Weston pauses grading overhaul, forms task force to review changes by December

WESTON — October 11, 2022 — Weston School Committee halts proposed grading overhaul and opens debate on district priorities. Superintendent Mitch Daly told the committee at the October 11 meeting that all grading changes — including a 50-to-100 scoring floor and a standardized retakes policy — are on hold, with a representative task force to be formed by December to study the two items. Chair Kenneth Newberg called for a written protocol requiring administrative consultation with the committee before future initiatives are launched, saying the rollout "was not communicated effectively." An MCAS presentation by Assistant Superintendent Kimo Williams showed Weston ranked first in the state in grades 3-8 English language arts and first in grade 10 math, roughly 30 percentage points above the state average overall — but only about 25 percent of students with disabilities met or exceeded expectations in ELA, a gap Williams called "really unacceptable." The committee voted unanimously to enter executive session on collective bargaining strategy with the Weston Education Association, with all five members voting aye on the roll call.