Scituate school officials are confronting a significant gap between reported bullying incidents and the lived experience of local families, according to data shared during the School Committee’s May 4 meeting. Assistant Superintendent Liam Lynch presented an update on the district’s Bullying Prevention Intervention Plan, noting that while confirmed incidents remained in the single digits for the 2024-25 school year, survey data painted a more troubling picture. Approximately 14 percent of elementary and 15 percent of middle school families reported their children have been repeatedly targeted. Lynch noted that there is a communication gap, adding that families want to hear more about the steps taken proactively. The district is now opening a public comment period through June 15 on a draft plan that emphasizes digital safety and more frequent data reviews.

The survey data sparked concern among committee members, particularly regarding middle school sentiment. Member Peter Gates pointed to specific feedback from the younger grades, noting that at the middle school, 50 percent of 140 responses said their child was bullied. That’s a problem. He also urged the district to ensure that non-teaching staff, such as bus drivers, are fully integrated into future training sessions. Member Carey Borkoski emphasized the need for better execution of existing rules, stating, I appreciated the humility in the task force. We have a strong policy, but the fidelity piece is missing. Families care about ‘repair’—knowing their kids will be together for years.

Leadership remained a central theme as Patti Synicole of First Speaking Group presented a needs assessment for the search for a permanent superintendent. Following focus groups with teachers, parents, and town officials, Synicole identified four primary traits desired in the next leader: communication, visibility, decisiveness, and a kid-centric focus. The findings highlighted a desire for stability following recent churn in the position, as well as the looming challenges of elementary redistricting and the opening of the new consolidated school. If they can’t make decisions with kids in mind, they shouldn’t be considered, Synicole told the committee. Chair Nicole Brandolini described the findings as a well-rounded vision that provides a great roadmap for the committee. Vice Chair Maria Fenwick noted the next step is a critical evaluation of the current leadership, stating, We need to do an evaluation of Dr. Raab against this new standard to think about a search or not.

In a recurring annual decision driven by facility constraints, the committee moved to decline participation in the state’s school choice program. Interim Superintendent Dr. Tom Raab recommended the opt-out, explaining that historically, we opt out because we simply don’t have the space. I don’t see an advantage to Scituate allowing school choice. When Member Janice Lindblom asked, If we had room, would we get money? Raab clarified that while some funding follows the students, it rarely offsets the actual cost of education. Motion Made by J. Lindblom to opt out of the School Choice program for the 2026-2027 school year. Motion Passed 5-0.

The committee also reviewed ambitious two-year School Improvement Plans for Gates Middle School and Scituate High School, both of which set a target of 80 percent student proficiency in ELA and Math by 2028. Gates Principal Brian Bey highlighted the new WIN (What I Need) blocks for personalized instruction, while High School Principal Mark Lorenz noted a shift in counseling to support sophomores, who data suggests struggle more with assertiveness. In response to the high school's focus on younger grades, Member Gates asked, Does learning stop or do we just not measure it for 11th and 12th graders? Principal Lorenz explained that the lack of common assessments in upper grades makes data more qualitative, though Chair Brandolini challenged the school to find metrics for seniors so they aren't forgotten in the strategic planning.

Academic updates continued with reports from the Science and History departments. Science Chair Patrick Newton noted a focus on modeling to address a dip in biology scores, while History Chair Ms. Lesniak reported that 62 percent of high schoolers are now choosing history electives beyond their requirements. During the history presentation, the committee recognized the winners of the 17th annual American Legion Oratory Competition. Macy Merl took third place, Michaela Whitaker took second, and junior Maeve [Last Name] earned first place and a $1,000 scholarship for her speech on hate speech on college campuses. Ms. Lesniak praised the local veterans for facilitating the $2,000 in total awards, noting that many surrounding towns have abandoned the program.

The meeting concluded with several operational approvals, including the declaration of surplus for old copier toner and furniture as the district prepares for the move to the new school. Member Lindblom noted she already has one offer of $750 for the toner and will explore online auctions for the remaining items. Motion Made by P. Gates to approve the declaration of surplus supplies as presented. Motion Passed 5-0. The committee also finalized updates to the B series of governance policies. Motion Made by J. Lindblom to approve the B policies as presented. Motion Passed 5-0. On the topic of technology, Vice Chair Fenwick reported that the board would not be drafting a specific AI policy at this time, but would instead update student handbooks to clarify acceptable use. Ultimately, we felt our policies are strong as written, Fenwick said.