Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2026

Haverhill Public Schools - School Committee
Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of October 8, 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 led by attending students and recited by all in attendance.

Student Advisory Council Report – Ben Ellis.

Ben reported several upcoming events and recent accomplishments at Haverhill High School:

• Students and teachers participated in a kindness awareness day by wearing blue;
• the senior class held its senior sunrise, although the senior drone photo was postponed;
• Homecoming is scheduled for October 24, with tickets costing $10;
• College visits are taking place in the library;
• Student Council is planning an outdoor Halloween movie night featuring Corpse Bride;
• Spirit Week is also scheduled for next week, with themed dress-up days;
• Student Council seeks to recruit more sophomores;
• Athletic teams continue to perform well;
• Unified Basketball holds a 2–1 record following a close 47–46 victory over Lowell, with Senior Night scheduled for October 29;
• The football team defeated Lawrence 55–14, improving to 3–1 and earning a No. 9 ranking in the Division 1 state rankings;
• The Haverhill High School crew team will compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston for the first time, sending five team members to the event on October 18;
• Several teams are also promoting health awareness: Volleyball will host Dig Pink Night on October 13, field hockey will hold a heart awareness game on October 14 and a breast cancer awareness event on October 19, and the crew team wore pink bucket hats at its first regatta.

Ben concluded by praising the school community’s enthusiasm, school spirit, and support for these causes.

Superintendent’s Reports/Communications.

HPS Anti-bullying Campaign Overview and Anti-bullying Poster Contest Winners!

Superintendent Marotta acknowledged a year-long initiative on anti-bullying each.

Assistant Superintendent Antkowiak introduced the anti-bullying campaign members: Margaret Marotta, Bonnie Antkowiak, Clancy Main, Deb Ibanez, Meg Arivella, Jami Dion, Meg Correll, Maureen Irons, Cherie Rousseau and Joy Jannell.

The three (3) finalists recited the “Hillie Pledge”:

I’ll speak it loud
As I begin this school day
To be thoughtful and kind in all I do and say
To treat others with respect as I have them treat me
To be the person I know I can be
To do one good deed and all be a friend
To tell someone they matter
Before the day’s end.

The superintendent introduced the student finalists who were in attendance who pointed to their art work;

*Unable to attend

Dr. Marotta explained that student, staff, and Facebook voting helped determine the winners. She noted that three designs, one at each school level, were selected and printed on T-shirts to be used as rewards and incentives throughout the school year.

The superintendent announced the following winners and displayed the t-shirts:

Cypha told the audience that her design meant how to be kind. Ayla’s design was worn by Ms. Deborah Ibanez, Executive Director of Student Support Services and Dr. Marotta was wearing Damian’s t-shirt design.

It was announced that Damian was attending a Gateway Academy event and would be acknowledged if he arrived at the meeting.

Dr. Marotta introduced Jami Dion, Director of Guidance, Counseling and Student Support Services and Meg Arivella, Supervisor of School Counseling to speak on the new MindUp curriculum for social emotional learning.

Ms. Dion provided a several key points the MindUp curriculum:

• new brain-based, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum being pushed into classrooms by guidance counselors.
• Teachers attend these lessons alongside students to learn the content, language, and strategies, enabling them to carry the practices forward daily.
• Counselors are focusing their professional development on MindUp to build a comprehensive scope and sequence across all grade levels.
• Core Objectives:
  • Brain Function & Self-Regulation: Teaches students how their brain functions (including learning parts of the brain like the amygdala and hippocampus) and how brain activity influences emotions. This helps improve focus, manage stress, and build impulse control.
  • Perspective Taking & Compassion: Builds empathy through sensory awareness and kindness to reduce maladaptive behaviors, peer indifference, and teasing.
  • Accountability & Ownership: Empowers students to take responsibility for their actions and maintain positive relationships.
• Alignment with CASEL Competencies:
  • Every MindUp lesson aligns with one or more of the 5 CASEL competencies:
    1. Self-awareness
    2. Self-management
    3. Social awareness
    4. Relationship skills
    5. Responsible decision-making

In reference to the Anti-Bullying Campaign & Community Approach, Ms. Arivella offered this overview:

• Takes a Pre-K to 12 district-wide approach to build a culture of safety and inclusion, engaging students, teachers, extended staff, parents, and the broader community.
• Key Components & Activities:
• Monthly SEL Themes:
  • September: “Start with Hello” – Focused on making connections, discovering shared interests using tabletop conversation cards at lunch, and reciting the “Hilly Pledge” daily.
  • October: “Who Are Your People?” – Focuses on identifying safe people, expanding support networks, knowing where to turn for help, and celebrating National Anti-Bullying Month (wearing blue on Blue Mondays).
  • November: “Let Gratitude Grow and Paying It Forward” – Includes appreciation stations set up across schools.
• Webinars & Family Engagement:
  • Hosting webinars via Cartwheel.
  • Example: An October 15th webinar titled “Friend Drama, Group Chats, and Social Exclusion.”
• District-wide Initiatives: Uniform daily school announcements, student activities, community resources, and wearing blue on Mondays.

