Scituate School Committee Approves Union Contracts, Reviews School Improvement Plans
Committee tackles ambitious agenda including HBCU tour approval, Disney trip, and superintendent's goals
SCITUATE - June 16 - The Scituate School Committee approves contracts with five unions and reviews school improvement plans during their June meeting, highlighting efforts to enhance academic performance and foster a positive school culture.
Committee Chair Nicole Brandolini leads the meeting that begins with a presentation from Scituate High School students about their peer mentor program, which has grown from 17 to 38 participants. The students explain that the program aims to bridge the gap between upper and lower classmen and help freshmen transition smoothly from middle school to high school.
"Our goals are to bridge the gap between upper and lower classmen and really make people feel at home in the school and work to achieve an inclusive school environment," says Kira Schneider, a student mentor.
The committee then honors several retiring educators from the district, with principals sharing heartfelt tributes about each retiree's contributions to the school community.
A significant portion of the meeting focuses on approving two field trips. MarKaveus Barnes, METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) Director, presents a proposal for an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) tour during February break 2026. The five-day tour would visit nine universities and five historical sites across four states.
"This is something that has been in my goals and plans since I very first started in Scituate about three and a half, four school years ago," Barnes says.
The trip, open to 10th and 11th graders with select seniors, aims to expose students to the unique academic and cultural perspectives of HBCUs. Barnes emphasizes that the trip is open to all students, not just students of color.
"I think one of my big goals with this whole process is to really negate the notion that HBCUs are strictly for students of color," Barnes explains. "HBCUs are now more diverse than they've ever been."
The committee unanimously approves the HBCU tour, followed by approval of a Disney World trip presented by Mr. Thomas. The Disney trip, a biannual tradition since 2000, is scheduled for April 30 through May 4, 2026.
The committee then reviews and approves school improvement plans presented by Gates Middle School Principal Ryan Beattie and Scituate High School Principal Marc Loranger.
Beattie outlines four goals for Gates Middle School, including improving math and ELA performance, conducting whole child reviews for 100% of students, and implementing a new schedule that provides targeted support for all students.
"We want all students to perform at grade level or exceed, and we are specifically looking at subgroups of students," Beattie says regarding the math goal.
Loranger presents three goals for Scituate High School, focusing on enhancing the WIN block (a period for academic support), implementing a new MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) format, and building a positive school culture.
"We're trying to put supports in place for our kids to receive more academic and emotional support," Loranger explains.
Committee members provide feedback on both plans, suggesting more specific metrics for measuring success and a greater focus on pedagogy.
The committee approves student handbooks for both schools with minor changes, including updated language about cheating and plagiarism to include AI, and revisions to course selection policies.
A significant achievement of the meeting is the approval of contracts with five unions: the Scituate Teachers Association, paraprofessionals, cafeteria personnel, bus and van drivers, and school custodians. The committee tables the administrative assistants' contract for further negotiation.
Dr. Thomas Raab, Director of Business and Finance, who led the negotiations, notes that the contracts support both retention and recruitment.
"We worked on both sides of the equation to really make sure we were bringing in the best people but also retaining the people that we have," Raab says.
Superintendent Bill Burkhead presents an update on his 2024-2026 evaluation goals, which align with the district's strategic plan. He highlights progress in implementing the MTSS process, conducting equity audits, and improving communication.
Burkhead also shares results from a communications audit conducted by the Perry Group, which identified issues with the district's current communication platform, School Bundle.
"The good news is the contract ends June 30th," Burkhead says, indicating plans to explore new communication platforms while potentially keeping the current website.
Committee members request more specific data on progress toward closing equity gaps and suggest mid-year updates on new initiatives.
Other items addressed during the meeting include:
* Discussion of a bullying prevention and intervention plan review to be conducted in the fall
* Approval of a legal engagement agreement with the law firm Murphy, Lamere, and Murphy
* Approval of Dr. Raab's non-union contract
* Assignment of school committee liaison positions for the 2025-2026 school year
* Setting the summer schedule, including a retreat on August 21 and the first meeting of the new school year on August 25
The Data Subcommittee, led by Maria Fenwick and Carey Borkoski, presents two resources they've developed: an assessment "cheat sheet" to help committee members better understand various assessments, and data binders to keep key information accessible throughout the year.
The meeting concludes with a brief discussion of the committee's goals for the upcoming year, with members expressing interest in revisiting their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and continuing their work on communication.