Approval of Records
November 19, 2001
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
November 5, 2001
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 5, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Town Hall. Chairwoman Broekel called the School Committee meeting to order at 7:30 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
Natasha Smalky Student Representative
Community Members, Staff,
Parents, & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the minutes of October 15, 2001. Mr. Haugland seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the minutes of October 22, 2001. Ms. Packer seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of October 15, 2001. Mr. Haugland seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mr. Haugland moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of October 22, 2001. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chair Broekel asked if anyone wished to speak during Public Speak. No one came forward.
UPDATE ON AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
Ms. Mary Canner announced that American Education Week is November 11-17. This year’s theme is Together Making Public Schools Great for Every Child. Ms. Canner provided the School Committee with the list of activities planned as well as the schedule for each school. Mr. Freedman requested that the schedule be put on the website.
PRESENTATION BY THE EDUCATION COOPERATIVE (TEC)
Mr. Roger Ritch, Executive Director of TEC, provided a history of the TEC Organization as well as its makeup and function. He introduced other presenters of TEC as follows:
Betsy Baglio, Director of Professional & Resource Development
Jane Davidson, Director of Shaping Public Policy
Harriet Goldin, Director of Career/Instructional Development
Edward Carter, Associate Director
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
RESIGNATIONS: Professional Staff
Natalie Davis, Kindergarten grant long-term substitute teacher at Bennett-Hemenway School since September 5, 2001. Resignation effective October 16, 2001.
RESIGNATIONS: Support Staff
Suzanne Nilsson, Teacher assistant at Lilja School since September 7, 2001. Resignation effective October 17, 2001.
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff
Karen Ghilani, Grade 3 teacher at Johnson School since August 1998. Maternity leave of absence is effective October 15, 2001 to April 12, 2002.
APPOINTMENTS: Support Staff
Martha Slauta, to be part-time food service worker at Natick High School effective October 22, 2001. Salary, Step 1
Cathy Ubaldino, to be teacher assistant at Lilja School effective October 30, 2001. Salary,
Step 1.
APPOINTMENTS: Professional Staff
Kathleen McCall, to be kindergarten grant long-term substitute teacher at Bennett-Hemenway School effective October 16, 2001 to the end of this school year. Salary, $127.00 per day.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chair Broekel announced the sixth annual Natick High School Wall of Achievement dinner & ceremony being held on Tuesday, November 20 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Natick High School Cafeteria.
Dr. Goldberg announced that he is in receipt of a check for $100.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc. This contribution is made on behalf of Lueders’ Natick clients for whom it provides lawn and plant care services. Dr. Goldberg is giving this money to the Natick High School Science Department to be used in their courtyard landscaping project.
Dr. Goldberg provided an update on the skate park. He has been meeting with Chief Dennis Mannix and Dick Cugini on the issue of helmets not being worn by some users at the skate park. They plan to send a flyer home to parents and students telling them that the park will be closed indefinitely if helmets are not worn. Dr. Goldberg reported that the Skate Park will be closing for the season come this Thanksgiving.
MCAS UPDATE – PRELILMINARY REPORT
Mr. Schettini provided an overview of the district results for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests which were administered this past Spring. Dr. Dianne Keough presented a sampling of MCAS test items. Mr. Schettini outlined what measures were being taken for those students who failed any part of the test. He applauded Ms. Kathi Browne for her outstanding work in organizing the remedial programs. They responded to questions. A request was made to hold a more thorough review in December. If Committee members have specific questions they wish to be answered at the December review, please send them through Chair Broekel.
TO AWARD THE BID FOR GENERAL CONTRACTOR FOR WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Connolly reported that the Wilson Middle School Building Committee met this evening and recommend awarding the bid for the General Contractor for the Wilson Middle School to J & J Contractors in the amount of $20,957,000. Mr. Connolly reported that the Clerk of the Works will be appointed shortly. Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval to award the bid for the General Contractor for the Wilson Middle School to J & J Contractors in the amount of $20,957,000. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
TO APPROVE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval to approve the contract for James Connolly as Superintendent effective January 2, 2002 through June 30, 2007, with a salary of $124,600. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
N. Jerome Goldberg
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
| 
