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The School Committee voted 4-1 Wednesday night to self-report what member Jenn Schaeffner called an Open Meeting Law violation after draft goals were circulated by email before being discussed publicly.
Schaeffner argued the circulation itself was a violation because members could view one another’s ideas in advance.
“The opinion in and of itself is an open meeting violation,” she said. “Typically, we come together in open session to share our ideas.”
Chair Al Williams said he wanted to consult legal counsel before concluding a violation occurred.
“What if it really is not?” he asked. “If it’s not, then they will tell us that.”
Schaeffner said immediate self-reporting was the most transparent approach and that remedies are simple.
“There’s no harm in self-reporting. We would need to determine a remedy, which is probably pretty simple to do,” she said.
Kate Schmeckpeper seconded the motion for discussion, saying she did not believe there had been intent to circumvent the law but that the committee should err on the side of disclosure.
“If it is indeed a violation, then we should [report it],” she said.
Members discussed possible remedies, including making the circulated documents part of the public record and committing to attend Open Meeting Law training through the Attorney General’s Office.
Charter review
The committee reviewed draft language from the town’s charter review process, focusing on the section describing its responsibilities. Schmeckpeper noted the draft listed broad powers under state and town law, followed by four specific duties: overseeing school facilities and property, managing revolving funds, appointing senior district staff, and serving as the policy-making body.
She said it did not explicitly state the committee’s duty to monitor the budget once approved by Town Meeting and recommended adding language about “monitoring budgetary compliance.”
Schaeffner cautioned that the draft oversimplified the committee’s role.
“This is one tiny little snapshot of all the things that we do regarding law and policies,” she said, stressing the committee also develops the budget and oversees the superintendent.
Williams asked if major responsibilities were missing, but Schaeffner said condensation was the problem.
“It’s hard to put down in four pages what we do,” she said.
Schmeckpeper said she would bring the feedback back to the Town Charter Committee.
Student update
Marblehead High School fall sports teams are off to strong starts: boys soccer is 6-2, football is undefeated at 4-0, and golf is 8-2-1. Eight students were recognized in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, including one semifinalist.
Village School donation
The committee accepted a $4,206 donation from the Village School PTO to install cafeteria water bottle filling stations.
Committee goals
Members began discussing proposed goals for the year focused on communication, financial transparency, and educator and student voices. A facilitator may be hired to help refine them.
Superintendent evaluation
The committee reviewed the upcoming evaluation cycle for Superintendent John Robidoux, which will include individual member assessments compiled into a composite report.
