The Medford School Committee voted to direct district administration to compile a report on overcrowding and inequitable student distribution across elementary schools and to refer the findings to the strategic planning subcommittee.

Member Reinfeld introduced a resolution asking the administration to provide, by May 19, 2025, a summary of challenges and recommended next steps. The requested report should include enrollment trends for general education and specialized programs over the last three years, average class sizes, projections of student growth, space and staffing constraints by school, counts of intra-district approvals by school, the effect of sibling preferences on capacity, transportation constraints, and a list of potential long-term solutions and feasibility steps. The motion as amended directed staff to deliver the data to the strategic planning subcommittee to allow community-based conversations before broader committee action.

Superintendent-level staff said some background work has begun and that the district could present short-term options for the upcoming kindergarten year while longer-term planning proceeds. Committee members discussed timing and the need to balance an urgent short-term response for kindergarten placements with a longer-term community-engaged planning process.

Member Reinfeld accepted a friendly amendment to refer the matter to the strategic planning subcommittee; Member Russo seconded that amendment. The roll-call vote was six in favor, one absent, and the motion passed. The committee asked the administration to schedule follow-up meetings with stakeholders as part of the study.