Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
May 19, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, May19, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee room, Town Hall. Chairman Haugland 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
Pat Schettini Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Zach Garafalo Student Representative
Community Members, Parents,
Staff & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Packer moved for approval of the School Committee Meeting minutes of May 5, 2003. Mr. Freedman seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Haugland asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. Alyssa Leonard came forward and requested that additional copies of the agenda packets be made available for future meetings.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Mrs. Linda Broderick, Staff Development Coordinator, provided a report on the Staff Development Program which included:
· Introduction - Natick Public Schools Professional Development
· Massachusetts Department of Education recertification requirements
· Goals of the "No Child Left Behind" act
· Mini-University update
· Professional Development outside of the district
· 2002-2003 major curriculum initiatives
· Goals for 2003-2004
Questions/comments raised:
· Would like to see a breakdown of the most heavily attended courses - what is the makeup of the teachers who attended?
· how do the teachers work together - how much overlay is there between elementary and middle schools and middle schools and high school - integration between all schools
· would like to see more detail on how these broad goals tie into the strategic direction
· would like to receive an update on what programs will be offered next year
APPROVAL OF SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
The School Improvement Plans for Bennett-Hemenway School, Johnson School, Kennedy Middle School and Wilson Middle School were presented. Ms. Broekel moved for approval of these plans. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved. A request was made that a future presentation be given on the co-curricula activities offered at both middle schools. School Committee members were invited to visit the schools. Chairman Haugland would like to discuss a visitation schedule at the upcoming School Committee retreat.
HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK REPORT
Mr. Connolly presented an overview of recommendations made by the Natick High School Council, a Class Rank subcommittee, the High School Principal and the Superintendent regarding the calculation of class rank. Members of the public and school community provided their opinions. A discussion took place and questions were raised.
The following is a summary of comments/questions that will be brought back to the next meeting scheduled on June 2, 2003. It is the intent that the School Committee will take action on this at the meeting of June 2, 2003.
Comments/Questions
Would like to see sample of a weighted GPA graph.
Unweighted GPA into transcripts -why is this of any value or what harm would it do?
After school classes - why are these not counted in GPA?
Curve graph and bar graph - show strengths and weaknesses of both
If class rank is still to be used for purposes of determining merit scholars and other needs for colleges, how will it be handled with the students? How will it be handled on the transcript?
How would valedictorian be selected if no class rank?
List of honor electives across disciplines
What classes will contribute and how much?
Question about GPA scale - 4 vs.- 6 vs. 7.3
Clarify recommendation by superintendent on transcripts - what harm is there in continuing to report unweighted?
What type of training will be needed for counselors on histograph
Would like list of classes that don't have a honors level component, i.e. Latin
Would like listing of courses offered at NHS
What does a one-year transition mean? - How will it be implemented? What group of students would be affected first?
Would like additional information on college admission practices (1,2,3 ranking or percentages)
This discussion will continue at the meeting of June 2, 2003.
NEASC UPDATE
Mr. Hughes provided the School Committee with an update on the Natick High School reaccredidation process and reviewed the cycle. He indicated that this is an ongoing process. A progress report is due in the Spring of 2004. Ms. Broekel requested receiving copies of the recommendations from the two-year report.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff
Audrey Taylor, Grade 1 teacher at Brown School. Maternity leave of absence is effective May 22, 2003 to the end of this school year.
APPOINTMENT: Support Staff
Margaret Moran, to be long-term substitute student support facilitator at Natick High School effective April 28, 2003 to June 12, 2003. She is replacing Matthew Brenneman. Salary, $14.14 per hour.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING UPDATE
Mr. Connolly reported that the furniture for the new Wilson will be delivered in June. The demolition of the old Wilson will begin after June 12. He is very pleased with the progress and quality of this building project.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE
Mr. Connolly reported that given the two-year moratorium on SBAB funding for school building projects, he should have a better sense on the status of the High School Renovation at the end of the summer.
OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Mr. Freedman moved for approval on an out of state trip for the Natick High School Speech Team to travel to Arlington, Virginia to compete in the Grand National Speech Tournament on May 22-26, 2003. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. It was unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
James J. Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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