Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2026

Haverhill Public Schools - School Committee
Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2026

Governor Healey has extended pandemic-related authorizations thereby allowing remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through June 30, 2027.

Mayor Barrett read the following statement published for the record: those attending tonight’s meeting should be aware that the meeting is being audio and video recorded by HCTV, Eagle Tribune and WHAV. Any audience members who wish to record any part of the meeting must inform the Chairperson who will announce the recording. This is to comply with the MA wiretap statute.

Roll Call.

Mayor Barrett, Chairperson called the meeting to order (7:00 pm) and requested a roll call vote:

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

Public Comment.

Mr. Peter Yannakoreuas, (no address given by speaker) Haverhill resident asked questions and made statements including his intention of suing the city.

A recess was called by the mayor (7:10 pm) due to the belligerence of the speaker.

The meeting resumed at 7:20 pm.

Superintendent’s Reports/Communications.

Introduction of Student Advisory Council members with report.

Mr. Ben Elllis, High School Senior, representing the Student Council presented his first report of the school year. He provided the following updates:

• Smooth start to the school year; most after-school clubs are underway.
• Miles Stapel recognized in the National Merit Scholarship program.
• Special Olympics Massachusetts named the high school a Unified Champion School.
• Driver’s Ed returning via Berkeley Auto School: $350 deposit; total cost $850.
• Student council recruiting more sophomores (only two members now); visiting English classes to invite sign-ups.
• Powder Puff returns the Tuesday before Thanksgiving; a lottery system is being considered for fairness.
• Sports highlights: Football 2–0 (won 36–14 in the opener); George Papanikolaou named Boston Globe Player of the Week (Sep 26) with two interceptions; Mr. Downs added that George had a “full ride” to Amherst College (football),
• The crew featured at River Ruckus; girls’ swim won the first two meets; boys’ soccer beat Central Catholic 2–0; ~400 student-athletes across nine fall sports.
• Facilities: Stadium renovations nearly complete—new turf, state-of-the-art netting, and a newly paved/striped parking lot.
• Key dates
• Next Wednesday: Half day (blocks C & D) and Senior Sunrise at the track with class photo.
• Picture retakes: Friday, October 9th.
• Homecoming dance: Saturday, October 24.
• PSAT for juniors: Thursday, October 29, 2026.
• Community Art Walk: This Saturday; student council hosting performers.

MCAS Report.

Superintendent Marotta and Assistant Superintendent introduced the MCAS 2026 Academic Report (Celebrating Growth, Addressing Challenges, and Building Our Future Together). Both the superintendent and assistant superintendent began the initial review of the report.

Ms. Jennifer Peterson, ELA District Curriculum Supervisor offered an analysis of ELA results, referencing the district’s efforts in early literacy.

High School Principal Michael Downs noted the curriculum adjustments that would hopefully yield positive results in the near future.

Ms. Cate Lally, Mathematics District Curriculum Supervisor outlined the mathematics results. She highlighted the high school growth trajectory.

Ms. Meghan DeLong, District Supervisor of Science and Technology, K-12 provided brief remarks on the science data.

Mr. John Craven, District History/Social Studies Coach, K-12 addressed the civics results specifically the 5% increase.

The following principals spoke about the district glows: Ms. Dinorah Peralta, Bradford Elementary (Elementary ELA), Mrs. Eileen Doherty, Consentino School (Middle & Accountability) and Mr. Michael Downs, Haverhill High School (Secondary Milestones).

Dr. Marotta interjected that in walking through the district’s classrooms there was evidence the district was proceeding in the right direction.

Mr. Michael Rossi, Chief of Teaching, Learning and Leading reviewed the District Glows (Critical Areas for Intervention).

Ms. Nancy Salach, Nettle School Principal added further comments to the district glow section.

The district curriculum supervisors (Ms. Peterson, Ms. Lally, and Ms. DeLong) in ELA, mathematics, science & technology assessed the grows/challenges, glows/strength and action steps for targeted foundation support.

Mr. Craven stated that in terms of the social studies curriculum, there was a source-based analysis, roll out of high-quality civics and history materials and student-led civics projects.

Ms. Deborah Ibanez, Executive Director of Student Support Services and Ms. Forrest DeGroot, Assistant Director of Special Education provided an overview of the special education data including action steps.

Ms. Kristin Strapko, District Multilingual Learner (ML) Coach offered the multilingual learner data and action steps.

