Town of Natick - School Committee Minutes

Approval of Records

Natick Public Schools

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

The Administration requested an Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. on May 21, 2001 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chairwoman Broekel called the School Committee meeting to order and requested a motion to enter into Executive Session. Ms. Packer moved for approval to enter into Executive Session. Mr. Freedman seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Chairwoman Broekel, Mr. Freedman, Mr. Haugland, Ms. Packer and Mr. Wynne voted in the affirmative to enter into Executive Session. (Mrs. Van Amsterdam and Mr. Cashman arrived after the vote). The Executive Session was held in the Staff Development Room, Third Floor, Town Hall. The School Committee returned to open session at 7:25 p.m. and resumed their regular meeting in the School Committee Room, Town Hall.

Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer,

Kristine Van Amsterdam, Ted Wynne

Others present: N. Jerome Goldberg Superintendent

Patrick Schettini Assistant Superintendent

Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary

Natasha Smalky Student Representative

Meghan Walsh Student Representative

Community Members, Staff,

James Connolly arrived later.

Chairwoman Broekel called the meeting back to order and introduced members of the School Committee, the Administration, and Student Representatives.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the minutes of May 7, 2001. Mr. Freedman seconded. Ms. Packer moved to make the following amendment: on page two regarding the Charter By Law Review Committee. A sentence read: The budget process may need some modification to reflect the current charter. It should read: The School Committee follows State Law in its budget process and the charter may need to be reviewed to reflect that. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded the amendment. The minutes of May 7, 2001 were unanimously approved with this amendment.

Chairwoman Broekel asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. Mr. Joshua Ostroff, Co-Chair of the Natick Education Foundation, came forward and announced that the Annual Grant Review will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bennett-Hemenway School where teachers and educators who received grants this past school year will provide presentations on their projects.

The School Committee was presented with three policies for their review and approval:

SEARCH AND SEIZURE & INTERROGATION BY POLICE

Mr. Wynne moved for approval to remove the last four words in the SEARCH AND SEIZURE & INTERROGATION BY POLICE policy – the words consisted of: regarding school disciplinary matters. Ms. Packer seconded.

Mr. Haugland moved to approve all three policies with the amendment made by Mr. Wynne. Mr. Freedman seconded. They were unanimously approved.

TO APPROVE CHANGES TO THE HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK

Dr. Goldberg reviewed the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37H as it pertains to the preparation and distribution of handbooks. Dr. Parker reviewed the proposed changes to the Natick High School handbook for the 2001-2002 school year.

The first section reviewed was the Statement of Dress. A major change in this section would be:

The creation of a safe environment in our school requires the identification of students by teachers, administrators and other personnel in our building. The wearing of headgear in the form of hats, bandanas, hoods or other material that covers the head and/or face interferes with the identification of students. Therefore, barring religious and/or medical circumstances, students are not allowed to wear headgear while in the school building.

A second change in this section would be the addition of the following:

In an effort to maintain a school environment focused on teaching and learning and to foster a more respectful and less disruptive environment, it is requested that students follow these more specific guidelines regarding their attire while attending school.

Students are asked to refrain from wearing:

Shirts/ tops that do not sufficiently cover the torso.

Excessively short pants or dresses, or

Articles of clothing that depict cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or language/gestures that are lewd, obscene or derogatory toward others

Rationale for these changes: these statements establish clearer guidelines on dress for students and still maintain the rights of students under the law.

Dr. Parker responded to questions from the School Committee. Mr. Haugland moved for approval to accept the changes to the handbook which pertain to student dress on the basis of safety. Mrs Van Amsterdam seconded. School Committee members, the student representatives as well as students and parents in the audience, provided input. Chairwoman Broekel called for a vote on the dress code section of the handbook. Mr. Haugland’s motion carried 6 to 1.

