. October 17, 2025 - Payroll in the amount of $5,244,868.47 Ms. Carter read the following consent agenda items: • Minutes a. September 16, 2025 Ms. Lenihan moved to approve the consent agenda as presented, Ms. Carter seconded. The motion passed 3-0. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND LIAISON REPORTS Ms. Lenihan wished everyone a happy Diwali and mentioned that the Town of Lexington recently mailed information about the high school project. The mailing included a QR code that linked to a tax calculator, allowing residents to estimate the project's impact on their property taxes. Ms. Carter talked about the group that organized the Indigenous Peoples' Day event in Lexington Center. Representatives from the Wampanoag Nation came and shared traditional crafts with attendees. Ms. Carter and her family had a wonderful time and were very thankful for those who put on the event. Ms. Jay announced that on November 1, 2025, the Cary Lecture Series will be having a lecture on education. Former Lexington teacher De'Shawn Washington will be speaking. COMMUNITY SPEAK Olga Guttag - Emerson Rd (on Zoom): Ms. Guttag thanked the committee for the Community Forum presentation last week and noted that they had submitted seven questions prior to the meeting. It was indicated that the questions could not be answered during that meeting due to time constraints. Ms. Guttag asked when and how responses to these questions would be provided. Ms. Jay explained that those questions would not be answered through the School Committee. Ms. Guttag asked how to separate questions between the SBC [School Building Committee] and the School Committee, and asked again about expected answers and publication. Ms. Jay reiterated that responses are not provided during community speak. Monica Davis - 26 Hayes Ln (on Zoom): Ms. Davis explained that Lexington students (particularly the middle schools) have had a very interrupted school schedule so far, with many half days, short weeks, and holidays. In comparison, Winchester students have had a more consistent schedule with more full school days. Ms. Davis expressed concerns about Lexington's calendar and asked the School Committee to reconsider future calendars to provide more continuous instruction. PRESENTATION: Student Success Indicators: WAS Academic Achievement Results,,Grades 3-10 Dr. Kavanaugh, Director of Data & Strategy, joined the School Committee and reviewed the presentation linked above. She stated that the purpose of this review is to provide a snapshot of the overall performance, growth, and areas that need attention in LPS. The review included local assessments to provide a more comprehensive picture of student outcomes and connected these results to the district's multi-year goals. • Elementary and middle school math results showed high overall performance, with most students meeting grade -level benchmarks. Subgroup analysis revealed steady improvements among Black students, English language learners, and students with special education needs, although some subgroups still require support. • ELA results, including DIBELS and STAR assessments, reflected similar patterns: overall proficiency was strong, growth was observed across most subgroups, and special education and Black students showed notable improvements, though proficiency gaps remain. High school MCAS results were consistent with prior trends, with slightly lower proficiency in grade 10 due to changes in state graduation requirements; however, overall performance remained strong relative to similar districts. • The presentation emphasized the use of growth data alongside proficiency to identify progress, guide interventions, and inform strategic priorities. Key areas of focus moving forward include accelerating growth for Black students at the elementary level, addressing declines in special education performance over time, and sustaining improvements for all student subgroups. Ms. So, Director of Elementary Education, and Ms. Gaudet, Director of Secondary Education, also joined the School Committee to help answer any questions. School Committee Questions/Comments: Ms. Carter pointed out that students, especially African American and special education students, have shown improvement over the past five years; however, there is still more work to be done. She emphasized the need to identify effective strategies that help these students learn the right skills and succeed on tests. Ms. Carter would like to hear more about how we are going to meet the needs of all our students. Dr. Kavanaugh replied that research shows all students, including Black students, benefit from high-quality instruction; however, it's essential to ensure that these effective teaching practices are consistently applied in every classroom. To achieve this, the district is focusing on classroom observations as part of its supervision and evaluation process. By observing numerous classrooms, we aim to identify patterns in teaching, determine which strategies are most effective for different student groups, and enhance overall instructional practices. The goal is to identify areas needing improvement and to help principals and coaches support teachers in real-time, thereby improving learning for all students. Dr. Hackett added that our first step is 100% instruction, 100% of the time, which means ensuring that students of concern in subgroups receive 100% of the time they should, plus more. Ms. Carter also mentioned how the district has moved away from "leveling" Dr. Hackett explained that education research shows many places are moving away from separating students by ability levels and instead focusing on more inclusive, mixed classrooms to close achievement gaps. She noted that Lexington has traditionally