Approval of Records
May 20, 2002
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
May 6, 2002
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, May 6, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria of Natick High School. Chair Broekel called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer,
Ted Wynne, Kristine Van Amsterdam
Others present: James J. Connolly Superintendent
Patrick Schettini Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Packer requested that a change be made to the minutes of April 22, 2002 on page 2, third paragraph under the Fee Based Transportation item. She requested adding the words Grade K-6 to the words in parenthesis so it reads (Grades K-6 in excess of 2 miles). Mr. Freedman moved for approval of the minutes of April 22 with the change. Ms. Packer seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chair Broekel asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak.
Members of the public raised the following comments/questions:
– Where does it say it s legal for the school committee to redistrict the schools?
– How does the change in state revenue impact the fee-based transportation?
– Could you please relook at Chestnut Street area Chestnut St. area is being redistricted to Ben-Hem and is closer to Lilja whereas the Lake Street area is staying at Lilja and they appear to be closer to Ben-Hem.
Chair Broekel requested that any questions pertaining to redistricting be conducted when the School Committee addresses that agenda item later on in the meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chair Broekel reported that the Natick Education Foundation held its grant award ceremony this past Sunday. She thanked Ms. Tina Furdon and Ms. Sue Sullivan for all their help in organizing this event.
Ms. Packer provided an update from the Legislative breakfast and the TEC meeting she recently attended.
Mr. Cashman provided an update from the “Day on the Hill” meeting which he recently attended.
PRESENTATIONS OF SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
The presentations of School Improvement Plans were postponed until the meeting of May 20, 2002.
PRESENTATION ON REDISTRICTING PLAN FOR 2003/2004
Mr. Connolly presented the redistricting plan, which will go into effect beginning with the 2003/2004 school year. He provided information on the problem, the history, the process, the solution and the plans for implementation. Streets affected and maps were made available.
The following comments/concerns were raised:
– Grandfathering requests may be considered - the numbers will have to be looked at.
– Out of district placements, even if approved for multiple years, will have to be reviewed all requests will be at the same level - there are too many uncertainties for next year - decisions cannot be made yet.
– Request for legal reference that allows School Committees to set up districts
– Would the Committee consider moving a student earlier so they may start in the school that they will be redistricted to?
– Could Parkman Place & Chestnut Street area be reviewed again?
– Moccasin Path is being redistricted, Sundance Way is not- these areas are connected - seems inevitable that the line will need to shift further south.
– Could we get a new set of class size projections for all schools that takes redistricting into effect.
– Concern expressed about programs at Middle Schools not being equal and wondered if they would be with the opening of the new Wilson
The School Committee will hold a public hearing on the redistricting plan at its meeting of May 20, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Natick High School.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
RESIGNATION: Professional Staff
Jennifer Sousa, Foreign language teacher at Natick High School since August 1998 and currently on a maternity leave. Resignation effective June 30, 2002
RESIGNATION: Support Staff
Nancy Geneseo, Data entry clerk for the Natick Family Network since November 2000. Resignation effective at the end of the day on June 27, 2002.
APPOINTMENT: Professional Staff
Sheila Curran, to be acting vice-principal at Kennedy Middle School effective April 12 to June 10, 2002. She is replacing Kristen St. George who is on a maternity leave.
Lauren Marcus, to be long-term substitute art teacher at Kennedy Middle School effective April 22 to June 10, 2002. She is replacing Sheila Curran. Salary, $127.00 per day.
TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION REGARDING SCHOOL CHOICE
Mr. Connolly 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. Mr. Connolly 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 that states that the Natick School Committee declines to participate in the School Choice program. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE
The School Committee was presented with a schedule of meetings for the 2002/2003 school year. Mr. Freedman moved for approval of these dates. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved.
At 9:10, the Administration requested an Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining 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.
Returned to open session at 9:40 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
James J. Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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