MPS Updates

For immediate release by Superintendent of Schools and Melrose School Committee: June 3, 2020
Melrose Public Schools Plan Next Steps

As leadership transition moves ahead, robust planning for fall continues
MELROSE, MA (June 3, 2020)—Entering the final weeks of a school year like no other, the
Melrose Public School District continues to take action on major priorities, including a
Superintendent of Schools transition and a robust planning process for the fall, even as many
uncertainties persist. Professionals throughout the District are examining what has happened
during the last three months of the remote-learning emergency, including what is working well
and what needs to be improved. Planning efforts are being continually adjusted and will be
informed by another District-wide family survey later this month.
“While I never could have imagined ending my career in public education during a pandemic, I
am as proud as ever to be part of the Melrose Public Schools team,” said Superintendent Cyndy
Taymore. “Our educators, administrators, support staff, families, and especially our students,
have risen to an enormous challenge in an unprecedented emergency. Looking ahead, we have
a planning process well underway that considers different scenarios, and which we are
continually adapting as new information and guidance becomes available. Come what may, I
know that Dr. Kukenberger, in partnership with the School Committee and our City leadership,
will move our district forward in a way that ensures access to safe, equitable and meaningful
educational experiences for all children.”
While no decisions have been made regarding the physical reopening of school buildings for the
2020-21 school year, several possible scenarios are under consideration. These scenarios fall on
a continuum of in-person learning in school buildings with safety precautions to various hybrid
situations to fully remote learning. Updates in key areas of transition, planning and operations
are provided below.
Leadership Transition. Superintendent Cyndy Taymore and incoming Superintendent Dr. Julie
Kukenberger are meeting on a daily basis, and Dr. Kukenberger is actively involved in planning
for the fall. She has met virtually with Mayor Paul Brodeur, current building principals and
department heads, and she is participating in leadership meetings and the two ongoing
principal search processes. These and additional transition meetings will continue throughout
the summer. Dr. Kukenberger officially takes over as Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2020.
Building Safety. Mayor Brodeur, Superintendent Taymore, Dr. Kukenberger, School Committee
Chair Ed O’Connell and key staff are meeting with Department of Public Works Director Elena
Proakis Ellis and Facilities Manager Jay McNeil on at least a weekly basis. Thus far, building
walkthroughs have been completed at all school buildings to assess potential structural
updates, personal protective equipment (PPE) needs, additional cleaning and hygiene supply
requirements (such as hand sanitizer), and other changes that could be needed to allow the
safe entry of students and staff, in some capacity, in the fall. The City and District leadership
continues to review guidance from the Melrose Board of Health, state agencies, and the
Centers for Disease Control, as well as from outside experts. While the District cannot move
For immediate release by Superintendent of Schools and Melrose School Committee: June 3, 2020
forward with a decision for the fall without more complete guidance from the Governor and
the Education Commissioner, which is forthcoming, scenario planning is well underway.
Instructional Continuity Planning. A Return to Instruction Working Group has been meeting at
least weekly, convened by Assistant Superintendent Margaret Adams and including educators,
building principals and department heads at the elementary and secondary level, as well as
School Committee Member Jen McAndrew. The Working Group is considering a broad range of
questions related to teaching and learning and is developing detailed action plans at the
preschool-preK, elementary, middle school and high school levels for areas including:
• comprehensively assessing student learning needs as a result of school closures;

• adapting curriculum, teaching guides and other resources to accommodate student
needs and growth;
• accelerating student learning;
• supporting the social-emotional transition of all your students and staff back to school;
• building strong relationships and community;
• providing support for students and staff confronting trauma;
• balancing blended learning (in-person and remote) if needed;
• assessing and providing technology resources and supports;
• improving special education supports;
• engaging parents and families, including via resources, videos and workshops; and
• adapting professional development.
Professional Development. To support educators and students, the District is offering a robust
series of free, online professional development opportunities this spring and summer. Trainings
began on May 4 and be will be convened online over a series of weeks, and Melrose educators
are also able to pursue free or low-cost workshops through a partnership with the Salem State
Collaborative. Offerings cover topics such as trauma-informed teaching during periods of
remote-learning, social-emotional learning and support, breaking down racial inequities,
striving for an equitable curriculum, distance-learning strategies, creating engaging videos for
online learning, stress reduction, making math accessible for English language learnings, and
understanding the Special Education Process.
Budget. After a months-long budget process, the School Committee voted unanimously to
approve a FY21 school budget on May 5, 2020, recognizing that there are considerable
unknowns, especially concerning state funding. The approved budget does maintain current
staffing and addresses the increase in enrollment for the fall. On Monday, June 8, the school
budget is being presented to the City Council, which approves only the overall funding level.
The Melrose Public Schools leadership team and the Melrose School Committee remain
committed to providing the school community with information and guidance as it becomes
available. More updates will be forthcoming throughout the summer.
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For immediate release by Superintendent of Schools and Melrose School Committee: June 3, 2020

Melrose Public Schools Plan Next Steps

• comprehensively assessing student learning needs as a result of school closures;

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