Approval of Records
October 1, 2001
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
September 24, 2001
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, September 24, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Town Hall. Chairwoman Broekel called the School Committee meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer,
Kristine Van Amsterdam, Ted Wynne
Others present: N. Jerome Goldberg Superintendent
James J. Connolly Assistant Superintendent
Patrick Schettini Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Marianne Davis Human Resources Manager
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Natasha Smalky Student Representative
Meghan Walsh Student Representative
Community Members, Staff,
Parents & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the minutes of September 4, 2001. Ms. Packer seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of September 4, 2001. Mr. Freedman seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Mr. David Casey, Natick resident, spoke before the Committee to urge them to support the bill requiring seat belts on all school buses.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chair Broekel announced that the Natick Education Foundation will be honoring Virginia Lyster as its recipient of the Harriet F. Siegel Shining Light Award on Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Whitney Place.
Chair Broekel provided copies of the resolutions which will be voted on at the MASC Annual Meeting being held on October 31. Mr. Cashman will be representing the School Committee at this meeting. The School Committee will take a position on these resolutions at the meeting of October 15.
Chair Broekel provided updates on the School Committee’s warrant articles for Town Meeting.
Dr. Goldberg provided an update on the Natick Public Schools – NPS Card Program. Dr. Goldberg visited the senior center where he accepted applications for senior citizens to receive the NPS Card Club. The NPS Card will allow senior citizens entry at no cost to all regular season home athletic events, school system plays and musical performances, and all other school district sponsored cultural activities and events. Many seniors have taken advantage of this program. Applications are available through the Superintendent’s office and the Kennedy Senior Center.
Chair Broekel reported that the meeting with the Wilson Middle School abutters held last Thursday went well. She thanked Building 19 1/5 for allowing the construction vehicles access through their property onto the Wilson site.
Chair Broekel thanked Boston Scientific for their donation of various furniture items. She applauds their community spirit.
STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
Meghan Walsh and Natasha Smalky led the discussion with the new Student Advisory Board. New members were introduced: David McAuley – Class of 2002, Rob Williamson – Class of 2004 and Tara Sulzen – Class of 2003. The students provided departmental reports and commented on the new schedule, the new dress code and the new curriculum centers.
INTERVIEW WITH MR. JAMES J. CONNOLLY FOR THE
POSITION OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
The School Committee interviewed Mr. James Connolly for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Connolly provided an overview of his background. He answered questions from the School Committee and the audience. Members of the School Committee expressed their support for Mr. Connolly as superintendent as well as some members of the audience. Mr. Haugland moved for approval to appoint Mr. James Connolly as Superintendent of Schools, effective January 1, 2002. Mr. Cashman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
See attached.
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW REPORT
Mrs. Seyffert provided an overview of the Department of Education’s Coordinated Program Report in which three areas were evaluated: Special Education, Civil Rights and Title I. She was very pleased with the findings for Natick which were: 7 Specific Commendables, 102 Fully Implemented areas, 4 Partially Implemented areas in Special Education and 2 Partially Implemented areas in Civil Rights. There were 0 areas of non-compliance. Mrs. Seyffert discussed the proposed Corrective Action Plan for the partially implemented areas which needs to be sent to the Department of Education by September 30, 2001. Mr. Freedman moved to approve the Corrective Action Plan. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.
At 9:55 p.m., the Administration requested an Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations for non-represented personnel in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws. A roll call vote was taken to enter into Executive Session. All members were in favor of entering into Executive Session.
Returned to open session at 11:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 11: 30 p.m.
N. Jerome Goldberg
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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