Ms. Collins was very appreciative of the students learning the anatomy of the brain. She asked if there would be updates throughout the year.

Mrs. Antkowiak responded the district will monitor the anti-bullying campaign throughout the year by reviewing incident reports, tracking lesson engagement and participation, talking with students during lunch, and conducting surveys. Additionally, she noted that staff will provide ongoing updates to the committee and community on progress and opportunities for involvement.

Ms. Collins asked how the anti-bullying framework (i.e. Castle Frameworks) would use community partnerships and ensure families can access support.

Dr. Marotta along with Mrs. Antkowiak highlighted partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and NFI, along with local mental health agencies. She related that family training will be offered in English and Spanish, with online and recorded sessions to improve accessibility. The superintendent stated that students will be directed to support resources during lessons, and each school offers multiple contacts, including administrators, particularly principals and assistant principals, adjustment counselors, and assigned student counselors.

Ms. Collins praised the initiative and its emphasis on family involvement and access to resources.

Dr. Story raised concerns about social media’s effects on adolescent empathy, mental health, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content.

Ms. Dion reported that middle school counselors are piloting social media lessons developed with the Triumph Center, with plans to expand them across middle schools. Ms. Arivella noted that Cartwheel webinars, a proposed community presentation, health classes, and other wellness initiatives also addressed social media risks and mental health.

Dr. Marotta stated that there were inconsistent cell phone policies across schools. The superintendent noted that phone use has decreased but continues, and expressed support for considering a district-wide approach. Dr. Marotta would be appreciative if the school committee developed a uniform policy on cell phone usage.

Dr. Story mentioned that there were developmental differences between middle and high school students, safety concerns, and the need for reliable school-to-family communication. She noted that in her district there was a ban and it was a safer environment since inaccurate information was not being sent out of the school environment.

Mr. Brown asked for information from administrators about existing approaches. He outlined Hunking’s use of lockboxes to store students’ phones during the day.

A motion was made by Dr. Story to send the cell phone policy to the policy subcommittee for review. Mr. Morrow seconded the motion.

Mrs. Sapienza Donais asked for a quick email from each principal on school practices and procedures, to be received prior to the policy subcommittee meeting.

Mayor Barrett requested a roll call vote with the following results:

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

Dr. Marotta introduced Damian Duffy, from Gateway Academy who was one of the winners in the anti-bullying poster contest.

Damian explained that the logo design incorporated the original logo, a copyright-free font, and an arrow to represent “standing up.”

School committee members praised the students for his artistic work.

Dr. Marotta related that the students had been recommended by their principals and school staff. She added they were really great kids and expressed thanks for “walking the walk and talking the talk”. The superintendent truly appreciated their efforts.

The superintendent thanked the families and invited them to leave the meeting since it was a school day.

Dr. Marotta indicated that the family was online this evening.

Superintendent’s recommendation for acceptance of donation from the estate of Donald Chester Freeman (1901-2001) and Louise Brown Freeman (1907-2003), in the amount of $4,784.84 to Haverhill High School for celebrations of student success, as indicated in the agenda material.

Ms. Lu read a letter from the Freeman family which stated the following: this gift is from the estate of Donald Chester Freeman (1901-2001) and Isabelle Brown Freeman (1907-2003). Donald and Isabelle moved to Haverhill shortly after they married in 1928. Donald was an English teacher, then Principal, and then in 1963 became Superintendent of Schools in Haverhill. Both of them had a keen focus on education and had left instructions in their estate to donate this money to Haverhill High School. We would like these funds to go toward Celebrations of Student Success.

Mayor Barrett commented her parents went to Haverhill High School, in the 1940’s and Donald Freeman was the principal. Mayor Barrett on behalf of the school committee expressed appreciation to the Freeman family.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to accept the Freeman family donation. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

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

Public Comment.

There was no one present at the meeting or online for public comment.

JGW/Tilton School Building Updates.

