Scituate School Committee approves updated policies, hears bullying data gap concerns

SCITUATE — May 4, 2026 — Scituate School Committee approves B-series policy updates and moves superintendent search forward after hearing bullying data gaps. The committee voted unanimously Monday on several items, including opting out of the state school choice program under MGL Chapter 76, approving an updated suite of B-series governance policies after a second reading, and declaring surplus copier toner and school furniture for resale with a projected return of $750 for the toner. Patty Simichel of First Speaking Group presented findings from an April stakeholder survey of more than 500 caregivers and 200 staff members, identifying communication, visibility, financial acumen, and a student-first orientation as top qualities sought in a permanent superintendent; a written candidate profile is due to the committee this week, ahead of a June 30 contract deadline for interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rabb. A bullying prevention task force report revealed a striking gap between formally reported incidents — single digits at the elementary level — and family survey data showing roughly 54 percent of elementary respondents reporting their child had been repeatedly targeted or experienced a one-time incident; a 30-day public comment period on the draft updated plan runs through June 15, when the committee is expected to vote on adoption.