THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
School Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Gloucester High School Library and via Zoom
32 Leslie O. Johnson Road, Gloucester, MA 01930
6:00 p.m.
Members Present
- Kathleen Clancy, Chairperson
- William Melvin, Vice Chairperson
- Laura Wiessen, Secretary
- Heather Dagle
- Andrea Liacos
- Paul Lundberg, Mayor
- Melissa Teixeira Prince
Administration Present
- Amy Pasquarello, Superintendent
- Catherine Tucker, Assistant Superintendent
- Cody Marshall, Chief Financial Officer
- John Perella, GHS Principal
- Daniel Jewett, Plum Cove School Principal
- Michael Titus, O'Maley School Principal
This meeting was conducted with the School Committee in person and the public participating in person and remotely via Zoom.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
Effective August 16, 2023, the public is welcome to attend meetings in person. Alternatively, the public may attend through the Zoom link provided on the agenda. The meeting notice will reflect if the meeting is via Zoom only. As the recent amendments to the Open Meeting Law allow, the School Committee may continue to hold meetings remotely. Please note the in-person meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the remote connection. If you are calling in on a phone, you can press Star 9 (*9) to request to speak. If you are watching on a computer or device, there is a "raise hand" button that you can tap or press to request to speak. Please use either of these options during Oral Communications to be recognized to speak.
See below link to the meeting recording:
https://gloucester-ma-gov.zoom.us/rec/share/wJcImfQorO7XCLW4en-ZffF1gHRsjQ96mjbxTeD-ZWHPE_MLuOOSUeRdB52daBI_.BYCXqPOO5d442l1-
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG/MOMENT OF SILENCE
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
- Ms. Mary Ann Boucher of 93 Mount Pleasant Street, Gloucester, stated that the School Committee meeting audio system cannot be heard by people participating on zoom. She asked that the audio system be improved.
Superintendent Pasquarello stated that the administration/IT Department is currently working to improve the system. Ms. Prince referred the matter to the Building and Finance Subcommittee.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON — None
V. RECOGNITIONS
- Mr. Melvin, Ms. Wiessen, Chairperson Clancy, and Ms. Prince acknowledged the tremendous work that has been done by the Department of Public Works custodial staff in getting school ready for the new year.
- Ms. Liacos recognized the GHS Student Band and Jamie Klopotoski for going on tour this Summer, and she also recognized their performance at the Cut Restaurant in Gloucester.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Meeting Minutes
1. School Committee Minutes of August 12, 2026
B. Approval of Warrants
C. Approval of Transfers
D. Approval of Donation
On a motion by Ms. Prince, seconded by Ms. Wiessen, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the consent agenda as noted above.
VII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
A. Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Pasquarello presented and the committee discussed a slideshow of her report "Everyday Matters. Everybody Belongs. Everybody Learns." She gave an update on the following:
- English Language classes for Parents
- MSBA Visit on September 23rd
- Food Service and Transportation Update
- Count Down to Kindergarten Update — Mayor Lundberg also acknowledged the event, his participation, and stated that it was wonderful
- Step-it-up to 5th and 6th Grade
- 8th and 9th Jumpstart Program
- Scavenger Hunt Program
- Agenda - Welcome to approximately 40 new staff members, hosted by Dr. Tucker
- Opening Day Program on August 31st
Superintendent Pasquarello also recognized Chairperson Kathleen Clancy for receiving the "MASC Division I All State School Committee 2026 Award". She stated that Chairperson Clancy is being recognized at the MASC/MASS (Massachusetts Association of School Committees and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents) 2026 Joint Conference in November. This award goes to School Committee members who have demonstrated significant achievement and made meaningful contributions to their school committee, school district, and community.
See below link to recorded presentation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rF4daC9cHhMPyLmaYzD71LNaaWy5IxpZ/view
B. School Opening Update
Superintendent Pasquarello presented and the committee discussed a slideshow on important dates, facilities update, and Summer hiring update.
See below link to recorded presentation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rF4daC9cHhMPyLmaYzD71LNaaWy5IxpZ/view
C. Student Handbooks — Elementary Schools, O'Maley Middle School, and Gloucester High School
Superintendent Pasquarello welcomed Principals, Dr. Jewett, Mr. Titus, and Mr. Perella. They presented and the committee discussed a slideshow of their student handbooks with a School Committee vote taken under Action.
See below link to the meeting recording/presentation:
https://gloucester-ma-gov.zoom.us/rec/share/wJcImfQorO7XCLW4en-ZffF1gHRsjQ96mjbxTeD-ZWHPE_MLuOOSUeRdB52daBI_.BYCXqPOO5d442l1-
D. GHS School Improvement Plan — Principal John Perella
Principal Perella presented and the committee discussed a slideshow of the GHS School Improvement Plan. Mr. Perella focused on three strategic priorities:
1. Improving student voice and engagement
2. Expanding teaching and learning opportunities
3. Strengthening partnerships
On a motion by Chairperson Clancy, seconded by Ms. Wiessen, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the GHS School Improvement Plan.
VIII. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS — None
IX. ACTION
A. Approval of the Superintendent's Goals
On a motion by Ms. Prince, seconded by Ms. Liacos, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the Superintendent's Goals, as presented at their meeting of August 12, 2026.
B. Approval of the Student Handbooks
On a motion by Ms. Wiessen, seconded by Ms. Liacos, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the Student Handbooks with amendments made during discussion.
C. Approval of Prior Year Expenses for a Total of $51,317.23
- Employee Travel Reimbursement Expenses of $246.76
- MA Nurses Association Settlement Expense of $46,980.60
- MA Nurses Arbitrator Expense of $2,889.87
- Teamsters Arbitrator Expense of $1,200.00
On a motion by Chairperson Clancy, seconded by Ms. Prince, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the prior year expenses for a total of $51,317.23 as noted above.
D. Acceptance of Grants
- FY2027 EEC Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant of $423,733
On a motion by Chairperson Clancy, seconded by Ms. Dagle, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the FY2027 EEC Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant of $423,733.
- FY2027 FC 589 Civics Teaching and Learning Grant of $40,000
On a motion by Chairperson Clancy, seconded by Ms. Wiessen, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the FY2027 FC 589 Civics Teaching and Learning Grant of $40,000.
X. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS — None
XI. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Ms. Wiessen, seconded by Ms. Liacos, it was unanimously
VOTED: To adjourn the School Committee Meeting of August 26, 2026, at 7:43 pm.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent's Office. A zoom recording of this meeting is available on the Gloucester Schools website (Also linked in these minutes).
Stephanie Delisi
Recording Secretary