separated students but is learning the value of teaching all students together using consistent instructional practices. The goal is to break down barriers between general and special education, as inclusive classrooms provide both academic and social -emotional benefits. Dr. Hackett also connected this discussion to the district's "honors for all" approach and how it may be influencing student outcomes. Ms. Gaudet added that research shows the greatest impact on students comes from providing strong core instruction along with the intervention support they need. Ms. Lenihan observed that the AIMSweb Math results for grades two through five appear to differ significantly from the MCAS results. A similar gap was observed between DIBELS and MCAS results. Dr. Kavanaugh explained that AIMSweb, DIBELS, STAR, and MCAS are all different assessments. AIMSweb and DIBELS are norm -referenced measures that compare students to national standards, while MCAS is criterion -referenced, measuring against state standards. STAR assessments are more similar to MCAS and have been validated against it, making them helpful in predicting MCAS performance and identifying students who may need additional support. Ms. Lenihan asked if it is possible to look at other towns' MCAS math results by subgroup. Dr. Kavanaugh replied that we can't look at it broken down that exact way. Ms. Jay mentioned the plan to phase out AIMSWeb math in grades two to five and implement STAR. She asked if STAR does a beginning -of -the -year assessment and an end -of -year assessment. Dr. Kavanaugh confirmed this and added that another assessment happens in the middle of the year. Ms. Jay remarked that implementing STAR at the elementary level will provide educators with the ability to see progress in students, as it is already used at the middle school level. She also brought up ELA and how we should stick with DIBELS as a screening tool. Ms. Jay spoke about how the DIBELS assessment gives details on skill breakdown. She would also like to understand more about why Black elementary students are showing growth, but then Black middle schoolers drop in proficiency. Dr. Kavanaugh spoke about how in 2022 the elementary levels rebounded to similar pre -pandemic levels, and this was not the case in middle school. Ms. Carter mentioned that DIBELS is good at testing reading, but that MCAS also has writing. She pointed out that there are some MCAS essay questions at the elementary level that less than half of our students got a proficient score on. Ms. Carter asked what we are doing/what tools we can use to get a better understanding of where our students are with writing skills. Ms. So explained that the Revised Units of Study is already working on improving writing skills; grammar and punctuation is now included when it was not intentionally taught before. She also spoke about how this is an important component to look at with the literacy pilots. OCTOBER 1 FALL ENROLLMENT UPDATE Dr. Kavanaugh stayed and reviewed this slideshow for the enrollment update part of Dr. Hackett's Superintendent's Report. She explained that as of October 1, enrollment was 6,555 students, down 193 from last year. Most of the decline is in elementary grades due to smaller kindergarten classes and larger cohorts moving up. Middle and high school enrollment is slightly down, though high school is still over capacity. Class sizes and team structures have been adjusted to match lower enrollment. Future projections show smaller cohorts moving through the system, so overall enrollment will likely stay lower at the secondary level. Dr. Kavanaugh stated that enrollment is gradually declining, but the district remains within capacity at most schools, with adjustments for new housing still to come. School Committee Questions/Comments: Ms. Lenihan pointed out the significant decrease from 3,094 students in FY19 to 2,425 in FY26 on slide 4. She also noted the small number of students on slide 5; we could have 148 sections, but we only have 121; that's 27 classes which equals a whole school. Dr. Kavanaugh spoke about how the housing development pattern has changed and that fewer multi -bedroom units will be available. Ms. Carter asked whether new housing developments typically have students spread across all grade levels. Dr. Kavanaugh replied that they usually have more students at the elementary level, since it covers a larger number of grades. Ms. Lenihan commented on how many Lexington residents attend private schools versus public schools. Ms. Jay asked if the historical phenomenon of seeing more students enter the system at the middle school and high school level is still happening. Dr. Kavanaugh replied that we are seeing students enter across the whole continuum of grades. POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE A. First Reading of the Competency Determination Policy B. First Reading of the Graduation Requirements Policy C. First Reading of the Middle School Pathway Policy Ms. Gaudet explained the above policies: a. After the passage of Ballot Question 2 [which eliminated the requirement for students to pass Grade 10 MCAS to graduate], districts must now set their own Competency Determination policy for graduation. The state provided updated regulations explaining what these policies should include. The proposed policy requires students to earn full credit for two years of high school math, two years of English language arts, and one year of science (biology, chemistry, physics, or technology). Starting with the Class of 2027, students must also complete one year of U.S. History. All 10th grade students across the State are still required to take the MCAS. Ms. Jay asked for language to be added to the draft district policy that defines what competency