Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
October 8, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, 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
Ted Wynne
Members Absent: Kristine Van Amsterdam
Others present: James J. Connolly Superintendent of Schools
Karen Leacu LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Zachary Garafalo Student Representative
Staff, Parents & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Freedman moved for approval of the School Committee minutes of September 8, 2003. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Broekel moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of September 15, 2003. Mr. Freedman seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Haugland asked if anyone wished to come forward for public speak. Mr. Lawrence Jacobs came forward and requested that the School Committee consider naming the Wilson Middle School library after Mr. Peter Lane, former teacher. This item will have to be discussed at a future School Committee Meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TOWN MEETING ARTICLES
Ms. Broekel reported on the Open House held at Wilson Middle School this past weekend. Over 1,000 visitors came through the school on Saturday, October 4. The ribbon cutting ceremony and the dedication of the Joseph A. Keefe Performing Arts Center were very well attended.
REPORT FROM STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
Mr. Hughes introduced Zach Garafalo, Student Representative to the School Committee, who along with members of the Student Advisory Board members, Sasha Smalky, Bethany Guen, and Rob Williamson provided the School Committee with an update of activities taking place at Natick High School.
Mr. Connolly introduced Jennifer Ward, Wellness Coordinator, who discussed the Carol M. White PEP Grant of $144,000 that has been awarded to the Wellness Program. Ms. Ward discussed the goals of the Wellness program and provided an outline on how the funds will be expended. A recommendation was made to schedule a presentation at a future meeting on the wellness curriculum throughout the system.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
RETIREMENT: Support Staff
John Ryan, Custodian at Natick High School. Retirement effective at the end of the day on October 17, 2003
CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT: Support Staff
Theresa Drummey, to be student support facilitator at Bennett-Hemenway School effective September 29, 2003.
EXTENDED LEAVES OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff
Kristien Lipka Burk, English teacher at Natick High School. Maternity leave of absence is effective December 8, 2003 to the end of the 2003-2004 school year.
APPOINTMENTS: Professional Staff
Vickie Berry, to be grade 3 long-term substitute teacher at Bennett-Hemenway School effective September 29, 2003 to April 30, 2004. She is replacing Nina LaPlante. Salary, $131.00 per day.
David Binette, to be lead instructor in the ASAP Program at Wilson Middle School effective September 15, 2003. Salary, $14.00 per hour.
Bruce Houston, to be Middle School Music Lesson Coordinator for the school year 2003-2004. Salary, $3,000.00
Suzanne Johnson, to be Elementary School Music Lesson Coordinator for the school year 2003-2004. Salary, $2,000.00
Susan Jarboe, to be kindergarten long-term substitute teacher [grant funded] at Johnson School effective September 29, 2003 to the end of the 2003-2004 school year. Salary, $131.00 per day.
Stephanie Meyler, to be Director of Adult Education for the school year 2003-2004. Salary, $10,000.00.
Juliet Murphy, to be grade 2 long-term substitute teacher at Bennett-Hemenway School effective September 29, 2003 to January 9, 2004. She is replacing Allison Hamm. Salary, $131.00 per day.
Joanne O’Leary, to be (.5) school nurse [grant funded] at Wilson Middle School effective September 29, 2003 to the end of the 2003-2004 school year. Salary, Step 6, Unit C Bachelors Salary Schedule.
Jane Raithel, to be music/piano accompanist for the school year 2003-2004. Salary $25.00 per rehearsal and $75.00 per performance.
Marie Sugrue, to be permanent substitute teacher at the elementary level effective September 29, 2003 to January 9, 2004. She is replacing Juliet Murphy. Salary, $88.00 per day.
Jared Stefanowicz, to be Elementary After School Director for the school year 2003-2004. Salary, $6,000.00.
Marlene Taranto, to be Middle School Music Lesson Coordinator for the school year 2003-2004. Salary, $3,000.00
Amy Winnick, to be part-time kindergarten tutor [grant funded] at Lilja School effective September 29, 2003 to the end of the 2003-2004 school year. Salary, $21.83 per hour.
APPOINTMENTS: Support Staff
Donna Cohen, to be school-year secretary at Memorial School effective October 6, 2003. Salary, Step 3.
Chad Sinclair, to be student support facilitator at Natick High School effective September 26, 2003. Salary, Step 3.
ENROLLMENT NUMBERS
Mr. Connolly provided a chart indicating enrollment numbers as of October 1, 2003. Mr. Cashman requested a breakdown of the Northstar students.
2003 MCAS RESULTS
Dr. Karen Leacu LeDuc provided the School Committee with a presentation on the MCAS 2003 results which included a vertical look at English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science/Technology/Engineering. A four-year comparison was provided. In addition, Dr. LeDuc reviewed the strategies for success.
2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR FOCUS
Mr. Connolly provided the School Committee with an outline of the 2003-2004 School Year Focus which was discussed at the retreat. He will come back to a future meeting with a priority listing of the areas along with expectations of what should be accomplished by the end of the year.
At 8:50 p.m. 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 who were present were in favor of entering into Executive Session.
At 9:45 p.m. the School Committee returned to open session. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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