Published in the July 24, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Tonight will mark a new era as Doug Lyons will attend his first School Committee meeting as Superintendent of Schools. The former Assistant Superintendent, Lyons was hired as superintendent after Dr. Kim Smith announced her retirement effective June 30.
Also tonight, the School Committee will formally meet Kara Mauro, who will step into Lyons’ former role as Assistant Superintendent. Mauro comes to Wakefield from the Lynnfield school system where she served as Special Services Director.
Also tonight, the School Committee will look at
survey results from students and parents asked to evaluate the “Learn Anywhere” program. The
program allows students to complete school work remotely on school cancellation days (such as snow days) and avoid having to make up cancelled days at the end of the school year.
The School Department plans to create an advisory committee in the fall to evaluate the survey results and comments. The committee will evaluate aspects of the program such as student access and engagement, instructional technology, curriculum, special education and student support services. The plan is for the advisory committee to include students, parents, teachers and administrators.
Also tonight, the School Committee is expected to review the 2018-2019 lease document between the Town of Wakefield and the SEEM Collaborative for the rental of the Yeuell School building. The Wakefield Town Council intends to vote on this Lease Agreement at a future meeting. Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio has indicated the rate for 2018-2019 will remain the same as last year.
The School Committee will also be a asked to vote on FY 2018 budget transfers and FY 2019 technology leases.
Prior to tonight’s scheduled 7:30 p.m. regular meeting, the School Committee has an executive session planned at 5:30 p.m. to discuss strategy with respect to a grievance.
