Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
November 20, 2006
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, Town Hall. Vice Chairman Wynn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Karen Adelman Foster, Stephen Meyler, Dave Murphy,
Rick Wynn
Members Absent: Henry Haugland, Ted Wynne
Dirk Coburn arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Others present: James Connolly Superintendent
Tim Shumaker Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Staff, Parents, Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Meyler moved for approval of the minutes of November 6, 2006 and the Executive Session minutes of November 6, 2006. Ms. Karen Adelman Foster seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Vice Chairman Wynn asked if anyone had any items for Public Speak. Mr. Bob Bernstein came forward with a question as to whose authority it was to send a letter to freshman students and parents to attend a mandatory drug awareness program held in the evening. Although Mr. Bernstein attended the program, he felt that it should not have been mandatory. Mr. Hughes responded and stated that they want all freshman students to attend, but will make alternative plans to provide students with the program materials if they cannot. He will look into rewording the letter for next year.
PRESENTATION OF MASS CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Mr. Connolly introduced two students from the Class of 2007 who are in the top of their class and who were the best in academics and citizenship at the end of their junior year. He awarded Ms. Randall Rosenberg and Mr. Charles Frantzreb 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.
REPORT OF THE STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
Members of the Student Advisory Board for 2006/2007 were present and provided reports on activities taking place at Natick High School. Members are as follows: Katherine Worthington, Kacey Fields, Randall Rosenberg, Rachel Levine and Loren Belforti.
REPORT ON METROWEST ADOLESCENT HEALTH SURVEY
Mr. Connolly provided the School Committee with a report on the Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey which was conducted at Natick High School and the middle schools in early November. Health topics covered on the core surveys are:
· Unintentional injuries, violence and safety
· Tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use
· Physical activity
· Dietary behaviors
· Mental health
· Sexual behaviors (high school only)
Results will be back in the February to March timeframe and will be brought back before the School Committee at that time. The district will “own” the data and may decide if they wish to release it to the public.
UPDATE ON PUPIL SERVICES COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
Ms. Lauren Gilbert and Matt LaCava were present to discuss the Pupil Services Coordinated Program review. This review is conducted every 6 years by the Department of Education to ensure that local school districts are in compliance with:
· Special Education
· Civil Rights Methods of Administration and Other General Education Requirements
· English Learner Education
and to ensure implementation of federal and state laws.
Ms. Gilbert discussed the criteria and elements of the review using various examples.
The timeline for the Coordinated Program Review is as follows:
· All CPR documentation is due to the DOE by the start of December
· Record Review will be conducted the last week of January
· Interviews, observations, and facilities evaluation will be conducted the first week of February
· Initial Feedback February
· Final DOE Report (3-4 months after Initial Feedback)
· Corrective Action Plan
Other reviews scheduled in 2006/2007 will include:
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) - Federal Review of Preschool Program (February 2007)
National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation
State Financial Audit of Pupil Services (February 2007)
Ms. Gilbert responded to questions from the School Committee.
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Mr. Tim Shumaker requested that the School Committee accept the following donations:
Boston Scientific $500 Misc. Furniture to HS Business Department
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Nigohsian $100 HS German Club
Mr. Coburn moved for approval of the above donations. Mr. Meyler seconded. They were unanimously approved.
In addition, the following donations have been made from Target through their “Take Charge of Education Program”:
$127.57 to Memorial School
$656.52 to Bennett-Hemenway School
PESONNEL ACTIONS
The following personnel actions were presented:
RESIGNATIONS: Support Staff
Lisa DePalo, student support facilitator at Kennedy Middle School. Resignation effective November 11, 2006.
TERMINATION: Professional Staff
Christopher Kiepert, Web & Database Administrator in the Technology Department. Termination effective November 3, 2006.
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Professional Staff
Deana Leonard, grade 1 teacher at Memorial School. Maternity leave of absence is effective January 10, 2007 to April 13, 2007.
Meghan Bonaparte Maniglia, grade 2 teacher at Lilja School. Maternity leave of absence is effective February 14, 2007 to May 8, 2007.
APPOINTMENTS: Professional Staff
Kimberly Hill, to be Applied Behavioral Analysis Technician at Bennett-Hemenway School effective November 1, 2006. Salary, Step 1
Mary Robins, to be long-term substitute art teacher at Bennett-Hemenway and Lilja Schools effective January 2, 2007 to the end of this school year. Salary, $148.00 per day. She is replacing Ann Horton who will be retiring.
APPOINTMENT: Support Staff
Margaret Kwok, to be part-time food service worker at Johnson School effective October 30, 2006. Salary, Step 2
At 8:40 p.m., Mr. Meyler moved to adjourn. Ms. Karen Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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