Approval of Records
January 22, 2003
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
January 8, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, January 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Town Hall. Chair Broekel called the 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: James J. Connolly Superintendent
Patrick Schettini Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Community Members, Parents,
Staff & Press
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chair Broekel asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. No one came forward.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chair Broekel commended Mr. Bruce Houston, Wilson Middle School Band Director, and students for their outstanding performance at the Winter Band Concert held on Jan. 7, 2003. Performers included the Grade 5 Band and students from 3 different elementary schools (who pulled together a wonderful concert in 4 months), the Grade 6 Band, the Natick Middle Winds and the Wilson Honor Band.
Chair Broekel announced that the 21st annual “Journey Into a Dream” musical tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Sunday, January 26 at 2:30 p.m. in the Natick High School Auditorium. This performance is presented by Hemisphere Associates and sponsored by the Natick Cultural Arts Council Tickets are $10.00 per person & $5.00 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from Paradise Photo & Video, 21 Main Street. The proceeds for this performance will go to the Harriet F. Siegel Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Mr. Cashman announced that he will be attending the MASC Division II Annual meeting tomorrow evening. They will be touring a new elementary school in Arlington as well as meeting with some State Representatives.
DISCUSSION ON FY2004 BUDGET
Mr. Connolly gave a brief overview of the FY04 budget request followed by:
Mr. Schettini who addressed the Instructional Budget
Mrs. Seyffert who addressed the Pupil Services Budget
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn who addressed the Operations & Maintenance Budget
The administration responded to questions raised. Following are concerns/comments/actions:
· Can we get information on whether other districts have full time curriculum coordinators for the middle schools and elementary schools?
· Do you believe the Department Head Chair model is successful at Natick High School - concern that there is not a process in place to link with middle schools and subsequently elementary schools
· Who will curriculum coordinators be accountable to? Stronger emphasis on job descriptions.
· What bargaining unit will the curriculum coordinators be appointed to if any?
· Would like more discussion on curriculum connectivity between grades K-12
· Would like to see an updated list of grant awards and employees funded by grants - are any of the grant funded positions in jeopardy if funds become unavailable
· High copy costs are a result, in many cases, due to materials being copied as opposed to purchasing textbooks this should be articulated more.
· Bus fee rates - family caps as it relates to requests for use of multiple bus routes per child needs to be reviewed
· Capital Budget requests need to be addressed - meeting needs to be held with Capital Subcommittee Chair, Paul Griesmer and Town Administrator, Phil Lemnios.
· Transportation revolving fund is in deficit - need to transfer funds
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SEARCH PROCESS
Chair Broekel announced the School Committee representatives for the paper screening and interviewing subcommittees for the administrative searches
Paper Screening Interviewing
Johnson School Principal. Ted Wynne Henry Haugland
Natick High School Vice Principal Kristine Van Amsterdam Peg Broekel
Wilson Middle School Vice Principal Jonathan Freedman Diane Packer
Michael Cashman is available as an alternate for the Paper Screening subcommittees if the need arises.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
James J. Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
| 
