Marshfield Students Shine as School District Tackles Transportation Challenges

School Committee meeting highlights student voices while addressing ongoing busing issues

MARSHFIELD, MA - September 10 - The Marshfield School Committee meeting on September 10 showcased the district's commitment to student engagement while grappling with transportation challenges resulting from recent operational changes.

Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent of Marshfield Public Schools, emphasized promoting student voice as a primary goal for the year. "What we do here is important. This is important. You can do it and we will not give up on you," Sullivan said.

Students from elementary to high school levels presented their goals, inspirations, and advice for teachers. Nicholas, a freshman at Marshfield High School, stated, "What has been most inspirational is the welcoming culture that's in Marshfield."

Elijah, a senior at Marshfield High School, offered advice for teachers: "Consider the variety of learners in their classroom and make active efforts to cater to the different learning styles in the classroom."

Committee Chairman Sean Costello praised the students' presentations, saying, "Your advice to your teachers is incredibly mature. That kind of strikes me."

The meeting also addressed ongoing transportation challenges as the district implements its most significant operational change in 25 to 30 years. Tom Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, reported on busing issues, including capacity concerns and route adjustments.

Miller explained that about 500 students registered for buses in the last four months, leading to capacity issues on some routes. To address concerns, the district plans to add bus monitors at the elementary level. Miller stated, "We're going to have a posting tomorrow for bus monitors at the elementary level. We're asking any of our staff that are willing to help out."

The district is also focusing on improving school zone safety. Miller reported on efforts to enhance signage, clear overgrown trees, and add more crosswalks. A proposal for new solar-powered crossing signals will be presented at a Special Town Meeting in December.

Dr. Sullivan acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the hard work being done to address them. "I want to thank people for their patience. But I also want to make sure everyone knows how hard Tom's working on all of this and how I'm trying to support him on it," Sullivan said.

The committee also approved two out-of-state trips for the high school's DECA club. The first trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, in November will focus on leadership development for the club's officer team. The second trip to Orlando, Florida, in April will allow students to compete at the international level.

In other business, the committee accepted a donation of $1,250 from Service Master to assist teachers in getting additional supplies for their classrooms. They also approved the installation of a "Buddy Bench" at Martinson Elementary School in memory of Ed Norton, a beloved staff member who recently passed away.

The meeting concluded with the committee entering into executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation.