Approval of Records
November 17, 2003
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
November 3, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 3, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Training Room, Town Hall. 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 to enter into Executive Session was taken. All members present were in favor of entering into Executive Session. The School Committee returned to open session at 7:20 p.m. Chairman Haugland called the meeting back to order at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, Town Hall.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer, Kristine Van Amsterdam, Ted Wynne
Others present: James J. Connolly Superintendent of Schools
Karen Leacu LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Zachary Garafalo Student Representative
Staff, Parents & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Wynne moved for approval of the minutes of October 8, 2003. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Broekel moved for approval of the minutes of October 20, 2003 with one change. On the last page, last paragraph change the first sentence to read: Mr. Freedman moved for approval for the School Committee to form a subcommittee to evaluate and make recommendations on the fee based busing program. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved with the change.
Ms. Broekel moved for approval of the minutes of October 27, 2003 with one change. In the second paragraph, first sentence under the heading Discussion on Transportation Rebates: delete the words of Motion 1E that. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved with the change.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of October 8, 2003. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of October 20, 2003. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of October 27, 2003. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
After the approval of the minutes were given, Ms. Packer noticed that a minor change needs to be made to the October 20, 2003 Executive Session minutes. They will be brought back to the next meeting for approval with the change.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Haugland asked if anyone wished to come forward for public speak. No one came forward.
RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT
Mr. Haugland indicated that the School Committee had met in Executive Session to ratify the EAN Contract. Ms. Packer moved for approval to ratify the EAN Contract for Units A,B, & C as outlined. Mr. Freedman seconded. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor:
Mr. Haugland Yes
Ms. Packer Yes
Ms. Broekel Yes
Mr. Cashman Yes
Mr. Freedman Yes
Ms. Van Amsterdam Yes
Mr. Wynne Yes
Mr. Lemnios No
The motion carried 7 to 1.
PRESENTATION ON “PHYSICS FIRST”
Dr. Karen LeDuc introduced Mr. John Hughes, High School Principal, who in turn introduced Ms. Kathi Browne, Ms. Linda Weber and Joel Bradford from the Natick High School Science Department who gave a presentation on “Physics First”, a science initiative for Natick High School. This new initiative would have all students starting with a Physics Course in their freshman year which establishes a foundation of scientific and mathematical concepts.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
Ms. Packer announced that the Suburban Coalition will be holding an organizational meeting on Wednesday, November 5, at 160 Grove Street in Wellesley. Legislative Representative Lida Harkins will be present. A discussion on funding will take place.
UPDATE ON AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
A tentative schedule was presented for the elementary and middle schools for visitation times for American Education Week, November 17-21st. Teachers and principals have expressed concern that the academic learning time and security procedures have been compromised in the past due to the hours of visitation for this week. The hours allotted for visits this year have been reduced. A concern was raised that some parents may not be able to attend during the assigned times. Another concern raised was that the middle school hours are too restrictive. Mr. Connolly will work with the Middle School Principals to see if they can increase the visitation times.
2004/2005 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Mr. Connolly provided the School Committee options for the 2004/2005 School Calendar. He is recommending Option A which results in the staff reporting back to school on Monday, August 30, students beginning on Wednesday, September 1 and the final day of school, June 22 (185 days including 5 snow days). Ms. Broekel asked if an Option C could be considered, which would have the staff reporting back on September 1, 2 with the students returning on September 7. Mr. Connolly will present the options to the EAN and will bring this item back in December.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT: Support Staff
Mary Zullo, to be part-time food service worker at Wilson Middle School effective October 21, 2003.
APPOINTMENTS: Coaching Staff/Winter Season
See attached
APPOINTMENT: Support Staff
Raechel Chiavarini, to be part-time food service worker at Lilja School effective October 21, 2003. Salary, Step 1.
Boys’ Basketball
Head Coach Ken Brackett Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Todd Kiley 3
Freshman Coach Mike Braverman 3
Girls’ Basketball
Head Coach Danielle Chaisson Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Kristen E. Laggis* 1
Freshman Coach Debra Patch 3
Boys’ Ice Hockey
Head Coach Bob Lavin * Step 3
Sub Varsity Coach Bill Whitfield 3
Freshman Coach Doug Scott * * 3
Girls’ Ice Hockey
Head Coach John Brown Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Zach Galvin 3
Freshmen Julie Mei 3
Track – Indoor
Head Coach - Boys Matt Brenneman Step 3
Head Coach - Girls Dennis Driscoll 3
Asst. Coach - Girls Thomas Brenneman 3
Asst. Co-Coach – Boys Matt Strother 3
Mark Mortarelli
(Salary will be divided between co-coaches)
Wrestling
Head Coach Bob Anniballi Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Ed Smith 3
Freshmen Coach David Hamel 3
Cheerleading
Head Coach David Lombardi Step 3
Boys’ Swimming
Head Coach Paul Power Step 3
Asst. Coach Jessica Henderson 3
Gymnastics
Head Coach Gregory Rogers Step 3
Asst. Coach Lynne O’Brien 3
Trainers
Head Coach Dan Lussier
(See Trainer Contract with MetroWest Medical)
Faculty Manager William Presutti Step 3
TO TAKE A POSITION ON THE MASC RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Connolly provided the School Committee with his recommendations on the MASC Resolutions which will be voted on at the annual meeting. Mr. Cashman will be the voting delegate for the Natick School Committee at this meeting. The School Committee reviewed each resolution and took the following position.
Resolution 1 – School & Municipal Finance – Mr. Cashman moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2 – State Board of Education - Mr. Cashman moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 3 – Education Reform Act & MCAS – Mr. Freedman moved for approval to not support the position of MASC. Mr. Wynne seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 4 - License Requirement for Superintendents - Mr. Cashman moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 5 – “Stop the Cuts” to Public Education – Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 6 – ESEA – No Child Left Behind Act - Mr. Cashman moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 7 – Medicaid Revenues - Mr. Cashman moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Ms. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Resolution 8 – Charter School Moratorium - Mr. Cashman moved for approval for the School Committee to support the position of MASC. Ms. Packer seconded. It was unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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