To the editor:
This is a response to requests for a statement regarding a recent arbitration case involving a school employee.
As Chair of the School Committee, I am unable to issue an official statement regarding the arbitrator’s decision, as I have not convened with or communicated with the other committee members in compliance with Open Meeting Law requirements. I am only permitted to speak on behalf of the Committee after engaging with and receiving input from its members directly.
That said, the School Committee will always uphold the rights of employees as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). In this case, the employee had the right to exercise their rights under the CBA, including arbitration. This is the same CBA that was unanimously approved by the School Committee last November and has consistently received the Committee’s support.
Moreover, it is inappropriate for the School Committee to comment on personnel matters or actions taken by the superintendent. All personnel decisions are the sole responsibility of the administration and fall outside the jurisdiction of the School Committee, except in the instance of the position of the superintendent.
On Dec. 21, 2023, the School Committee convened an executive session to address complaints from the Marblehead Teachers Association (MEA) regarding certain special education staff. The members present at this meeting included Sarah Fox, Alison Taylor, Brian Ota, and me. The actions taken by these members of the School Committee, with the later addition of member Al Williams, represent a direct and decisive response to the concerns raised by the union and must be viewed as strong support for the leadership and full membership of the MEA.
The School Committee has since undergone a nearly complete turnover of senior administrators within the district, including the Committee’s hiring of Assistant Superintendent of Student Services LisaMarie Ippolito. Ippolito has since brought on several new direct reports to help build her team. We commend their extraordinary efforts in rebuilding this department over the past year.
Despite facing a concerning audit from the state regulator after this incident in 2023, Ippolito and her team have effectively resolved all issues identified, and we are not moving forward with the State’s approval. We expect the Special Education investigative review requested by the School Committee to be on the agenda for our meeting on April 3.
Additionally, we are looking forward to a comprehensive presentation from Ippolito later this spring, detailing her plans for special education programming in the upcoming academic years. Furthermore, a report from the Joint Labor and Management Safety Committee, established as a direct result of collective bargaining last fall and fully supported by this School Committee, will provide critical updates on staff and student safety. This report will be an agenda item in a School Committee meeting before the end of the academic year, and we anticipate a thorough discussion.
The members of the School Committee are dedicated to advancing our district while upholding our core values: student achievement, personal growth, fostering partnerships and collaboration, creating a culture of respect and appreciation, and maximizing resources for the benefit of student development.
Jenn Schaeffner
School Committee Chair
