School Committee approves updated district cell phone practice, tables curriculum “opt-out” policy

The School Committee unanimously approved an update to the district’s cell phone policy at its Sept. 17 meeting after hearing a second reading of the proposed update.

The policy, now a district-wide practice, comes in response to proposed state legislation requiring school districts to ban cell phones from campuses altogether, according to Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa.

Students will now be allowed cell phone access only during lunch and passing time, not during advisory and directed study halls, both of which are part of time on learning through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“It was our desire to become more aligned with what the future may bring for us in the state,” Mendonsa said.

Motion to table “opt-out” procedure

At its second reading, the committee voted unanimously to table a proposed language update to Waltham Public Schools’ handbook giving caregivers the ability to opt students out of curriculum with reference to LGBTQ+ identities.

The WPS website includes the updated language.

Mendonsa explained the proposed five-step procedure to opt-out if a teacher or staff member receives a concern regarding curricula or materials in reference to religious beliefs.

The educator forwards the concern to building administration and then notifies the building principal. The principal contacts the caregiver and directs them to a form if the concern impacts a seriously held religious belief. The caregiver completes the form and the assistant superintendent meets with the family to discuss next steps and notifies the building principal and teacher, according to the outlined procedure.

Before the committee voted, both Mendonsa and committee member Edmund Tarallo commented on the updated language.

In her statement, Mendonsa expressed her commitment to ensuring all students receive an affirming and relevant education.

“To our LGBTQ+ students and staff,” she said, “please know this, while we will of course abide by the law, our commitment to you does not waver. You are seen, you are valued and you are celebrated. Your history is our history. Your contributions enrich our community and your presence strengthens who we are as a school district.”

Tarallo quoted from the dissenting opinion of Supreme Justice Sonia Sotomayor, following with his own statement seeking a motion to table citing the committee’s attendance.

“I think this is a policy that is atrocious, though the law,” Tarallo said, “but I also feel that it’s something that we should not enter into without our entire committee.”

Committee member Debbie Coleman called a motion to table seconded by member John Frassica.

Additionally, the School Committee

–   Heard Waltham High School sports, arts and academic updates from senior Anabel Rutledge.

–   Listened to information from a variety of WPS leaders, including two new members — WHS Principal John Barnes and Administrator for Athletics Nicole Viele — as part of the superintendent’s update.

–   Announced information regarding the district equity team interest form will be distributed to families by early next week, following the virtual forums held on Sept. 15.

–   Discussed building a committee for the reutilization of 617 Lexington St. in collaboration with Raymond Porch, the district’s chief officer of family and community engagement, in hopes of completing a proposal by late spring 2026.

–   Accepted five donations from the community to support WHS sports programs, Career and Technical Education program, One School One Story program and students district-wide in need of backpacks.