Weymouth School Committee Votes to Return 111 Middle Street Building to Town

WEYMOUTH -- January 4, 2024, Weymouth parents confront School Committee over Chapman Middle School assault and school safety failures. At the January 4 meeting, dozens of community members demanded accountability following a December 21 bathroom assault at Chapman Middle School in which a student sustained a concussion and no ambulance was called. WEA President Mike Murphy told the committee more than 100 staff had left the district since July, citing safety and lack of support. Superintendent Robert Wargo outlined the state discipline framework under MGL Chapter 71 Sections 37H through 37H-three-quarters but declined to discuss the specific case, citing student confidentiality. Mayor Robert Hedlund, acknowledging an imminent out-of-district placement for the accused student, backed calls for a community forum and noted the school resource officer faces constraints under a recent state police reform law. The committee unanimously voted to recommend that the administration building at 111 Middle Street be returned to the town after a closing study found it unsuitable for educational use.