Chairwoman Broekel requested that a recess from the handbook discussion take place and for the School Committee to take the following item out of order:

TO REAFFIRM THE POSITION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE ATTORNEY

Dr. Goldberg stated that per the Natick School Committee policy, the retention of School Committee Counsel is to be reaffirmed each year at the organizational meeting. Dr. Goldberg recommended that the School Committee reappoint Attorney Naomi R. Stonberg as the School Committee’s Attorney. Mr. Haugland moved for approval to accept Dr. Goldberg’s recommendation. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. A brief recess was taken. The meeting was resumed and a vote was taken on Mr. Haugland’s motion. It was unanimously approved to reappoint Attorney Naomi R. Stonberg as the School Committee’s Attorney.

The School Committee continued with the agenda item: TO APPROVE CHANGES TO THE NATICK HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK.

The next section reviewed for proposed changes to the handbook was Weighted Sum (Class Rank) table for determining rank in class and eligibility for National Honor Society. Dr. Parker introduced Mrs. Jan Parson, Guidance Department Head, who provided an explanation to the changes to the Class Rank calculations. A discussion continued. Some concerns were raised that this formula doesn’t provide a statistically accurate picture. Mr. Haugland indicated that he could recommend the assistance of volunteer statisticians in the area if it would be helpful. Mr. Freedman moved for approval of this change as outlined. Mrs. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.

The next section reviewed for changes was to add the Search and Seizure & Interrogation by Police policy that was approved this evening to the section in the handbook regarding Lockers. Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval to add this policy to the handbook as outlined. Ms. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.

Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval on the remaining proposed changes to the high school handbook as outlined in Dr. Parker’s memo dated May 17, 2001. Mr. Haugland seconded. They were unanimously approved.

TO APPROVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS

Dr. Parker reviewed the 2001-2002 goals as outlined in the Natick High School Improvement Plan. Mr. Haugland moved for approval of this plan. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. It was unanimously approved.

The Bennett-Hemenway and Brown School Improvement Plans will be reviewed at the next meeting.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Joyce Tapper-Benham, Staff Development Specialist, gave a presentation on the Professional Development program in the Natick Public Schools.

PERSONNEL ACTIONS

Dr. Goldberg reviewed the following personnel actions.

RETIREMENT: Support Staff

Sheila Fisher, Bookkeeper in the Office of Pupil Services and a member of the staff since September 1976. Retirement effective September 30, 2001.

RESIGNATION: Professional Staff

Susan Harvey, grade 6 teacher at Wilson Middle School since August 2000. Resignation effective August 24, 2001.

Sarah Higginbotham, social worker at Natick High School since August 2000. Resignation effective June 19, 2001.

Philip Wolfson, math teacher at Wilson Middle School since August 2000. Resignation effective June 19, 2001.

RESIGNATION: Support Staff

Gabrielle Mazzola, food service worker at Kennedy Middle School since November 2000. Resignation effective at the end of the day on May 11, 2001.

Rose Nichols, teacher assistant at Natick High School North Star Program since December 2000. Resignation effective June 19, 2001.

Douglas Swisher, custodian at Kennedy Middle School since August 2000. Resignation effective May 10, 2001.

EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff

Jennifer Gershon, grade 3 teacher at Johnson School since August 1996. Maternity leave of absence is effective May 28, 2001 to October 26, 2001.

CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT: Support Staff

Robert Lubinski, from Jr. I Custodian (night shift) at Natick High School to Jr. I Custodian (day shift) at Natick High School/cafeteria effective May 9, 2001.

APPOINTMENT: Professional Staff

Julie O’Connell, to be grade 3 long-term substitute teacher at Johnson School effective May 21 to June 18, 2001. She is replacing Jennifer Gershon who will be on a maternity leave. Salary, $123.00 per day

APPOINTMENTS: Support Staff

Janet Pownell, to be part-time secretary at Brown School effective May 21, 2001 to the end of this school year. This is in addition to her regular position as building assistant. Salary, $9.83 per hour.

Gail Morrill, to be data entry clerk for the Enhanced School Health Service Grant effective May 21, 2001. Salary, $15.00 per hour.

