Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
May 24, 2004
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, May 24, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, third floor, Town Hall. Chair Packer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Dave Murphy, Diane Packer,
Kristine Van Amsterdam, 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
Timothy O’Brien Student Representative
Staff, Parents & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval of the School Committee minutes of May 3, 2004. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mr. Freedman moved for approval of the Executive Session minutes of May 3, 2004. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mr. Connolly introduced and welcomed Timothy O’Brien, the new student representative to the School Committee.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mr. Connolly introduced Mr. Richard Glaser and Mr. Peter Golden, representing the Natick Rotary Club, who discussed an upcoming event being held on Father’s Day, June 20, 2004 – the first annual “Tour De Natick” – a 6 or 25 mile bike ride fundraiser where all proceeds will go towards scholarships for Natick students. Posters will be distributed to each school as well as fliers for the students to take home.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam acknowledged the partnership between the Kennedy Senior Center and the Natick Schools. She reported that more than 200 students from the Johnson and Memorial Schools participated in an essay writing contest where the students had to write a one page essay on Aging Well, Living Well. The students were invited to the Senior Center where their essays were read.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam acknowledged Jill Peelle, Music Teacher at Memorial School, for her recent concert for the Memorial School families which was held at the Fiske Memorial Church on May 23. Ms. Peelle is a mezzo-soprano.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam acknowledged the Natick High School Symphonic Band who recently performed at the Babson Sorensen Center. They performed the program which they had previously performed at Symphony Hall.
Mr. Haugland acknowledged a former Student Representative to the School Committee, David Kelly, who recently graduated from Georgetown University, Summa Cum Laude.
Chair Packer announced that the bus registration deadline of May 30 is fast approaching.
Chair Packer thanked all those who participated in the successful After-the-Prom Party held on May 14. Over 200 students attended.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Mrs. Evans, Principal of Wilson Middle School, invited any interested parties to attend the dedication of the Wilson Middle School Library and Media Center being held on June 7, 2004 at 2:45 p.m. The library and media center is being named after a former Wilson Middle School teacher, Mrs. Gwendolyn Airasian.
Chair Packer invited interested parties to attend the Transfer of Flags Ceremony being held on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at Wilson Middle School.
APPROVAL OF NATICK HIGH SCHOOL’S SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. Hughes presented the School Improvement Plan for Natick High School. Ms. Broekel moved for approval of the plan. Mr. Freedman seconded. It was unanimously approved.
UPDATE OF NATICK HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Hughes provided an update of Natick High School which included:
· The New Administration
· Strengthening of Transition Program
· Curriculum – “Physics First”, Mathematics, Social Studies
· Class Rank
· Elective Offerings
· Physical Education
· NEASC
· Schedule 6x8x8
· MCAS
· Seniors
UPDATE ON MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIALS
An update on the Middle School Special Academic Subjects was provided. Mr. Connolly provided a historical perspective, Dr. Karen LeDuc discussed the Massachusetts Frameworks, and Mrs. Ruth Evans and Mrs. Kristen St. George discussed the specifics of the Special subjects including the meeting frequencies. The following comments and questions were raised:
§ Debt of gratitude given to Mrs. Evans and Mrs. St. George for all their time and work
§ Proposal not good enough – need to go back to the drawing board
§ Shouldn’t pit one special area against another
§ Music and art program should not be diminished
§ Constraints of 6-hour day - can some of these programs be scheduled before or after school
§ Enrich the art program and technical education by holding rehearsals of band after or before school
§ Suggestion made to look at Weston’s web page. Family Consumer Science is not offered, except as an elective
§ Need more latitude – right balance for this community needs to be met
§ Appreciation was given for all who came to the meeting tonight
§ The long blocks at the end of the day, in some cases, are not being utilized as they were supposed to be – could this time be used for specials?
§ Continue the quality program that we have in band and chorus
§ Look to the finest programs in the state and survey those towns
§ Every program is important – the pain should be spread evenly – don’t pit one against the other
Mr. Connolly indicated that he will take these comments and questions into consideration and will come back to the meeting on June 7 with a recommendation.
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn requested that the School Committee accept the following donations:
Value
DVD Player $50
VHS Rewinder $25
Trader Joes – food* $35
Stop & Shop gift card* $25
Roche Bros. – gift card* $50
*donated to support the two student art exhibits at the Morse Library
Mr. Haugland moved for approval of these donations. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF FEE FOR SECOND BUS PASS
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn recommended a fee of $75 per student ($150 family cap) for an additional bus pass for students needing alternative transportation for day care, formal and informal custody arrangements, and student employment. Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval to accept the fee of $75.00 for the additional seat. Ms. Broekel seconded. Chair Packer called for a vote. The motion carried 6 to 1.
MORATORIUM OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
Mr. Connolly discussed the fact that the State Senate voted in favor of imposing a moratorium on new charter schools. The Senate approved the proposed moratorium, an amendment to the State budget, by a vote of 26 to 13. Mr. Connolly requested that the School Committee support him in sending a letter to the legislators in favor of the moratorium. Mr. Freedman moved for approval to support the Superintendent in sending this letter. Mrs. Van Amsterdam seconded. It was unanimously approved.
At 11:20 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.
Returned to open session at 11:50 p.m.
Mr. Haugland moved to approve a side letter to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Education Association of Natick and the Natick School Committee. This side letter was reviewed in Executive Session this evening and pertains to changes in the following positions:
1. Program Supervisor
2. Middle School Team Leader
3. Middle School Curriculum Specialists
4. Specialty Advisors
Mr. Freedman seconded. A roll call vote was taken. It was unanimously approved.
Mr. Haugland moved for approval to changes to the Non-Represented Employee Salary Scheduled dated May 19, 2004 in a memo from Mrs. Marianne Davis outlined below
· a 1.5% increase to the range of most positions, effective July 1, 2004 and a 1.5% increase to the range of those same positions, effective June 30, 2005.
· Addition of a series of steps within the already established range for certain positions such as:
§ Staff Development Specialist
§ Behavior Therapist, Certified/Licensed Assistant
§ Tutors
§ Technical Support Coordinator
· Additional positions added
§ Part-time clerical (not new position, only new in this salary schedule)
§ Summer Workshop
§ Cued Speech Transliterator
§ Substitute SSF
§ Proctors
· Range Adjustment for Technician
Mr. Haugland moved for approval on these changes. Mr. Freedman seconded. They were unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 11:51 p.m.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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