1. Public Comment (3 Minutes):

2. Student School Committee Report:

3. Presentation of the Records for Approval:

• September 5, 2023, Regular Meeting

4. Reconsiderations:
None

5. Unfinished Business/Calendar:
#23-203 Recommendation: Approval of Student Attendance Policy (Second Reading)

#Late Order from September 5, 2023 Meeting Motion by Vice Chair Rachel

WHEREAS: The administration developed elementary school schedule guidelines to ensure that students receive adequate instruction time in core academic subjects; and

WHEREAS: The guidelines address significant differences between individual Cambridge Public Schools’ instruction time for particular subjects; and

WHEREAS: Schools have created their SY23-24 schedules accordingly; and

WHEREAS: Some have interpreted the scheduling guidelines as detailed mandates rather than guidelines, resulting in concerns over rigid learning conditions; and

WHEREAS: Caregivers from every CPS school have contacted the School Committee and Superintendent with concerns about reduced play, nutrition, rest, and transition times; and

WHEREAS: The superintendent’s team clarified, at the August 8 meeting, that the guidelines would neither prevent extending class meeting times when students need longer nor providing requisite transition time between classes; now therefore be it 

RESOLVED: that the administration issues written communication to CPS staff confirming that the elementary schedule guidelines are advisory, and that principals and educators have the trust of the Committee and Superintendent to adjust as they see fit. 

6. Awaiting Reports:
None

7. Superintendent’s Agenda:

7a. Superintendent's Update:

Universal Pre-K Update & School Highlights

7b. Presentations:

First Two Weeks of School Updates

Victoria L. Greer, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools
Executive Leadership Team

7c. CPS District Plan:

None

7d. Consent Agenda:
#23-225 Recommendation: Approval of Revisions to the Controlled Choice Policy (Second Reading)
#23-226 Recommendation: Approval of Agreement for Parent Leave for Non-Union Employees
#23-227 Recommendation: Day & Residential Program Services not Available from the Cambridge School Department
#23-228 Recommendation: Contract Award: Bunker Hill Community College: Dual Enrollment Program for CRLS Students
#23-229 Recommendation: Contract Award: PowerSchool Group LLC: Computer Software-Amended
#23-230 Recommendation: Contract Award: Minuteman Regional HIgh School: Student Tuition
#23-231 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY24 Title IV, Part A Distributin: Student Support & Academic Enrichment Grant
#23-232 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY24 Title III Distribution-English Language Acquisition & Academic Achievment PRogram for English Language Learners & Immigrant Children & Youth
#23-233 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY24 Title II, Part A Distribution-Building Systems of Support for Excellent Teaching & Learning
#23-234 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY24 Title I Part A Distribution-Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local School Districts
#23-238 Recommendation: Contract Award: Robert Avossa DBA K-12 Leadership Matters: Professional Development-Amended

8. Non-Consent Agenda:
None

9. School Committee Agenda (Policy Matters/Notifications/Requests for Information):
#23-235 Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Chair Rachel, and Member Weinstein

#23-235 Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Chair Rachel and Member Weinstein

WHEREAS: According to the Community Use of School Facilities: Policies and Procedures, it is the Cambridge School Committee’s desire that the maximum use of school property be enjoyed by the citizens of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: The School Committee reserves the right to make changes, deletions, and/or additions to the policy if deemed appropriate for the School Department; and 

WHEREAS: The School Committee recognizes four categories of users: Category I: Cambridge Public Schools; Category II: City Departments, CPS-related Organizations, and Cambridge Youth Organizations, State or Federal departments; Category III: Cambridge Residents, Cambridge Community Organizations; Category IV: Non-Resident Individuals and organizations, and For-Profit Businesses; and

WHEREAS: The policy outlines that Category I: Cambridge Public Schools takes priority over events and activities permitted by other users described in Category II, III, and IV; and 

WHEREAS: The policy does not outline if any preference is given to other categories including non-profits providing free programming to CPS students over for-profit companies charging adults fees; now therefore be it 

RESOLVED: That the School Committee discuss if there should be priority ranking for the four categories outlined above if organizations request permits for the same space; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Superintendent works with the CPS facilities team to understand how permits from different organizations are approved when submitted at the same time; and comes back with any suggested recommendations. 

10. Resolutions:
#23-236 Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Member Hunter, and Member Wilson

WHEREAS: It is with a heavy heart that we extend our condolences to Jaden McDaniel’s family; and 

WHEREAS: Jaden was a talented player on the football team and was a team player; and 

WHEREAS: Jaden was an intelligent student who cared about his family and was close to his cousins; and

WHEREAS: Jaden made a huge lasting impression on many of his peers, educators, and staff in his short time at CRLS; and

WHEREAS: He was learning how to be an entrepreneur and had big dreams of opening up his own business; now therefore be it 

RESOLVED: That the School Committee formally go on record in expressing its deepest condolences to Jaden McDaniel’s family; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Executive Secretary be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Jaden McDaniel’s family on behalf of the entire School Committee, Superintendent, and Cambridge Public Schools.

#23-237 Joint Motion by Vice Chair Rachel, and Member Rojas

WHEREAS: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face significant discrimination and bullying both in schools and in society at large; and

WHEREAS: The 2022 Teen Health Survey reflected that students in the LGBTQIA+ community face higher rates of suicide and depression, and research suggests this is true for adolescents and adults nationwide; and

WHEREAS: student and staff well-being is a fundamental concern of the Cambridge School Committee and school boards across the country; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee affirms its support to promote the needs and safety of all staff and students who are LGBTQIA+ and Gender Non-Conforming within our district; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the School Committee gives its support to responsible civic actions by students, educators, and others who are raising the visibility of this issue and seeking changes in public policy; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the School Committee of Cambridge, Massachusetts urges state and federal policymakers to support laws and regulations that:

• Provide adequate funding for LGBTQIA+  awareness and anti-bullying training for both staff and students;
• Provide for safe bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing spaces for transgender and Gender Non-Conforming staff and students;
• Strengthen counseling and mental health services for LGBTQ students.

11. Announcements:
None

12. Late Orders:
None

13. Communications and Reports from City Officers:

None

Updated on 09/18/2023