The Policy Subcommittee spoke about the controversial flag policy at their meeting Wednesday morning, when community members heavily voiced their opinions on the matter.
Six different community members opened the meeting by defending the students that do not have the opportunity to attend the meeting since it fell during school hours. One community member said that “holding meetings at a time students cannot be here is inappropriate.”
The committee explained the meeting held Wednesday was not to vote or officially write any policy but was for discussion only about the next steps in creating the policy.
The last time this policy was discussed was at a passionate meeting in August, when students, parents and community members made their voices heard. The recent policy would only allow Massachusetts, Marblehead, U.S., and Prisoner of War (POW) flags on school property. This would take away the ability to display LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter, and other flags.
School Committee member Allison Taylor explained that the need for this policy did not come out of thin air. She said that there was no previous policy, which then makes it the School Committee’s responsibility to make one.
As the policy is a heavy topic, the committee discussed wanting to hold student and public forums to hear and address the given opinions. School Committee Co-Chair Jenn Schaeffner vouched for two forums: one for the students and one for the community to hear all opinions.
The committee also discussed possible dates for the forums to take place in February. One of the dates thrown out was Feb. 13. Taylor wanted to make a point that the forum will be held at night. That way students and other community members would have a chance to attend. She also stated that she understands students have extra-curricular activities that may interfere with the date and time, but, unfortunately, they won’t be able satisfy everyone.
The recess policy was also discussed. Taylor was fighting for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to have two recess periods.
Taylor argued that the younger students need time in the day to get “the wiggles out” to help them focus better, even adding fifteen more minutes a day will allow for that. Taylor then added that for a time two recess periods had been brought back. With those additions, she added, test scores were showing improvement.
While Taylor argued returning to that policy for kindergarten through sixth grade, Schaeffner said she wasn’t sure grades four through six ever had two recesses. Taylor stated she’s standing firm on this policy and would like to see it go through.
Both policies were discussed Wednesday, and neither was voted on or made official.