Weston School Committee ratifies superintendent contract, adopts science review recommendations

WESTON -- January 8, 2024, Weston School Committee ratifies Zaleski contract and adopts external science review. The committee on Jan. 8 unanimously ratified Dr. Susan Zaleski's 2024-2027 superintendent contract and received an external K-12 science review from Dr. T.J. McKenna of Boston University recommending 60 minutes of daily elementary science, vertical K-12 teaming, and a measurable advanced-coursework access goal. Members approved eight program-of-studies changes for 2024-25, adding only 0.1 FTE for a Yale-modeled "Science of Wellbeing" course and launching a new student teaching-assistant track in math and world languages. Member Atiyah noted the 60-minute elementary recommendation had also appeared in Weston's 2013 review: "Eleven years later that recommendation is still in there." The committee also approved a Coach Carrie Gumbert robotics plaque, a revised attendance policy, and indoor use of Field School for the WEEFC fundraiser with alcohol service pending Select Board permits.