Ms. Lorna Marchant, Supervisor of Attendance addressed chronic absenteeism and specific action steps.

Dr. Marotta highlighted the collaborative next steps for parents/community:

• Review Individual Reports;
• Parents are encouraged to review their child's specific MCAS parent report to understand individual growth;
• Engage with Schools;
• Attend upcoming school-based curriculum nights and parent-teacher conferences to discuss targeted support plans;
• Utilize District Resources;
• Access the Haverhill Public Schools parent portal for at-home learning resources and HQIM guides;
• Join the Conversation;
• Participate in the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), MLPAC, DPC, or school site councils to help shape future initiatives.

Mrs. Sapienza Donais found the results deeply concerning as presented this evening. She advised listening to educators and for the school committee to provide the needed resources.

Dr. Grannemann was impressed with the on-going efforts within the district. He was particularly pleased by the ELA Grade 3 and Civics Education results.

Mr. Morrow asked how the changes were being implemented in reference to MCAS.

Dr. Marotta provided concrete examples of high school essay results (25% who did not attempt to write the essay). She explained that there would be conferences between teachers and students on the essays. The superintendent offered some particular considerations for the results.

Mr. Downs commented that several urban high school principals had similar difficulties with the lack of student effort on essays. He noted that there was a lot of work within the school.

Mr. Craven related that the emphasis on building relationships with students had helped in reducing chronic absenteeism.

In reference to Ms. Guerrero’s inquiry on civic engagement noting the amazing student projects and interest, how would Mr. Craven build on the momentum.

Mr. Craven related that more students are being moved into leadership roles at the State Civic Showcase, and more high school students are participating as leaders. He noted the efforts that have begun to reach out to more community members to support these civic projects, including the Haverhill Cultural Council and the offices of Representatives Vargas and Hamilton. Mr. Craven added that last year, students had opportunities to get some of their priorities funded through the state budget, and hopefully there will be more available funds in the future. He emphasized the earlier we connect students with our state representatives, the better. Mr. Craven commented most importantly, our eighth- and tenth-grade teachers deserve tremendous credit for helping students discover their passions and work toward addressing issues they see in their communities.

Superintendent Marotta emphasized the significant effort teachers and students put into assessment, even when some teachers question whether the assessments fully capture student learning. She thanked the teachers and administrators for their dedication and hard work throughout weeks of testing.

School Committee Reports/Communications.

Dr. Grannemann: Continued discussion of Focus Areas for District Improvement.

Dr. Grannemann noted that the discussion had been started at the last meeting. He suggested that Haverhill should take a fresh look at how it uses the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), rather than focusing primarily on students needing the most intensive interventions, the district should provide meaningful support to the large group of students in the middle.

Dr. Grannemann emphasized purpose, higher expectations, and commitment, with these applying to students, families, teachers, staff, and especially the School Committee. He added that student ownership particularly with older students, by encouragement to become more engaged and take greater responsibility for their education, with appropriate guidance and support.

Ms. Collins underscored belonging and relationships by identifying connection, belonging, enjoyment, and relationships are critical to getting students to attend school and engage in learning. She recommended understanding students’ perspectives and suggested that district goals should better reflect what school feels like from the students’ point of view, including what motivates them to participate and do their best. Additionally, she proposed encouraging teacher creativity, whereby teachers would have more freedom to make curriculum relevant and engaging for individual students. Creative approaches can strengthen relationships while still meeting academic expectations.

Dr. Grannemann: Elect delegate to Massachusetts Association of School Committees 2026 Delegate Assembly.

Dr. Grannemann nominated Penelope Guerrero as the 2026 Delegate.

A motion was made by Dr. Grannemann to appoint Penelope Guerrero as the Massachusetts Association of School Committees 2026 Delegate Assembly. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

10 members voted in the affirmative
0 members voted in the negative
0 members abstained

Subcommittee Reports.

Mrs. Sapienza Donais: Policy Subcommittee Update, which includes a revision to Policy JLIDA Powered Micromobility Device. This policy is presented for a third reading, which includes an action item (vote) approval or rejection.

Mrs. Sapienza Donais asked the survey to be distributed to principals.

Mayor Barrett noted there would be an ordinance to the city council on e-bikes along with pending state legislation.

A motion was made by Mrs. Sapienza Donais to approve Policy JLIDA Powered Micromobility Device. Mr. Morrow seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

10 members voted in the affirmative
0 members voted in the negative
0 members abstained

Dr. Grannemann: Appointment of subcommittee members (recommendation & vote).

