Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
June 19, 2006
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, June 19, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, Town Hall. Chairman Haugland called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
At 7:05 p.m., the Administration requested an Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining and Non-Represented Personnel in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23b of the Massachusetts General Laws. A roll call vote was taken and the following members voted in the affirmative to enter into Executive Session: Karen Adelman Foster, Dirk Coburn, Henry Haugland, Stephen Meyler, Rick Wynn, and Ted Wynne.
Dave Murphy arrived at 7:10 p.m.
At 7:40 p.m., the School Committee returned to open session to resume its regular meeting.
Others present: James Connolly Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Matt Lanchantin Student Representative
Maureen Cushing Student Representative
Staff, Parents & Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Wynne moved for approval of the retreat minutes of April 8, 2006. Mr. Meyler seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mr. Coburn moved for approval of the minutes of June 5, 2006. Mr. Meyler seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Chairman Haugland requested that approval of the Executive Session minutes of June 5, 2006 be deferred to a future meeting.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Haugland asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. The following came forward:
· Sara Mitchell, Kennedy Middle School student and Jerry Pierce came forward to speak in support of a Kennedy Middle School teacher.
· Camiel Napier, President of the EAN, thanked the school department for holding the Wellness Fair last week at Kennedy Middle School. She thanked Mrs. Marianne Davis for all her help in coordinating this event. She also thanked the administration and School Committee for working with the EAN this past year on contract negotiations and looks forward to working with them next
year.
· Rosemary Driscoll came forward and offered to be the School Committee’s designee on the Strategic Planning Oversight Committee.
· Karen Leese, MaryJane Norris Geary, Jason Leese, came forward to speak in support of the wellness center at Natick High School and the wellness coordinator’s position.
· Sue Shea came forward with a procedural question on Public Speak.
· David Murphy came forward to express his concerns of the mishandling of the elimination of the wellness position and the need to put this item on the agenda for debate.
Chairman Haugland explained that during Public Speak any individual may voice an opinion or concern on any school-related issue, whether or not it is on the agenda. During public speak there will not be an opportunity for debate of issues raised nor will individuals be discussed.
Chairman Haugland requested that a meeting be held this Thursday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Wellness Center. He reiterated that no discussion will take place on any individuals. Mr. Meyler moved for approval of Chairman Haugland’s request. Mr. Murphy seconded. It was unanimously approved.
TO RATIFY A CONTRACT
Mrs. Marianne Davis reported that the Secretaries and Clerks Association has approved the contract agreement with the Natick School Committee. The agreement is a 3-year agreement with a salary increase of 3% effective July 1, 2006, July 1, 2007, July 1, 2008 and included other non-cost housekeeping items. Mr. Coburn moved for approval of this contract. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Davis also requested that the School Committee establish a new position of Web and Data Base Administrator which the Director of Technology has recommended. Mr. Wynne moved for approval. Mr. Wynn seconded. The motion carried 6 to 0. Mr. Meyler abstained.
Mrs. Davis requested that the School Committee use funding from other unfilled positions to fund the advisor positions for Kennedy Middle School’s Robotics Club and the Future Scientists and Engineers of America Club. She explained that under the provisions of Article IX, Section 8(c), the principal may use funding from other unfilled positions to compensate advisors for new clubs, with the School Committee’s approval. Funds for these positions will be $1,135 from the unfilled middle school chess club advisor stipend and $1,135 from the unfilled middle school printer stipend. Mr. Wynn moved for approval to transfer these funds as described above. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.
REPORT ON GRANT RECIPIENTS – NATICK EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Ms. Linda Wollschlager, on behalf of the Natick Education Foundation, presented the School Committee with a check in the amount of $38,370 to fund the grants awarded for the 2006-2007 school year. Ms. Wollschlager provided the School Committee with a listing of the grant winners and a description of their projects.
APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Mr. Hughes requested the School Committee’s approval of the following trips:
· Natick High School Choir to participate in a New York City Performance Tour sponsored by Academic Travel Services on April 26-29, 2007. Mr. Coburn moved for approval of this trip. Ms. Karen Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously approved.
· Natick High School Boys’ Hockey Team to travel to Portland Maine on December 26-30, 2006 to participate in the sixth annual Maine High School Hockey Invitational. Mr. Haugland moved for approval of this trip. Ms. Karen Adelman Foster seconded
· Natick High School Band to travel to Disney World in March 2007 (if selected) to participate in public performances and workshops. If that invitation is not forthcoming, they have an opportunity to participate in a high school band competition held at Annapolis, MD. Mr. Hughes will come back to the Committee in the Fall with more specific information. Mr. Coburn moved for approval of this trip. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ms. Karen Adelman Foster discussed a letter she received from Christine Robinson, Youth Coordinator for Natick Cares: A Comprehensive Youth Initiative, who is looking for School Committee representation on the Natick Cares Committee whose goal is to develop a community strategic plan to improve health outcomes for children and youth in Natick. Through facilitation, community building, information gathering, convening and review of evidence-based models, a comprehensive community plan will be crafted. Ms. Adelman Foster volunteered to serve as the School Committee’s representative on this Committee. Mr. Meyler moved for approval for Ms. Adelman Foster to serve on this Committee. Mr. Wynn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
REPORT ON SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (SEPAC)
Mrs. Audrey Seyffert along with SEPAC board members, Terri Charles and Katie Blackburn provided the School Committee with a presentation on the mission and accomplishments of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. For additional information, they referred interested parties to their website: www.NatickSEPAC.org. A request was made to have this link available on the Natick Public Schools website.
COMMUNICATION ON SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
Mr. Connolly reported that the School Committee may review the various schools School Improvement Plans over the summer and he will schedule discussion on them at the September 11 meeting.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were reviewed:
RETIREMENTS: Professional Staff
Paula Bloomquist, Grade 3 teacher at Memorial School. Retirement effective June 30, 2006.
Christina Marden, Kindergarten teacher at Memorial School. Retirement effective October 22, 2006.
RESIGNATIONS: Professional Staff
Effective June 30, 2006.
Kristen Donohue, Grade 4 at Bennett-Hemenway School
Lisa Tobin-Cook, School Psychologist at Kennedy Middle School
Joanne Telschow, Grade 3 at Bennett-Hemenway School
Susan Grassia Grade 1 at Bennett-Hemenway School
Lisa Char-Smith Grade 1 at Bennett-Hemenway School
Todd Kiley, Physical Education at Memorial School
Marcy Klay, (.5) Grade 1 at Bennett-Hemenway School
Joanne O’Leary, (.5) School Nurse at Wilson Middle School
Ellen Reynolds, Kindergarten [grant funded] LT substitute at Bennett-Hemenway School
RESIGNATIONS: Support Staff
Effective June 30, 2006.
Susan Mascioli, Student support facilitator at Lilja School.
Jeanne McCabe, Building support facilitator at Memorial School.
NON-RENEWAL OF CONTRACT: Professional Staff
Effective June 30, 2006
Steven Bresnick, English teacher at Natick High School
John Churchill, Science teacher at Natick High School
Lisa DePalo, Business teacher at Natick High School
Mary Pappas, Technology Education teacher at Wilson Middle School
Robin Sutton, Special Education teacher at Kennedy Middle School
Chad Sinclair, Physical Education teacher at Kennedy Middle School
Jennifer Ward, Wellness Coordinator at Natick High School
Salvador Zepeda, Foreign Language teacher at Wilson Middle School
CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT: Support Staff
Effective for the 2006-2007 school year
Yvonne Bleakney, to be full-year secretary in the Technology Dept at Natick High School.
Elizabeth Mangan, to be (.8) media assistant at Johnson School
Colleen McAuley, to be full-year secretary to the Principal at Natick High School.
Stephanie Meyler, to be student support facilitator at Kennedy Middle School.
Nancy Navarro, to be student support facilitator at Wilson Middle School.
Jonna Yager, to be student support facilitator at Lilja School.
CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT: Professional Staff
Effective for the 2006-2007 school year
Hannah Cross, to be (.5) special education teacher at Lilja School
Karen Liptak, to be special education teacher at Natick High School
Julie Preston, to be full-time social studies teacher at Natick High School
APPOINTMENTS: PROFESSIONAL TEACHER STATUS &
RE-APPOINTMENTS: Non-Professional Teacher Status
See-Attached
APPOINTMENTS: Professional Staff
Effective for the 2006-2007 school year
Kathryn Abend, Grade 1 teacher at Bennett-Hemenway School. Salary, Masters, Step 1
John Barter, Grade 4 teacher at Memorial School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 3
Bridget Belvin, Special education teacher at Wilson Middle School. Salary, Masters, Step 2
Rebecca Brinkman, Special education teacher at Kennedy Middle School. Salary, Masters, Step 7
Michael Jane Buss, Foreign Language teacher at Natick High School. Salary, Masters, Step 14
Celina Calderon, Special education teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Masters, Step 1
Elyse Carlson, Guidance counselor at Wilson Middle School. Salary, Masters, Step 2
Elke Carver, Kindergarten teacher at Memorial School. Salary, Masters, Step 2
Kaitlyn Curry, Kindergarten teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Masters, Step 2
Emily Dandurand, Special education at Memorial School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 4
Sarah Darby, Grade 4 teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Masters, Step 1
Katherine Denham, Behavior Therapist. Salary, Step 2
Kati Dewar, Math/Science teacher at Kennedy Middle School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 2
Abbie Fox, Grade 3 teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Masters, Step 3
Lauren Gilbert, Director of Pupil Services
Tara Kiritsky, School Psychologist at Bennett-Hemenway School. Salary, Masters +60, Step 8
Sindu Kunnenkeri, Science teacher at Natick High School. Salary, Masters +30, Step 1
Matthew LaCava, Assistant Director of Pupil Services, Salary, Unit B, Step 2
Melissa MacInnes, Special education teacher at Brown School. Salary, Masters, Step 4
Susan Maselli, Preschool/Links Prog Coor at Bennett-Hemenway School. Salary, Masters, Step 13
Janine Persechini, Kindergarten teacher at Brown School. Salary, Masters, Step 6
Megan Reilly, Reading teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Masters, Step 7
Elizabeth Sabiston, Guidance counselor at Natick High School. Salary, Masters, Step 2
Pauline Santino, School Nurse at Brown School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 7
Erin Snow, elementary teacher [grade TBA] at Memorial School. Salary, Masters, Step 1
Denise Trombini, Grade 1 teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Masters, Step 2
Rosemary Vickery, Principal at Kennedy Middle School
Rebecca White, Grade 3 teacher at Bennett-Hemenway School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 1
James Wilcon, Physical education teacher at Lilja School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 7
Danielle Young, elementary teacher [grade TBA] at Brown School. Salary, Bachelors, Step 3
ALGEBRA 1 – 7TH GRADE DISCUSSION/DECISION
Chairman Haugland began the discussion by reading an article he had submitted to the Metrowest Daily News in April 2004, titled: “Gentle method to teaching math fails.” He reviewed the motion made at the previous meeting which is as follows:
Mr. Haugland moved for approval that the School Committee will require that a Grade 7 Algebra course be made available for those students who can meet the same readiness requirements of 8th grade students for school year 2007/2008 and that adjustments be made to the 5th and 6th grade curriculum to insure that a minimum of 15% of the students will be capable of passing a readiness assessment. Mr. Wynn seconded.
A discussion continued. Concerns were raised on how to address the accelerated learners. Dr. LeDuc reviewed the criteria used to identify students that would be eligible to take Algebra 1 in the 7th grade. She indicated that there are approximately 12 students between the two middle schools who would be eligible for Algebra 1 in Grade 7.
A discussion continued around the wording in the motion: “to insure that a minimum of 15% of the students will be capable of passing a readiness assessment.” Chairman Haugland amended the motion to change the wording to be a “goal” to have a minimum of 15% of the students capable of passing a readiness assessment. Mr. Meyler seconded.
Chairman Haugland called for a vote on the motion as follows:
that the School Committee will require that a Grade 7 Algebra course be made available for those students who can meet the same readiness requirements of 8th grade students for school year 2007/2008 and that adjustments be made to the 5th and 6th grade curriculum in order to reach the goal that a minimum of 15% of the students will be capable of passing a readiness assessment. The motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. LeDuc reported that during the 2006/2007 school year, a K-8 math survey will be conducted with parents, students, teachers and administrators. The results of the survey will be reviewed and brought back during the school year for a formal review.
END OF YEAR PURCHASES
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn provided the School Committee with a listing of the end of year purchases totaling $531,209. Mr. Meyler moved for approval of these purchases. Mr. Wynn seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Mr. Murphy questioned how much money will be returned to the town. Ms. Dunn indicated that it will be approximately $100-150K. Mr. Murphy moved for approval for the Superintendent and the Director of Fiscal Affairs to prepay special education costs in the amount of the remaining balance of funds in the school department’s budget after the end of the year purchases. Mr. Wynne seconded. A discussion continued. Mrs. Dunn indicated that for accounting reasons, she has not prepaid special education tuitions for the past couple of years. This item will be tabled until the next meeting where Mrs. Dunn will come back and present other options.
TO APPROVE THE 29TH AMENDMENT TO THE TEC AGREEMENT
Mr. Ted Wynne moved for approval of the 29th Amendment to the TEC Agreement. Mr. Rick Wynn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn requested approval by the School Committee to enter into contract negotiations with JFK for Special Education Transportation Services for three years. The Transportation Subcommittee will review the contract over the summer for submittal to the School Committee on August 28, 2006. Mr. Ted Wynne moved for approval. Ms. Karen Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF NON-RESIDENT STUDENT
Mr. Connolly reported that a staff member has made a request to enroll her son at the Kennedy Middle School in grade 6 for the 2006/2007 school year. This request falls within the provisions of Chapter 76, Section 6. There is no conflict with the “choice law” since the Committee has not charged tuition in similar cases. Mr. Wynn moved for approval of this request. Mr. Haugland seconded. It was unanimously approved.
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn requested that the School Committee accept the following donations:
Source/Donation Amount/Value Purpose/Recipient
Pearson Education $250 NHS – Principal’s Discretionary
Natick Education Foundation $1000 Wilson and Kennedy Libraries ($500 each)
Roche Bros $100 Gift Card for Art Show Reception
Stop & Shop $25 Gift Card for Art Show Reception
Sam’s Club $500 Lilja – Principal Discretionary
Mr. Coburn moved for approval to accept these donations. Ms. Adelman Foster seconded. They were unanimously approved.
At 10:15 p.m., the School Committee requested an Executive Session to discuss negotiations with non-represented personnel in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23b of the Massachusetts General Laws. A roll call vote was taken. All members present were in favor of entering into Executive Session which was held in the small meeting room, 3rd floor, Town Hall.
Returned to open session at 12:20 a.m.
At 12:20 a.m., Mr. Haugland moved to adjourn. Mr. Wynn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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