Marshfield School Committee Honors Member Lara Brait Battling Breast Cancer

Introduces Innovative Flex Block Program at High School

Oct 17, 2025

MARSHFIELD - October 7 - In a deeply emotional meeting Tuesday evening, the Marshfield School Committee opened its October 7, 2025 session with an unprecedented “Spotlight on Excellence” honoring member Lara Brait, who is currently battling breast cancer, before moving to substantive discussions about educational innovations including a new flex block scheduling system at Marshfield High School that has already shown measurable success in its first weeks of implementation.

The Full Story

The meeting began with an extraordinary show of community support as colleagues, administrators, friends, and family filled the meeting room to honor Lara Brait, a six-year veteran of the school committee who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Committee Chair Sean Costello called Brait a “community builder” whose contributions to Marshfield Public Schools extend far beyond typical committee service.

“There is probably nobody in the entire town of Marshfield who does as much as Lara, who seeks no credit, who actually gets quite a bit of crap for some of the things that she does,” Costello said. He detailed Brait’s work to revamp mental health treatment in the district, create an internship program for students, and serve as committee chair during the challenging post-COVID period. “She put herself in the line of fire to protect our administrators, to protect our educators against unfair criticism.”

Superintendent Patrick Sullivan praised Brait’s “boundless energy” and “never-give-up-on-anything spirit,” while retired Superintendent Jeffrey Granatino, who now works with Brait professionally, described her as “one of the strongest women I know.” Committee member Kendra Stetson recounted how Brait and her husband Steve arrived at her home during a plumbing emergency and spent hours outside in freezing weather helping resolve the crisis.

The community presented Brait with specially designed t-shirts, and she thanked everyone while acknowledging the difficulty of accepting help. “The hardest part for me has been letting people take care of me, because what I do is always take care of everybody else,” Brait said, adding that her experience has taught her important lessons and that despite the challenges, “I’m going to be fine.”

Following this tribute, the committee turned to educational matters with Principal Amy Cetner presenting an extensive update on Marshfield High School’s new flex block program, which launched this fall. The flex block represents a significant restructuring of the school day, replacing the traditional 15-minute homeroom with a structured 30-minute period designed to address multiple educational and student support needs.

The flex block initiative emerged from recommendations made during a New England Association of Schools (NEAS) visit in spring 2023, which suggested implementing a guidance curriculum in a more meaningful way. Previously, the guidance curriculum was pushed out through advisory programs run by teachers rather than guidance counselors themselves. The new system allows guidance counselors to take direct control of curriculum implementation while also providing time for Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) interventions, assemblies, guest speakers, and academic support—all without disrupting instructional time.

Principal Cetner explained that the flex block works on a weekly cycle. On Mondays, students attend an “anchor day” with an assigned teacher they will keep throughout their high school career. During this time, students review their grades, identify academic needs, and schedule themselves for Tuesday through Friday flex periods. Teachers can also “pull in” and “lock” students who need specific support or missed assignments.

“We’re putting the onus on the students and the responsibility on the students, with some guidance of course from the anchor block teacher, to select an option that makes sense for them,” Cetner said. Students can schedule time with any teacher in the building, access the library’s maker space (limited to 60 students), or be directed to specific support sessions by their teachers.

The program is administered through MyFlexLearning, a web-based scheduling platform that integrates directly with the district’s Aspen student information system. The system automatically displays student grades, attendance status, and schedules in one interface. If a student fails to self-schedule, the system automatically assigns them based on their lowest grade first, then teacher availability. Teachers can customize their flex block offerings with specific descriptions like “geometry help” or “algebra help” to guide student selections.

Cetner reported impressive early results: “This has been extremely successful. We are finding that this has already been very successful this first year out.” The program has enabled the district to add more semester and year-long electives because students previously taking two or three study halls out of an eight-block schedule can now use the daily flex block for that purpose and take additional courses instead.

Committee member Lauren Dargan shared a personal testimonial about her son, who missed school for a medical procedure. “He came back, like second day back to school and was like, that was awesome. I scheduled Sunday for Flex Block. I’m going to have two quizzes already. I feel like I’m right on track,” she said. “He wouldn’t have been able to go back to school” without that support.

The guidance staff has quickly embraced the system, conducting workshops on college applications for seniors, small group meetings with students in their caseloads, and PSAT preparation sessions. Teachers featured in a short video presentation praised the program’s effectiveness. One teacher noted, “I have seven grades signed up for today. So it’s nice to be able to get a smaller group together to be able to work and help,” while students appreciated having structured time during the school day to catch up on work and receive teacher support.

An unexpected benefit of the flex block has been an enhancement to the school’s “Before the Bells” student news program. On Monday anchor days, students now produce a full 30-minute live news show, a significant upgrade from previous capabilities. On Tuesday through Friday, a five-minute Before the Bells segment airs at the end of first block, reaching a captive audience in every classroom rather than during the chaotic homeroom period.

