Opening the Vault: School Committee Releases Executive Session Minutes

Earlier today – August 14, 2023 – the meeting minutes from the two executive sessions held by the School Committee to discuss Superintendent John Buckey’s contract were posted to the “Agendas, Materials and Minutes” section of the Marblehead Schools website.

School Committee Chair Sarah Fox told Marblehead Beacon that this decision was made in the interests of advancing transparency and that it is, as far as she can recall, “the first time the School Committee has voted to release the minutes of an executive session.”

The minutes originate from two separate meetings – on July 21, 2023 and July 31, 2023, respectively – both of which were held in executive session (meaning without public participation) under the exemptions specified by the Massachusetts General Law that governs public bodies in the state. Option two – the provided exemption for both meetings – specifies that the School Committee can enter executive session “to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.”

At both sessions, four members of the School Committee were present – Chair Sarah Fox, Vice Chair Jenn Schaeffner, Secretary Alison Taylor, and Meagan Taylor. Brian Ota recused himself from all discussions related to Buckey’s contract.

For the minutes from the July 21, 2023 meeting, please see HERE.

For the minutes from the July 31, 2023 meeting, please see HERE.

Editor’s note: School Committee member Jenn Schaeffner is a Marblehead Beacon founder and editor. She is recusing herself from Marblehead Beacon’s coverage of the School Committee and anything pertaining to Marblehead Public Schools.