Superintendent John Robidoux shared district updates at the latest School Committee meeting, emphasizing the uncertain status of federal and state grants for Marblehead, almost a month after voting noncompliance with 3A.
“These are funding sources that we rely on,” Robidoux said. “I keep my fingers crossed that the funding moves back our way.”
Certain school funding grants require compliance with 3A. The Massachusetts Department of Education stipulates that “the receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including … the MBTA Communities Act.”
The METCO program was especially jeopardized by the vote, as annual Marblehead programming necessitates nearly $500,000 every year.
“We pushed it through with a little bit of cajoling with the state and we got it approved,” Robidoux said. “That’s a big sigh of relief.”
Certain federal funds remain frozen because of non-compliance with 3A.
“I don’t think that folks really understand,” he added, re-emphasizing how crucial state grants are for the district.
Robidoux also presented updates regarding the Anti-Discrimination Committee, created last year to develop ways to address discrimination issues proactively in Marblehead schools.
The Committee wants to foster a healthier school culture, where students can be open and honest with each other when they feel discriminated against, he explained.
Robidoux presented Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a trauma expert and Harvard lecturer, also Director of Trauma Training at Parents for Peace, whom Robidoux believes could contribute to discussions.
“This is not an overnight fix. It will never be an overnight fix,” Robidoux said.
But he assured once more the committee’s dedication to founding a Marblehead school culture where kids feel good speaking up, to each other and to teachers and administrators.
