Weymouth School Committee approves safety liaison, hears kindergarten placement complaints

WEYMOUTH — June 15, 2023 — Weymouth School Committee reorganizes and fields anger over kindergarten redistribution affecting nearly 40 families. Tracy Nardone was elected chair, with Rebecca as vice chair and Carrie Palazzo affirmed as secretary in a unanimous slate vote at the June 15 meeting. Superintendent Wargo acknowledged a "lack of communication" after two Nash zone parents — Peter Kiley of Old Colony Drive and Kevin Vinitsky of Roberts Drive — told the committee they had purchased homes specifically for proximity to Nash Elementary only to receive June notices placing their children at Seech and Ralph Talbot schools, respectively. Community member Gustavo Pettis called the practice "soft redistricting" occurring without school committee approval. The board voted unanimously to approve a new school safety and engagement liaison position for Chapman Middle School, ESSER-funded at $45,000 to $55,000, and ratified a three-year SEIU 888 contract worth $131,000 in cost-of-living increases; the district's broader athletic fee increase proposal was withdrawn, with only a new $50 summer strength and conditioning fee approved.