Agenda Preview: February 6 School Committee Meeting
Preliminary budget estimates, Safe schools resolution
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—Bill
The next school committee meeting is scheduled for February 6 at 5 p.m. There is no executive session. See the full agenda here. You can watch it via zoom or Youtube Live. Spanish translation is available on zoom.
This agenda is a big one, at 10 pages, so there’s a lot I don’t cover, but here are the highlights.
Preliminary Budget Estimates.
The report of the Superintendent is on the preliminary budget estimate. The good news is that there won’t be a huge budget cut like last year, but the bad news is that the budget is pretty much even with the increase of operational costs, so there’s not much room for new priorities.
Two things that have helped bring in more money are: an enrollment increase of 428 students and the fact that we are in year five of the six year Student Opportunity Act (SOA) phase in. The inflation rate is at 1.93%, so that’s still not great (if you remember from last year that was the kicker that really screwed us over.) The Student Opportunity Act increase is basically eaten up by the low inflation rate, so the things WPS should be able to do with that increase, won’t be possible. That does not mean there won’t be changes, as the district is taking a resource equity budget approach this year.
Safe Schools Resolution.
Member Sue Mailman (at-large) proposed a resolution related to the “protection of LGBTQ+ and trans children and their families in the Worcester Public School system, despite the actions of the current President of the US and inaction of many other leaders.” According to the Greater Worcester Regional Youth Health Survey conducted in 2021, and found on the City of Worcester website, “There are alarmingly high rates of seriously considering suicide, making suicide plans, and attempting suicide among students who are not heterosexual.” Here is the data:
Gay, lesbian and bi students in Worcester are four time more likely to consider suicide than their peers, and three times more likely to attempt suicide. These stats are devastating, and show that we should have serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ students. According to The Trevor Project’s 2021 national survey, “LGBTQ students who reported being bullied in the past year had three times greater odds of attempting suicide in the past year,” but that “LGBTQ students who reported their school to be LGBTQ-affirming had 30 percent lower odds of being bullied in the past year.” Having LGBTQ-affirming schools saves lives and is an integral part to creating a sense of belonging for all students. And bullying is a concern raised by many parents and students of all identities.
The timing of this resolution aligns with what is happening at the federal level, but also in our city. It has been disheartening to watch the intense bigotry unfolding in Worcester, and nationally, against Councilor Thu Nguyen. That a city councilor used a slur against them and has faced no consequences is outrageous. If we allow bullying at the highest level of our city government, what does that show our kids? As adults it’s our job to model how we expect our kids to treat each other and create community. To show them how to own up to mistakes and how to repair. It’s the adults who need to model how to stand up to bullies. The kids are watching.
Other Items:
There is an item from the administration for approval of the competency determination for graduation since the removal of the MCAS.
Member Maureen Binienda (at-large) has an item to reconsider the cell phone policy given “Pew Institute's recent research and the MA AG new proposed legislation.”
Member Sue Mailman (at-large) requested a chart showing changes in enrollment by school and by grade over the last three years.
There is a response to Member Jermaine Johnson’s (district F) request back in November to address the issue of vaping in schools.
The administration is requesting approval to submit a statement of interest for two MSBA accelerated repair projects: a roof replacement for Belmont St. Community School and a roof and door/window replacement for Rice Square Elementary.
That’s it. Have a good week! If you have feedback you can always get in touch: aislinn.doyle@me.com
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I would like to know how much is being spent on the new football field at Doherty HS
I am outraged that our schools no longer pay for the students to take SATs which cost
over $60 making taking a test that is so important to getting into college a hardship for many.
Instead of a football field they should have covered the SATs.