Michael Allen, to be Jr. I Custodian at Johnson and Memorial School effective May 21, 2001. Salary, Step 1

Jeffrey Bastien, to be Jr. I Custodian (permanent assignment to be determined) effective May 14, 2001. Salary, Step 1

Luis Galan, to be Jr. I Custodian at Bennett-Hemenway and Lilja School effective May 29, 2001. Salary, Step 1

TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Pat Schettini, provided an outline of the charge and makeup of the Technology Advisory Committee as follows:

· Provide guidance and input to the NPS as we work toward achievement of the vision for technology articulated by the Task Force

· Provide guidance and input to the NPS on the implementation of the recommendations delineated in the Technology Task Force Report (dated May 11, 2001)

· Encourage constant dialogue aimed at improving the use of technology to support teaching and learning

The committee will be comprised of twelve individuals and will be chaired by the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. The remaining members are as follows:

Director of Technology

1 High School Student

1 College\University Representative

2 Community Members who are well versed in Technology

1 School Committee Representative

1 Elementary School Teacher

1 Middle School Teacher

1 High School Teacher

1 Building Administrator

1 Technology consultant from The Education Cooperative (TEC)

The committee will be formed over the next few weeks and will begin meeting early in the 2001-2002 school year. Mr. Schettini will provide updates.

TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION REGARDING SCHOOL CHOICE

Dr. Goldberg indicated that the School Committee needs to take a vote regarding School Choice. In accordance with the provisions of the School Choice Law, a school committee must annually vote to not participate in school choice. If the committee does not vote, then the district automatically becomes a school choice district. Dr. Goldberg recommended that the School Committee adopt the resolution submitted to the Committee to not participate in School Choice. Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval to adopt the resolution which states that the Natick School Committee declines to participate in the School Choice program. Ms. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.

TO APPROVE THE 23RD AMENDMENT TO THE TEC AGREEMENT

The School Committee was provided with copies of the 23rd Amendment to the TEC Agreement for its approval. Mr. Wynne moved for approval on the Amendment. Ms. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.

APPROVAL OF NATICK EXTENDED DAY LEASE

Dr. Goldberg requested the School Committee’s approval to extend the Lease for the Natick Extended Day Program, located at the Bennett-Hemenway School, for another school year with the rent at the same level as last year of $4,000 per year. The lease period will be August 30, 2001 through June 30, 2002. Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval to extend the Lease with for Natick Extended Day Program as outlined. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.

TO APPROVE TRANSPORTATION BID

Mr. Connolly reported that the sealed bids for Regular Transportation and Special Education In-Town Services were opened on May 9, 2001. Two bids were received – one for each bid. The Administration recommends that the School Committee vote to award the bid for regular transportation to Michael J. Connolly and Sons, Inc. for the period beginning August 2001 through June 2004 with the Committee having the sole option to renew the contract for an additional two year term from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006, subject to annual appropriation. The Administration recommends that the School Committee vote to award the bid for Special Education Transportation In-Town to JFK Transportation Inc. for the period of August 2001 through June 2004 with the Committee having the sole option to renew the contract for an additional two year term from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006, subject to annual appropriation. Mr. Haugland moved for approval to award these bids as outlined. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.

TO APPROVE THE WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE

Mr. Connolly explained that the Department of Education requires, as part of the application for SBAB funding, that the School Committee vote to approve the site for the construction of a school. This vote is required even though the site has been used as a school site for 40 years. Mr. Haugland moved for approval of the site for the construction of a new Wilson Middle School (which is the existing site). Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. It was unanimously approved.

REQUEST TO ENROLL A NON-RESIDENT STUDENT

Dr. Goldberg requested that the School Committee approve a request made by a member of the Natick Public School’s professional staff to enroll their child in the Natick Public Schools, effective for the 2001/2002 school year subject to review for special needs. The request is for the child to attend 8th grade at the Kennedy Middle School. This request falls within the provisions of Chapter 76, Section 6. There is no conflict with the “choice law” since the Committee has not charged tuition in similar cases. Mr. Freedman moved for approval of this request. Ms. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.

TO APPROVE OUT OF STATE TRAVEL

Dr. Goldberg requested the School Committee’s approval for the Natick High School Speech Team to travel to New York City on May 24-27 to compete in the National Championship Tournament. Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of this trip. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.

The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Secretary to the School Committee

Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly