Approval of Records
December 6, 2004
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
November 15, 2004
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 15, 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, Rick Wynn, Ted Wynne
Others present: James J. Connolly Superintendent of Schools
Karen Leacu LeDuc 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
Mr. Haugland moved for approval of the minutes of November 1, 2004. Ms. Broekel seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chair Packer asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. No one came forward.
AWARD OF CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Mr. Connolly introduced two students from the Class of 2004 who are in the top 5% of their class and who were the best in academics and citizenship at the end of their junior year. He awarded Mr. Sam Dinning and Ms. Janice Wong 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.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chair Packer invited School Committee members to attend Natick High School Chemical Health Night, a mandatory program for freshmen, on Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This program has been coordinated by the Natick High School Alcohol & Drug Awareness Education Committee which will consist of an evening of speakers, facts, and communication tools that will assist parents and students in achieving an alcohol and drug free learning environment at school and at home.
Chair Packer attended the TEC Board Directors meeting last Friday where budget processes were discussed and compared among the different communities.
Mr. Connolly announced that American Education Week is this week, November 15 to 19. The schools are offering limited visitations during the week.
Mr. Dave Murphy announced that the Natick Education Foundation will be conducting its fundraising Telethon tomorrow evening, November 16.
UPDATE ON MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIALS
Mr. Connolly presented an update on Middle School Special Subjects. In the first year of the new middle school program, there were some scheduling problems; however, things have improved during this second year. A discussion took place around the need for a Director of Fine Arts. This is a position that will be put forth during the upcoming budget session. It is the expectation that the Director would set up a taskforce to see if any changes in programs need to be made. A decision needs to be made on what it is that we want – what we have, what we don’t have. Ms. Ruth Evans and Ms. Kristen St. George were present and responded to questions.
Concerns/Comments raised:
§ Would like timetable for hiring Director of Fine Arts and establishment of taskforce accelerated
§ Could the Business Office administer the bookkeeping for the instrumental music lessons?
§ Any thoughts on reorganization of other Director positions
A status report of what went well and what went wrong this year with the Middle School Program will be given this Spring.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were presented:
RESIGNATION: Support Staff
Marianne Brigham, bookkeeper in the pupil services department. Resignation effective at the end of the day on November 19, 2004.
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff
Kathy Pierce, special education teacher at Kennedy Middle School. Maternity leave of absence is effective January 21, 2005 to the end of this school year.
APPOINTMENTS: Coaching Staff
See Attached.
APPOINTMENTS: Support Staff
Kathryn Roddy, to be technical support coordinator at Natick High School effective December 6, 2004. Salary, Step 4.
WINTER COACHING RECOMMENDATIONS 2004-2005 SEASON
Boys’ Basketball
Head Coach Ken Brackett Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Todd Kiley 3
Freshman Coach Matt Miller ** 1
Girls’ Basketball
Head Coach Danielle Chaisson Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Kristen E. Laggis 2
Freshman Coach Dan Hinnencamp ** 1
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 Julie Mei Step 3
Sub-Varsity Coach Bob Mei ** 3
Freshmen Zach Galvin 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 Amanda Smith 1 **
Trainers
Head Coach Dan Lussier
(See Trainer Contract with MetroWest Medical)
Faculty Manager William Presutti Step 3
* New appointment – Resume on file
** New appointment – Natick Public Schools Teacher - Resume on file
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Ms. Mary Ellen Dunn requested that the School Committee accept the following donation:
Woodtrail - Memorial School $100
Mr. Freedman moved for approval to accept this donation. Mr. Ted Wynne seconded. It was unanimously approved.
At 8:45 p.m. Mr. Haugland moved for adjournment. Ms. Broekel seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
| 