The flex block committee, which included staff, administrators, and importantly, students, continues to meet to refine the program. Cetner indicated they are finalizing surveys for students and staff to gather feedback and are considering additional enhancements such as incorporating student tutors. The implementation this year was supported by a grant from the Marshfield Education Foundation.

The committee also addressed several other significant items during the meeting. In a personnel matter, Superintendent Patrick Sullivan received a “proficient” rating in his first-year evaluation, with Chair Costello noting that every committee member submitted a proficient rating. Costello indicated there were many positive comments highlighting Sullivan’s “strong instructional leadership,” with detailed comments to be shared at the next meeting along with discussion of compensation during an executive session.

The committee approved two out-of-state trips for student organizations. DECA received approval for the organization’s Power Trip leadership conference in Arlington, Virginia (November 21-23, 2025) for the chapter’s 12 officers, and the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (April 25-29, 2026) for qualified competitors. DECA, with 260 registered members, represents over 20 percent of the high school’s 1,066 students, making it one of the largest chapters in Massachusetts. The organization has raised approximately $8,000 through local business sponsorships to offset costs, ensuring no student is excluded due to financial constraints.

Hockey Coach Dan Connolly received approval for the team’s annual Connecticut trip, a 55-year tradition that involves weekend competition and team-building activities. The trip is entirely funded through team fundraising with no cost to the school district.

Athletic Director William Battis presented a substantially revised coaches handbook, a collaborative effort with coaches that represents the first significant update to coaching expectations in approximately 15 years. The comprehensive 15-page document covers expectations for coaches, procedures, and policies. Committee member Lara Brait emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that volunteer coaches must be held to the same standards as stipend positions. The committee conducted a first reading of the handbook and will have district legal counsel review it before final approval, with implementation planned to coordinate with contract requirements and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) guidelines.

During public comment, resident Katie McCabe addressed the committee regarding the Marshfield High School dance team, which has been moved from the sidelines to the stands at football games this year. McCabe, whose daughter Kylie is one of the team captains, expressed disappointment that the change was communicated only hours before the first home game. She noted that while sideline safety is important, there is room for compromise, particularly given that water boys—elementary and middle school students—continue to have sideline access while the dance team does not. McCabe proposed several alternatives including rotating teams by quarter or half, capping the number of team members on the field at any given time, or splitting teams between halves. She specifically requested that the dance team’s six seniors be allowed on the sidelines for the October 17 homecoming game. Athletic Director Battis acknowledged receiving McCabe’s email and being the only administrator to respond.

The committee reorganized its subcommittee structure, appointing chairs for each subcommittee who will now be responsible for scheduling meetings, setting agendas, and ensuring proper open meeting law compliance including posting requirements and minutes. The committee also reassigned school council liaisons to provide broader exposure to different school buildings.

The committee designated Richard Greer as the delegate to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) annual conference delegate assembly and voted on several resolutions. The committee supported resolutions to remove BMI testing from schools, increase the maximum balance for special education reserve funds, allow school committee members to serve on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and mandate personal financial literacy education. The committee took no position on resolutions regarding sanctuary laws for transgender students or preserving local governance after concerns about implementation details.

Marshfield Education Association (MEA) representative Ben Raymond delivered an “Above and Beyond” recognition for Emilia Bieluch, a special education teacher at Marshfield High School, praising her as “a true gem and a valued partner in the classroom” who “brings professionalism, creativity, and a genuine joy for teaching.” Raymond emphasized that Bieluch exemplifies the contributions of special education teachers throughout the district.

Facilities Director Fred Russell provided an extensive report on improvements and maintenance across all school buildings over the past year. Work included food service equipment repairs and flooring replacement at Eames Way, HVAC improvements and a special needs bathroom at Daniel Webster, emergency lighting and elevator repairs at Governor Winslow, and extensive mechanical system upgrades including boiler replacements, water tank repairs, and generator infrastructure improvements. Russell reported that the district’s wastewater treatment plant operations have been so successful that testing requirements from the Department of Environmental Protection were reduced by approximately half in the new permit. The district is also working with architects on a mobile generator connection system that would allow temporary generator hookups at all schools without requiring permanent structures at each location.

Dr. Ellen Martin, Assistant Superintendent, reported on the district’s data-driven instructional planning process, which began with South River Elementary modeling a “data dive” using diagnostic screening data including i-Ready and other assessments. All elementary schools have now implemented this process, which occurs three times per year to identify trends, patterns, and students needing targeted support or enrichment. MCAS scores were officially released and will be posted on school websites this week. Administration is analyzing elementary MCAS data to identify areas of strength and inform curriculum decisions, while also recognizing that frequent diagnostic assessments provide the day-to-day instructional guidance that teachers need. The district is working to integrate MCAS reporting with more frequent diagnostic assessment results for comprehensive presentations to the committee.

