Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
October 20, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Trustees Room in the Morse Institute Library. 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. Ms. Packer moved for approval to enter into Executive Session. Ms. Broekel seconded. A roll call vote was taken. All members were present and were in favor of entering into Executive Session. At 7:30 p.m. Ms. Broekel moved for approval to return to open session. Mr. Wynne seconded. The school Committee proceeded to the Lower Meeting Room in the Morse Institute Library to continue with its regular meeting.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer, Kristine VanAmsterdam, Ted Wynne
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
PUBLIC SPEAK
Ms. Alissa Leornard thanked the administration for resolving a transportation issue involving Bus # 7.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. VanAmsterdam moved for approval of the School Committee minutes of September 22, 2003. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Broekel moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of September 22, 2003. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ms. Broekel requested consensus from the School Committee to write a letter in support of the Wellness Grant for Ms. Jennifer Ward, Wellness Coordinator. The School Committee was in agreement of sending a letter of support.
AWARDING OF CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Mr. Connolly introduced two students from the Class of 2004 who stood in rank order one and two in their class at the end of their junior year. He awarded Ms. Emily Force and Mr. Brian Stark Certificates of Academic Excellence, which were instituted by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents to honor students who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of academic excellence. The Administration and the School Committee congratulated these students on this achievement.
REPORT FROM SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Mrs. Barbara Singer, Parents Advisory Council Chair provided an overview of the Parents Advisory Council including the makeup of the Council and their plans for this year’s meetings.
DISCUSSION OF TOWN MEETING ARTICLES 4 & 9
Article 4 - Appropriations for funding of Capital Improvement Program
Article 9 – Appropriation of funding the implementation of the various collective bargaining units
The School Committee is seeking no action on these articles at Town Meeting.
Handouts of the Capital Budget needs were provided.
Mr. Haugland indicated that due to the fact they just received notification of dramatic changes in the Special Education circuit breaker numbers, they will defer any action on the current EAN contract until they can look at the FY04/FY05/FY06 spending very carefully. Mr. Lemnios, Town Administrator, expressed his concerns about the pending contract settlement. Mr. Lemnios stated that he along with the Board of Selectmen and several members of the Finance Committee think that the contract settlement should go before Town Meeting. Mr. Haugland indicated that he wished to evaluate where things are in terms of the FY05/FY06 projected spending.
Other comments/concerns:
· request that the School Committee and the High School Building Committee keep issues regarding renovations/construction of the high school in the forefront so a debt exclusion doesn’t catch anyone by surprise.
· Suggestion of arranging a shorter term contract was offered.
· Suggestion of educating Town Meeting and voters on how to have the best school system. Be very outreaching to the community and Town Meeting.
Town Meeting members were encouraged to discuss these issues amongst one another and at the upcoming Town Meeting.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed.
RETIREMENT: Professional Staff
Herbert O’Connor, Industrial technology teacher at Kennedy Middle School. Retirement effective January 1, 2004.
RESIGNATION: Professional Staff
Karen Levine, Supervisor of health services. Resignation effective at the end of the day on October 24, 2003.
RESIGNATION: Support Staff
Margaret Jones, Food service worker at Lilja School. Resignation effective at the end of the day on October 17, 2003.
CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT: Support Staff
Stephanie Meyler, to be full-time technology support facilitator at Bennett-Hemenway School/help desk effective October 20, 2003.
APPOINTMENTS: Professional Staff
Ronald Clements, to be Facility Services Manager effective October 14, 2003. Salary, $44,000.
James Whealan, to be Title I teacher at Kennedy Middle School effective October 14, 2003. Salary, Step 1.
APPO1NTMENTS: Support Staff
Elizabeth Robbins, to be student support facilitator at Wilson Middle School effective October 16, 2003. Salary, Step 2
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Freedman moved for approval for the School Committee to form a subcommittee to evaluate and make recommendations on the fee based busing program. Ms. Packer seconded. A discussion took place. Mr. Freedman withdrew his motion. Ms. Packer withdrew the second. It was suggested that this be taken up at a later date as an agenda item.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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