Superintendent Marotta outlined that the school building project was moving into the design phase, with an architect and Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) hired for the project. She summarized three enrollment options are under consideration:

• 745 students: A middle school serving JGW with additional space and classrooms.
• 1,045 students: A grades 4–8 school that would involve closing Tilton School and adjusting attendance boundaries.
• 1,325 students: A larger grades 3–8 school that would also involve closing Tilton and shifting attendance boundaries.

Dr. Marotta indicated that the district was evaluating boundary changes and plans to share details with the community at upcoming public meetings. She announced that the building project has been approved to proceed through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process, with further approvals, including voter approval, potentially required for the building project. The superintendent explained a building committee meeting was scheduled for October 14, 2026, followed by a public meeting at Whittier School on November 5, 2026, to present plans, answer questions, and gather community feedback. Dr. Marotta revealed the project was expected to take several more years, with substantial completion anticipated around 2031–2032. She specified that the MSBA is expected to reimburse approximately 80% of eligible building costs.

Mayor Barrett clarified that the building project was a lengthy one and would involve many public and community meetings.

School Committee Reports/Communications.

Dr. Grannemann & Ms. Guerrero: Consider MASC Resolutions (with possible votes).

Ms. Guerrero indicated that she would be the Haverhill School Committee’s delegate for MASC Annual Conference and was requesting input from the committee on the resolutions to inform her voting. Ms. Guerrero noted the draft resolutions were included in tonight’s meeting information.

In response to the mayor’s question, Ms. Guerrero stated that the New Bedford School Committee was ahead of the curve on the Protect Act. She noted that nothing would change based on the new law.

Mrs. Basiliere related that resolution #2 and #3 were concerning vocational education. She indicated that building vocational schools was a very expensive project. Mrs. Basiliere supported these two resolutions developed by Nashoba Regional School Committee.

A motion was made by Mrs. Basiliere to endorse resolutions #1-4. Mr. Brown seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

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

Regarding resolution #5, Dr. Story did not have a position on this resolution and recommended a neutral position.

A motion was made by Dr. Story to remain neutral on resolution #5. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

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

Dr. Grannemann: Consider change of School Committee Meeting Schedule for 2027 (vote).

Dr. Grannemann referenced an unresolvable conflict a member had with the fourth Thursday meeting and proposed changing the 2027 schedule as outlined in the draft calendar. He noted that the License Commission had agreed to switch their meetings from the first Thursday to the second Thursday to allow this change, except during November and December 2027.

Dr. Story requested that the July 1 meeting be moved to July 8 with a remote option with the purpose of the meeting warrant approval purposes

After discussion, it was agreed to move the February 18th meeting to Monday, February 22, 2027, with a remote option with the purpose of the meeting for warrant approval purposes.

A motion was made by Dr. Story to approve the amended 2027 Haverhill School Committee calendar. Mr. Brown seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

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

Subcommittee Reports.

There were no reports.

School Committee Community Announcements.

Mrs. Basiliere announced the Golden Hill Community Playground Build dates:10/20/26-10/25/26. She related 307 volunteers were needed for the build, with the requirement of 18+ years old. Mrs. Basiliere stated that Friday Night was Family Build Night with attendance of children ages 15+ years old. She had volunteered for the Saturday 4-hour time slot.

Ms. Collins challenged the committee to sign up for the community build. She noted her participation and commented she had no skills.

Mr. Brown mentioned his sign-up for an after-work shift 5:00 pm-8:30 pm, but would be flexible with the schedule.

Superintendent Marotta indicated that the ROTC would be volunteering on the project.

New Business.

Superintendent’s Recommendation for approval of Warrant Number EV020261009 totaling $1,297,697.03, as indicated in the agenda material.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to approve Warrant Number EV020261009 totaling $1,297,697.03, as indicated in the agenda material. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

9 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 24, 2026, as indicated in the agenda material.

A motion was made by Mr. Mr. Morrow to approve the Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2026, as indicated in the agenda material. Mrs. Sapienza Donais seconded the motion. The mayor requested a voice vote with the following results: All voted yes.

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 voice vote with the following results: All voted yes.

Mayor Barrett announced there was no need for an executive session.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrow to adjourn the meeting (8:08 pm). Mrs. Basiliere seconded the motion. The mayor requested a roll call vote with the following results:

Documents referenced in the meeting: HSC Portfolio Meeting Materials 10.08.26.pdf; 10_8 Anti-Bullying Campaign_ Stand Up, Speak Up.pdf

• Final for Approval Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes 10.08.26, PDF, eight pages, opens in a new tab