Amy Scolaro, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, reported that the district has implemented Vector Solutions, a web-based platform, to administer all mandatory staff training including civil rights, discrimination reporting, restraint prevention, bullying prevention, sexual harassment, digital citizenship, and workplace safety. The system provides automatic tracking, role-specific content, and integrated reminder functions, replacing the previous district-created slide presentations and complicated documentation processes. As of the afternoon of the meeting, 96 percent of staff had completed all required trainings. Scolaro also announced collaboration with the CSF (Council for Special Education Families) leadership team to develop a survey for families of students with disabilities, with results to be shared in the spring.

Superintendent Sullivan highlighted the success of Marshfield High School’s inaugural RAMS Awards ceremony, organized by Assistant Principal Robyn Gay-Jennings and guidance staff, which recognized students for acts of kindness, with families invited to witness the presentations. Sullivan also reported growth in the Breaking Boundaries Club to approximately 25 students and described the district’s Belonging Team progress, including establishing building-based teams and working toward adopting a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. A “Posterior Team” steering committee with broad stakeholder representation will evaluate SEL program options, with opportunities for input from staff through multiple channels including the district belonging team, building-based teams, and the core steering committee. The team also continues work on culturally responsive teaching practices during administrative walk-throughs.

Why It Matters

The flex block program represents a fundamental shift in how Marshfield High School approaches student support, academic intervention, and use of instructional time. By providing daily, scheduled access to all teachers and embedding MTSS supports directly into the school day, the program addresses chronic challenges of students missing class time for extra help or being unable to access teachers due to scheduling conflicts and after-school obligations including work and activities. The program’s early success in enabling students to take more rigorous academic courses rather than multiple study halls could have significant implications for college readiness and course offerings. The integration of student self-scheduling and goal-setting on anchor days also develops executive functioning skills that extend beyond high school. For families, the flex block provides structured academic support during the school day, potentially reducing stress and evening homework struggles. The program’s success may serve as a model for other districts seeking to address similar challenges with instructional time, student support, and college and career readiness within existing resources.

Meeting Minutes

Key Motions & Votes

Motion: Five-minute recess for photographs with Lara Brait. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0. (Timestamp: 0:24:52)
Motion: Approve DECA Power Trip to Arlington, Virginia, November 21-23, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:21:33)
Motion: Approve DECA International Career Development Conference trip to Atlanta, Georgia, April 25-29, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:21:33)
Motion: Approve hockey team trip to Connecticut. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:27:27)
Motion: Amend subcommittee assignments to add capital projects liaison (Mr. Greer). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:35:04)
Motion: Approve subcommittee assignments as amended. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0-0. (Timestamp: 1:38:46)
Motion: Designate Mr. Greer as delegate to MASC annual conference. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0-1 (Chair Costello abstaining due to employment with MASC). (Timestamp: 1:48:46)
Motion: Support MASC Resolution 1: Removing BMI testing from schools. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-0-1 (Chair Costello abstaining). (Timestamp: 1:51:55)
Motion: Support MASC Resolution 3: Increasing maximum balance for special education reserve fund. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0-1 (Chair Costello abstaining). (Timestamp: 1:55:51)
Motion: Support MASC Resolution 4: Membership on Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0-1 (Chair Costello abstaining). (Timestamp: 1:56:48)
Motion: Support MASC Resolution 6: Personal financial literacy education. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (excluding Chair Costello abstention). (Timestamp: 2:00:48)
Motion: Enter executive session and not return to open session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Recorded by roll call. (Timestamp: 2:21:05)

Public Comment

Katie McCabe, parent of a Marshfield High School junior and dance team captain, addressed the committee regarding the dance team being moved from the sidelines to the stands at football games this year. She expressed disappointment that the decision was communicated only hours before the first home game and noted that water boys (elementary and middle school students) continue to have sideline access. McCabe proposed several compromise solutions including rotating teams by quarter or half, capping sideline numbers, or splitting teams between halves. She specifically requested that the team’s six seniors be allowed on the sidelines for the October 17 homecoming game.

What’s Next

The Coaches Handbook will be sent to district legal counsel for review before returning to the committee for final approval. The flex block committee will continue meeting throughout the year to refine the program based on student and staff survey feedback. Capital Budget subcommittee chair will schedule a meeting to discuss upcoming capital projects. Athletic Director Battis will address the dance team sideline situation. Superintendent evaluation subcommittee will schedule an executive session to discuss compensation. Contract negotiations subcommittee will schedule a meeting. The committee will receive a formal presentation on MCAS results and diagnostic assessment data at a future meeting. The district will continue establishing building-based belonging teams and developing an SEL program selection process.

Full meeting available via Marshfield Community Media.