The Chelsea Public Schools School Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including policy revisions, funding approvals, and grant applications. The meeting commenced with a motion that passed with eight votes in favor and one member absent.

The first significant item discussed was the first reading of revised operating protocols for the Chelsea School Committee. The policy and procedures subcommittee had met twice to review these protocols. A motion was made to waive the reading of the protocols, which was approved, and the committee agreed to move the item forward for a vote at the next meeting.

Next, the committee considered a gift of $3,000 from SRI International to support student facilitators for the Chelsea High School Students Summit. This funding is part of a partnership with the Bar Foundation and is intended to assist with the completion of the CMM extended student survey. The motion to accept the gift passed unanimously, with eight votes in favor and one absent.

The committee then addressed a substantial funding item concerning the acceptance of $6,245,000 from the Emergency Assistance EHL Reimbursement Grant for fiscal year 2025. This funding is intended to reimburse the district for students in emergency shelters who were not included in the original Chapter 70 funding. The committee discussed the reimbursement process, which is based on daily attendance for eligible students. The motion to accept this grant also passed with eight votes in favor and one absent.

Following this, the committee reviewed another reimbursement grant for emergency assistance shelters, amounting to $138,559.69 for fiscal year 2025. This funding will cover eligible students reported in the district's homeless and foster care application. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting continued with the consideration of a $40,000 grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) aimed at improving special education programs. This grant focuses on implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and enhancing outcomes for students with disabilities. The motion to accept this grant was also approved with eight votes in favor and one absent.

Lastly, the committee discussed a private grant of $25,000 to support CBS music programming for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The details of this grant were not elaborated upon during the meeting, but it was included in the agenda for consideration.

In conclusion, the Chelsea Public Schools School Committee meeting addressed critical funding and policy matters, with all motions passing successfully. The committee will reconvene to vote on the revised operating protocols at their next meeting.