Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
February 28, 2007
The School Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 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, Rick Wynn, Ted Wynne
David Murphy arrived at 7: 40 p.m.
Members Absent: Stephen Meyler
Others present:
James Connolly Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Thomas Rose Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Staff, Parents, Press
PUBLIC SPEAK
Ms. Mary Leavitt, former teacher, former town meeting member, paid tribute to John Eliot and others.
Mr. Peter Robbins, product of Natick School system grades K-12, acknowledged Ms. Mary Leavitt as one of the finest biology teachers and coaches that Natick ever had.
APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Mr. Connolly introduced Ms. Alyce Burnell who requested the School Committee’s approval for four Natick High School students to travel to Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island to participate in the 22nd Annual High School Computer Programming Competition on Monday, March 5, 2007. Ms. Burnell will be accompanying them. Mr. Coburn moved for approval of this trip. Mr. Wynn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
Mr. Connolly requested that the School Committee allow two-non resident students from a neighboring town to attend the Wilson Middle School. The students are in grade 5 and 8. Mr. Wynne moved for approval. Mr. Wynn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON THE FY08 BUDGET
Mr. Connolly reviewed the budget calendar with the School Committee. He reported that he has met with various groups regarding the potential cuts and has sent a letter home with every student in grade K-8. Answers to questions from Finance Committee members were distributed. The budget schedule here on out is as follows:
March 5 Public Hearing on FY08 Budget
March 12 Selectmen/Finance Committee/School Committee meeting
Vote override on ballot ?
School Committee vote budget
March 15 Finance Committee Hearing
March 19 School Committee Meeting
March 27 Election
March 28 School Committee Reorganization
April 10 Town Meeting
April 23 School Committee Meeting
Early May Override Vote ?
Mr. Connolly discussed the transportation budget. He recommended putting back $50,000 into the transportation line item in the budget, thereby reducing the town meeting article for transportation by $50,000. This would keep the transportation fee as they are today.
The school committee reviewed the high priority requests from the principals which were not in the budget. A lengthy discussion took place on the pros and cons of adding these items back into the budget. A discussion also took place about presenting choices on the budget by presenting a level services budget in addition to one that includes other critical items (a tiered approach).
After reviewing and discussing the high priority requests not included in the budget, Mr. Ted Wynne moved for approval that the Superintendent’s current budget request ($40,283,029) be increased to include the following items:
1. Transportation $50,000
2. Ben Hem vice principal to full time $32,000
3. Additional Math tutors $83,000
4. ½ time guidance at Wilson $32,000
5. .4 FTE teachers for 8th grade math $20,000
6. Additional ½ team at Wilson (2 FTE) $100,000
7. High School Guidance $50,000
8. Additional Engineering/Technology position – HS $50,000
Total $417,000
Mr. Rick Wynn seconded. After additional discussion, Chairman Haugland called for a vote of this motion.
All in favor: Mr. Ted Wynne, Ms. Karen Adelman Foster, Mr. Dirk Coburn, Mr. Rick Wynn, Mr. Henry Haugland
All opposed: Mr. Dave Murphy
Mr. Steve Meyler was absent.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONCERNS
Mr. Ted Wynne moved for approval for the School Committee to accept modifications to his motion that is currently on the table for the vote on the Natick Redmen as follows:
MOVED: That effective at the start of the 2008/2009 academic year the Natick Public Schools shall cease the use of the team name “Redmen” or any other name, symbol or mascot that is based on or makes reference to race or ethnicity.
MOVED: That on or before March 19, 2007 the SC establish a Taskforce to recommend a new team name, mascot and symbol for use by the Natick Public Schools effective at the start of the 2008/2009 academic year, and that such Taskforce make its recommendation to the SC no later than the first scheduled SC meeting in January 2008. Such Taskforce shall be composed of:
· Two descendents each of the Natick Praying Indians and~the Nipmuc Nation
· The Natick High principal or designee
· The Natick High athletic director or designee
· A representative of the Booster Club(s)
· Four Natick High students chosen in a manner determined by the principal
· Two Natick High alumni to be chosen by the superintendent
Mr. Rick Wynn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
At 9:15 p.m., Mr. Rick Wynn moved to adjourn. Mr. Ted Wynne seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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