School Committee actions in brief

The School Committee at its Wednesday meeting heard updates about the district’s career and technical education program objectives, data and long-term goals from Michael Grace, director of Waltham’s career and technical education program. 

Members, however, expressed their concerns about low program enrollment, retention and certification rates. 

Mayor Jeanette A. McCarthy and Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa explained that updates to school schedules and extension of opportunities for K-8 engagement in programs are necessary and require further discussion at future meetings.

The committee agreed to revisit the issue at its next meeting.

Additionally, the School Committee

• Unanimously approved a proposed revision to the WPS meal charge policy updating language regarding the district’s free breakfast and lunch program and negative account balance notifications.

• Discussed three proposed staff positions to operate pre-K classes at WHS in potential collaboration with the school’s CTE early education program. 

• Heard a vocal performance of two songs from the WHS show choir.

• Heard student council updates on WHS winter sports and the school’s annual Hawks for the Holidays fundraiser.

• Accepted a donation of winter coats made to WPS by Cradles to Crayons.

• Heard updates from WHS’s  improvement plan based on student learning goals, professional practice goals, and student engagement or family and community engagement goals.