Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
June 22, 2006
The School Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, June 22, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, Town Hall. Chairman Haugland called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Karen Adelman Foster, Dirk Coburn, Henry Haugland, Stephen Meyler, Dave Murphy, Ted Wynne
Members Absent: Rick Wynn
Others present: James Connolly Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Staff, Parents & Press
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Haugland asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. No one came forward.
UPDATE ON NATICK HIGH SCHOOL WELLNESS PROGRAM
Chairman Haugland reviewed the ground rules for the discussion on the Natick High School Wellness Program. The program and the structure of the program may be discussed, but no discussion will take place on personnel. All questions will be directed through the Chair.
Mr. James Connolly provided an overview and history of the wellness grant and program. Mr. Hughes discussed the way in which this program will be integrated with the health, physical education and family science programs. Comments/concerns/questions were raised from School Committee members and audience.
· How will we track success?
· How will we draw in non-athletes?
· Can we ask the foundation for more $ to keep the coordinator position?
· There needs to be a person to oversee the whole coordinated effort
· Need access to wellness center for students, teachers and community (summer hours were discussed as well as ideas for the Fall with the Recreation Department)
· Need strong leadership for PE/FCS/Health and the integration of wellness into each of these areas (what does this look like?)
· "fitness prescription" that the coordinator did - is there a way for this to continue under existing structure?
· Debate as to whether wellness is a "stand alone" or an integrated model
· Need to review other districts qualifications of wellness coordinator and job description
· Master of Exercise Physiology – debate on whether this is necessary
· Discussion held on whether to find funding for the .4 position in the budget
· School department has many unmet needs this is just one of them
The following resulted after a lengthy discussion. Mr. Connolly will call the Metrowest Health Foundation to see if they will help to continue funding this program. Mr. Hughes will work with the Department Head for Health & Physical Education to coordinate the program and to set up goals. Meetings will be held at the high school to provide feedback to those implementing the program.
REPRESENTATION FOR THE STRATEGIC PLANNING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Mr. Coburn moved for approval to accept the offer made by Rosemary Driscoll at the previous meeting to represent the School Committee on the Strategic Planning Oversight Committee. Ms. Karen Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously approved. Chairman Haugland requested that Ms. Sharon Reilly send out a letter to Ms. Driscoll.
END OF YEAR PURCHASING – ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Mrs. Mary Ellen Dunn provided the School Committee with a Year End Budget Projection Report with an estimated available balance as of this date of $135,074. She recommended the following:
Oil Tanks topped (3 of 4 schools) $10,000
HS/MS Instrument Replacement $10,000
School Committee Room Furniture Replacement $5,500
Memorial School Classroom Furniture Replacement 7,000
Return to Free Cash to fund Year 2 of Technology Plan $100,000
A discussion continued. Mr. Ted Wynne would rather see the $5,500 (designated for School Committee Room furniture) used somewhere else in the school budget.
Mr. Dave Murphy withdrew the motion he made at the previous meeting which was to direct 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. Meyler seconded.
Mr. Murphy then moved to change the designation of the $5,500 for the School Committee Room furniture to wherever the Superintendent sees fit, and with that change to direct the administration to expend the funds listed above. Mr. Meyler seconded. Chairman Haugland called for a vote. The motion carried 5 to 1. Ms. Adelman Foster was not in favor.
At 10:00 p.m., Mr. Haugland moved to adjourn. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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