District-wide literacy accomplishments, kindergarten registration, Dual Language School lottery and the potential relocation of the Facilities Department were among the topics discussed at the March 5 Waltham Public School Committee meeting.

In her update, Waltham Public Schools Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa shared that the district sent less “dyslexia letters,” this year then last. The letter acts as notification to guardians of “at-risk” students who may be showing signs of potential dyslexia based on in-class observations and provide recommendation further evaluation to determine if the child needs accommodations or additional support. Mendonsa said last year, 500 letters were distributed, but this year the number dropped by 17% down to 414. She added that while literacy levels in kindergarten through fourth grade showed consistency or improvement, fifth-grade students continued to face literacy challenges, largely due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, during a critical stage of their education. 

During her presentation, Mendonsa reminded the committee and families that kindergarten registration is open for the class of 2038 and that families interested in the Dual Language School lottery are to submit all required paperwork by May 1, for the scheduled May 2 lottery.  

Mendonsa introduced a discussion about the potential relocation of the Waltham Public Schools’ Facilities Department. For the past six months, the former Waltham High School on Lexington Street has been under consideration as the new home for the facilities department. Administrator of Facilities Stephen Jelloe presented a tentative four-phase relocation plan, estimated to cost $181,500. However, funding for the project has yet to be secured.

Currently, the district’s facilities department is located at 258 Trapelo Road. The available space at the old high school, formerly used for Career Training and Education, became vacant following the opening of the new Waltham High School this past fall. The plan to relocate involves multiple steps, beginning with clearing out the old CTE spaces, including former culinary, electrical, carpentry and computer lab areas, as well as offices and classrooms. The first phase also includes removing and disposing of wood structures in the former electrical shop, clearing out large storage spaces, and rigging non-operational machinery. Salvageable furniture and equipment will be made available to other municipal departments within Waltham and the Commonwealth. According to a Feb. 24 memorandum sent to Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, of the anticipated $54,500 needed for the first phase, $30,500 will be allocated to labor, while the remainder will cover disposal costs.

The second phase will focus on cleaning and organizing the auto shop within the former campus. Unwanted furniture and equipment will be removed and new pallet racking will be installed to enhance storage. The removal of five large car lifts is estimated to cost $8,000, while pallet racks will cost $8,100, with installation projected at $3,400. These expenses bring the total for phase two to $19,500.

Phase three continues preparation for the move, including packing and organizing the current location at 258 Trapelo Road. This step is expected to cost $26,000. The final and most expensive phase involves relocating personnel, furniture, equipment and other contents to the former Waltham High School. 

Jelloe emphasized that while he and his department are ready for the project to begin, it cannot move forward until a contract is secured and funding is obtained. For the time being, the school committee has voted to table the project.

The school committee is scheduled to reconvene on March 19.