School committee tables handbook approvals after members raise concerns over recess, attendance and privacy

The school committee tabled proposed updates to school handbooks after members identified multiple inconsistencies and concerns across elementary, middle and secondary handbooks.

Dr. Glooy introduced the packet of school-specific handbook edits, which included added definitions (for chronic absenteeism), updated AI/academic dishonesty language at the secondary level and minor formatting changes. Member Russo said she was uncomfortable approving elementary handbooks as written because multiple documents include language allowing recess to be taken away as punishment. Other members noted inconsistencies on attendance thresholds across Andrews, McGlin and Medford High School handbooks, differences in references to assigned bus seating, and that one handbook included school committee members' personal contact information.

Member Master Bony suggested improving navigability and translation for long handbooks and discussed creating a short “what changed” summary or a 5–10 page sign-off for critical items. Member Rouso moved to table the handbooks to allow staff to reconcile inconsistencies and follow up; the motion to table to the June 8 meeting passed 7–0.