determination is. Ms. Carter would like parents of children on IEP's to review the policy. b. Graduation requirements have always been determined locally, and that has not changed. The only new requirement is that districts must now submit a formal policy to DESE. The draft policy explains that Lexington is changing from credits to years of study. Currently, the graduation requirement is 104 credits. This has been adjusted to 100 credits, which is not a reduction in expectations but rather a realignment to reflect updates in science sequencing, coursework, and related math requirements. For the senior opt -out, Ms. Lenihan would like to see "opt out of a second course with Administrative Approval" added, she is looking for more flexibility. Ms. Jay also noted a typo under Physical Education, where the text says two but the parentheses say three. c. The state is requiring a policy that explains our cooperation with our regional vocational school, Minuteman. The policy is expected to include information on what we do for career awareness. We will need to develop procedures on maintenance of student records with Minuteman. NEW BUSINESS A. Vote to Approve the renewal of Co `n School as_a Private Special Education School within the Town of Lexington Ms. Lenihan made a motion to approve the renewal of the Cotting School as a private special education school within the Town of Lexington, Ms. Carter seconded. The vote passed 3-0. B. Vote to Approve the SEW Contract from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028 Dr. Lyons, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Staff Support, joined the School Committee and gave the following highlights: • The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) will be 2.25% in 2025, 2.5% in 2026, and 2.5% in 2027. • Payroll realignment was done on this contract. • Prorating snow stipends was also done. • Increase in clothing allowances. Ms. Lenihan moved to approve the SEW Contract from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, as amended, Ms. Carter seconded. The vote passed 3-0. C. Vote on SC Positions for MASC Resolutions (postponed to the next School Committee meeting) SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Hackett reviewed her Superintendent's Report with the School Committee. The highlights from her report include: • School Custodian Appreciation Day was October 2nd • National Coaches Appreciation Day was October 6th • Sarah Labrie, a LPS employee, has been named a Semifinalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award • October is LGBTQ+ History Month COMMUNITY SPEAK Quinn McPherson - 33 Harry Agganis Way (on Zoom): Ms. McPherson asked several questions regarding MCAS scores. She wondered if lower enrollment contributes to lower test scores and whether there is a way to see an overall breakdown of diversity and equity among students, noting the potential impacts of refugee students entering Lexington after some shelters closed in 2024. She also asked how students are being prepared for the MCAS now that it is no longer a graduation standard, and whether the scores can still be considered reliable. Finally, Ms. McPherson questioned why specific subgroups, such as African American students and students with IEPs, are scoring lower and whether differences in instruction could be the reason. Mona Roy - Bertwell Rd (on Zoom): Ms. Roy thanked the district for its work to improve MCAS results, especially for vulnerable students. She emphasized the importance of continuing to support older students who are not reading at grade level. As a former special education parent, she expressed concern that removing MCAS as a graduation requirement could leave some students without key skills and reduce accountability. She suggested creating an appeal process for special education families and identifying students who need extra support earlier. Ms. Roy also noted that limited space at the high school has made it hard for some students to access required courses and encouraged more flexibility in graduation planning to help all students succeed. Jennifer Elverum - 3 Penny Ln (on Zoom): Ms. Elverum thanked the district for the MCAS data update and expressed concern about students' low writing scores, hoping this would be addressed in the curriculum review. She asked for more information about how the three pilot curriculums were selected. Olga Guttag - Emerson Rd (on Zoom): Ms. Guttag thanked the district for using data to identify student needs and strengthen instruction. She noted that many parents pay for private tutoring to address learning gaps and questioned whether the district could collect data on students who receive outside tutoring to better understand equity issues. Ms. Guttag expressed concern that families with fewer resources lack access to the same support and hoped the district's efforts would reduce the pressure on families to seek private instruction. She also reflected on the town's history, noting that past enrollment projections have been inaccurate, and cautioned against assuming that new MBTA housing units will primarily attract residents without children. Carissa Black (on Zoom): Ms. Black commented on the current school schedule, noting that the many days off, including holidays, conferences, and professional development, have made the schedule more complicated and created logistical challenges for families. She questioned whether this inconsistency might be affecting MCAS scores and asked the School Committee to consider reviewing or surveying the calendar to assess its impact on students. POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS Items added: • No items added ADJOURNMENT Ms. Lenihan made a motion to adjourn at 8:54 PM, Ms. Carter seconded. The vote passed 3-0.