Wayland committee endorses tougher phone enforcement, approves $5,200 Italy trip

WAYLAND -- October 23, 2024, Wayland tightens cell phone enforcement and approves Italy trip as MCAS data lands. The School Committee on Oct. 23 heard Middle School Principal Deborah Romeo and high school administrators describe a stepped-up "off-and-away" policy that has produced few confiscations and "no negative interaction," with no student reaching a third infraction. Superintendent David Fleischman cited Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation" and an overflow parent forum the prior night; members openly debated moving to Yondr pouches at the high school. The committee unanimously approved an April overnight Italy trip at roughly $5,200 per student, led by new Latin teacher Kendall Farkas. Assistant Superintendent Betsy Gavron reported Wayland remains a Level 1 district but earned zero of four accountability points on chronic absenteeism. Business Administrator Susan Bottan announced a $36,250 Community Compact grant to review HR, payroll and facilities efficiencies jointly with the town.