Approval of Records
December 3, 2001
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
November 19, 2001
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 19, 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, Diane Packer, Kristine Van Amsterdam, Ted Wynne
Members Absent: Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland
Others present: N. Jerome Goldberg Superintendent
James J. Connolly Assistant Superintendent
Patrick Schettini Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Meghan Walsh tudent Representative
Community Members, Staff,
Parents, & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the minutes of November 5, 2001. Ms. Packer seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chair Broekel asked if anyone wished to speak during Public Speak. No one came forward.
NOTIFICATION OF PROPOSED REDUCTION IN ENHANCED HEALTH GRANT
Dr. Goldberg reviewed the actions needing to take place as a result of a notification received from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health informing him that due to significant reductions in the availability of funding for the Enhanced School Health Program, the grant will be reduced to $39,130 down from $91,000. This reduction will cause the School Department to cut back on their nursing staff at various schools. Dr. Goldberg offered to write a letter on behalf of the School Committee and administration to our State Legislators stressing the importance of our school nurses.
PRESENTATION ON ACCEPT COLLABORATIVE
Dr. Michael Palladino, Executive Director, of ACCEPT Collaborative provided the School Committee with an overview of how ACCEPT works with the various school districts and explained the programs it has to offer.
TO APPROVE THE PHYSICAL RESTRAINT POLICY
Mrs. Audrey Seyffert explained the Physical Restraint Policy which the School Committee needs to adopt in accordance with the 603CMR 46.00. The Committee was provided with the draft policy as well as the Physical Restraint Guidelines. Mr. John Lauzon discussed a Physical Restraint training program which he has been conducting throughout the district. The Physical Restraint Policy will be brought back and voted on at the meeting of December 3, 2001.
CLERK OF THE WORKS APPOINTMENT FOR THE WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Connolly reported that the Wilson Middle School Building Committee interviewed candidates for the position of Clerk of the Works for the new middle school project. They unanimously selected Luigi DiNapoli for this position. This position will be paid an annual salary of $68,000 as an employee of the Natick Public Schools for the term of the project and will be eligible for benefits.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
RESIGNATIONS: Professional Staff
Judith Battat, Learning center teacher at Wilson Middle School since August 2001. Resignation effective at the end of the day on November 21, 2001.
Diane Kessler, Grade 3 teacher at Lilja School since August 1997. Resignation effective at the end of the day on December 21, 2001.
Heather Messerle, Learning center teacher/chairperson at Lilja School since August 2001. Resignation effective at the end of the day on December 3, 2001.
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff
Lisa Langan, Grade 5 teacher at Kennedy Middle School since August 1994. Maternity leave of absence is effective January 3, 2002 to the end of this school year.
Shelly Shuster, Grade 1 teacher at Memorial School since August 1999. Maternity leave of absence is effective December 3, 2001 to the end of this school year.
APPOINTMENTS: Professional Staff
Karen Milch, to be learning center teacher at Wilson Middle School effective November 19, 2001 to the end of this school year. Salary, pro-rated step 3, Bachelors
APPOINTMENTS: Support Staff
Robin Ward-Panarelli, to be full-time teacher assistant at Lilja School effective November 8, 2001. Salary, Step 2
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chair Broekel reported that members of the School Committee and Administration attended the Natick Education Foundation’s Shining Light Award event held on October 16 where Ms. Gini Lyster was honored. Ms. Lyster, as part of her award money, is donating three copies of the book Images of Natick to each school. Chair Broekel, on behalf of the School Committee and administration, thanked Ms. Lyster for her generous donation.
Dr. Goldberg reported that the Rotary Club will be arranging for delivery of turkeys and other groceries to approximately 100 families in the Natick Community on Tuesday, November 20. The Rotary Club does this in association with Debbie Vogt, Director of the Natick Service Council. Members of the NHS football team will help in this effort.
Dr. Goldberg reported that he has asked staff members, students, etc. to, as a group, write a living history of the events of September 11, 2001 through Thanksgiving Day, 2001. The history would be made up of reflections or poems of our personal thoughts. Several of these written reflections or poems will be selected to be placed in a Diary (of sorts) that will be distributed to each school library so that future students and faculty may read what we felt during this difficult time. Anyone interested in participating should send his or her information to Dr. Goldberg.
Ms. Packer reported on a recent TEC meeting she attended where the Chapter 70 funds were discussed. It is felt that the outlook for a positive increase in revenues may not be seen for many years. Other areas which may be impacted is the Circuit Breaker and SBAB funding.
Mr. Cashman reported on his attendance at the MASC Annual meeting held on October 31. It was a very positive experience for him and encouraged other members to attend future meetings.
CURRICULUM ACCOMODATION PLANS
Mrs. Seyffert provided an overview of the District and Building Curriculum Accommodation Plans and provided copies of the plan to School Committee members. Mass General Law Ch. 71 S.38Q1/2 mandates distribution of these plans. This section requires each school district to adopt and implement a District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) to assist school principals in ensuring that all efforts have been made to meet students’ needs in the general education environment.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
N. Jerome Goldberg
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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