Dr. Grannemann made the following recommendation for appointments to special subcommittees on superintendent goals and contract: Thomas Grannemann, Amanda Basiliere and Penny Guerrero and a special subcommittee to hear a grievance which would include: Thomas Grannemann, Yonnie Collins and Josiah Morrow.

A motion was made by Dr. Grannemann to approve a special subcommittee appointment for superintendent goals and contract as outlined. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion.

In response to Ms. Collins’ question on whether this recommendation was new to Haverhill, Dr. Grannemann replied the same process had been used in 2024.

Mrs. Sapienza Donais commented that a similar special subcommittee had been used when she had served on the committee in the past. She related that the superintendent would suggest goals, and committee members can propose additional priorities, and the group works with her to reach agreement.

Mrs. Sapienza Donais stated that the resulting goals are then brought to the full School Committee for approval.

Dr. Grannemann noted that every two years as part of the superintendent’s evaluation and contractual responsibilities, a small group—typically two or three School Committee members—works directly with the superintendent to develop proposed goals.

Mayor Barrett requested a roll call vote at this time.

Due to a technical issue, Dr. Story had been removed from the meeting during the roll call vote and requested to comment on the item and the review of the current votes.

Mrs. McGillicuddy read the votes back: Mr. Brown, Ms. Guerrero, Mr. Morrow, Mrs. Ryan-Ciardiello, Mrs. Sapienza Donais, Dr. Grannemann and Mayor Barrett were yes votes; Ms. Rivera voted no and Ms. Collins abstained from the voter.

She expressed concern about creating another subcommittee: and questioned the need for a separate group, particularly because there is already a Strategic Planning Committee. Dr. Story suggested that superintendent goals related to district improvement could instead be handled by that committee. She noted a democratic-process concern. Dr. Story objected to creating numerous small, hand-selected subcommittees and argued that this can limit participation by the full School Committee and potentially undermine the transparency and democratic nature of the committee’s work.

Dr. Story requested her vote be recorded as no.

The complete roll call was as follows:

7 members voted in the affirmative
2 members voted in the negative
1 member abstained

A motion was made by Dr. Grannemann to approve a special subcommittee to hear grievances. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion.

Ms. Rivera expressed concern about special subcommittees. She did not have any comments on the motion before the school committee.

10 members voted in the affirmative
0 members voted in the negative
0 members abstained

School Committee Community Announcements.

Dr. Grannemann announced to the community the committee was considering changing its regular meetings from the second and fourth Thursday of each month to the first and third Thursday. He indicated that a vote is expected at the next meeting, pending logistical arrangements. Dr. Grannemann asked community members, organizations, and media with concerns about the change were invited to provide feedback to him.

Mayor Barrett related that the upcoming student/community event Art Walk was scheduled for Saturday from 2–6 p.m. and was expected to proceed, with indoor options available depending on weather. She noted that students, musicians, and artists will participate in this event.

Ms. Guerrero added that during the Art Walk the Chamber was sponsoring a pop-up featuring three local artists at the office at 29 Washington Street and invited people to stop by their offices. She also announced that in regards to the community playground, volunteers are being sought to help build the new Golden Hill community playground, with the build scheduled for October 20. Ms. Guerrero stated there was online sign-up.

New Business.

Superintendent’s Recommendation for approval of Warrant Number EV020260925 totaling $7,098,919.36, as indicated in the agenda material.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to approve Warrant Number EV020260925 totaling $7,098,919.36, as indicated in the agenda material. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

10 members voted in the affirmative
0 members voted in the negative
0 members abstained

Items by Consensus.

Superintendent’s Recommendation for approval of the Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2026, as indicated in the agenda material.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to approve the Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2026, as indicated in the agenda material. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

10 members voted in the affirmative
0 members voted in the negative
0 members abstained

Superintendent’s Recommendation for approval of use of facilities as indicated in the agenda material.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to approve the use of facilities as indicated in the agenda material. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

10 members voted in the affirmative
0 members voted in the negative
0 members abstained

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to adjourn the meeting (8:38 pm). Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

Documents referenced in the meeting: HSC Portfolio Meeting Materials 09.24.26 (1).pdf; FINAL Haverhill Public Schools MCAS 2026.pdf

• Final & Approved Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes 09.24.26, PDF, nine pages, opens in a new tab