Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE RETREAT
December 1, 2003
The School Committee held a retreat on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Meeting Hall on the lower level of the Morse Institute Library. Chair Haugland called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Members present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer,
Kristine Van Amsterdam, Ted Wynne
Others present: James J. Connolly
The Superintendent and Committee reviewed the current status of and discussed the following items:
· School Committee Agendas- January to June 2004.- Most of the unscheduled topics will be presented by June. Committee members requested that the following unscheduled items be addressed:
§ the role/responsibilities/relationships of the department heads (high and middle schools) and elementary coordinators
§ the status, development and implementation of the math and literacy curriculum (K-8) as well as the connection to the high school programs
§ high school issues as listed with specific information on elective offerings and the program of studies particularly as it impacts budget decisions
§ an update on the implementation status of the proposed Physics First program in the science department in the spring
§ a status review and update on the middle school program (including “specials” and the math program/levels) and any proposed improvements/modifications for the coming year
· Budget FY’05- The Committee reiterated direction to the Superintendent to maintain existing programs, fund collective bargaining settlements, and accommodate student enrollment within the parameter of a 2 ½% increase from the Town (as set per the Town Administrator in his proposed budget projections for FY’05). It was noted again, that continuation of the fee-based transportation
service will be required to meet these requirements.
· Personnel Update- The Superintendent updated the committee on relevant personnel issues.
· Review of Goals- The Superintendent provided the committee with an update on the current status of the 12 areas of focus for the 2003-2004 year.
· Charge for Transportation Subcommittee- The following charge was agreed to by consensus of the committee and expanded to include a review of the financial impacts and options for fee based vs. non fee-based transportation. This subcommittee is an extension of the existing policy subcommittee.
Charge for Transportation Subcommittee
1. Review School Committee Transportation Policies
2. Review Guidelines in Use
a. Bus Routing
b. Registration Process
c. Waiver Application
d. Student Conduct
3. Analyze impact of Fee Based Transportation program on
a. School District
b. School Employees
c. Parents
d. Students
4. Establish/Recommend Customer Service Expectations
5. Establish Expectations of Program Delivery
6. Payment issues
· Trash Fee Vote- The group held a discussion of the implications of the pending ballot question. It is apparent that any action which reduces town funds and increases town expenditures will have a negative impact on the school department budget resulting in a negative impact on school services.
· Report of the Legislative Meeting, 11/24- The Superintendent and Mrs. Packer reported on the annual meeting with the Board of Selectmen, Representative Linsky, Representative Peisch, Senator Magnani, and Senator Jacques aide. There is talk of a 10% reduction in local state aid for FY’05. If this becomes a reality, this could mean a substantial reduction in the school budget. The Superintendent requested that the legislature enact
legislation to hold communities harmless re: SPED/circuit breaker/residential services costs for the coming year given the fact the state drastically underestimated the costs of the implementation of the circuit breaker. He also urged them to consider local options to raise revenue such as a local sales tax. They shared the fact there was a discussion of how reductions in state appropriations for mandated programs and for local aid coupled with decreases in taxes at the state level, trickles down to
increases in taxes and/or the institution of fees at the local level to support programs and to fund state mandates. The committee indicated agreement with the Superintendent’s proposed informational letter to the legislators which highlights the different dollar value, placed by and funded by the state, on students from towns and cities who participate in the school choice or Metco programs or who attend charter schools.
· Major Issues Addressed- Jan. 2002- Dec. 2003. The Superintendent reviewed the list of 10 major issues addressed in this time period.
Ms. Broekel moved adjournment at 9:00 pm. Mrs. Packer seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg Broekel
Clerk
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