Approval of Minutes
December 3, 2007
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
November 5, 2007
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 5, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, 3rd Floor, Town Hall. Vice Chairman Meyler called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members Present: Karen Adelman Foster, Anne Blanchard, Steve Meyler, David Murphy,
Anne Zernicke
Members Absent: Rick Wynn
Dirk Coburn arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Others Present: James Connolly Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Tom Rose Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Maureen Cushing Student Representative
Staff, Parents, Press
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the minutes of September 10, 2007. Ms. Zernicke seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the minutes of September 24, 2007. Ms. Blanchard seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the minutes of October 1, 2007. Ms. Zernicke seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the minutes of October 15, 2007. Ms. Zernicke seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the minutes of October 16, 2007. Ms. Zernicke seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the minutes of October 22, 2007. Ms. Zernicke seconded. They were unanimously approved.
PRESENTATION OF MASS CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Mr. Connolly introduced two students from the Class of 2008 who are in the top of their class in academics and citizenship at the end of their junior year. He awarded Ms. Alexandra Sherb and Mr. Patrick Shields 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.
PUBLIC SPEAK
Vice Chairman Meyler asked if anyone wished to come forward for Public Speak. No one came forward.
SCHOOL THREAT ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE SYSTEM
Mr. Connolly introduced Chief of Police Dennis Mannix, Fire Chief Gene Sabourin, Captain Eugene Rothman, Officer Brett Conaway and Ms. Lauren Gilbert who have all been instrumental in establishing a School Threat Assessment and Response System (STARS). Chief Mannix presented a citation to Ms. Jeanette Potts, Secretary in the Pupil Services Department, for all the work she has done, above and beyond, in helping get this program underway. Mr. Connolly, Office Brett Conaway and Captain Eugene Rothman presented an overview of the STARS process and responded to questions.
UPDATE ON NATICK 360
Ms. Rosemary Driscoll, School Committee liaison to the Natick 360 Committee, reviewed the process to date of the Natick 360 program and reviewed its projected timeline. The Natick 360 committee is looking for feedback as soon as possible from School Committee members on the major goals. Once they have received input, these goals will come back to the School Committee for a vote of acceptance. Vice Chair Meyler asked School Committee members to forward their comments to him by the end of this week if at all possible.
MEMBERS CONCERNS
Ms. Blanchard questioned when the NEASC Study for Natick High School would be back on the agenda. Mr. Connolly reported that the NEASC Commission has sent back its report on the high school which will be on the School Committee agenda of November 19.
Ms. Adelman Foster asked whether any word has come back from the School Building Authority. Mr. Connolly should have more information for the School Committee meeting of November 19.
REVIEW OF SCHOOL CALENDARS FOR 2008/2009 & 2009/2010
Mr. Connolly reviewed school calendars for 2008/2009 and 2009/2010, both of which he is recommending a start date prior to Labor Day. Mr. Connolly provided the School Committee with backup as to why he is recommending a start date prior to Labor Day. He also provided a history of school day openings for the past several years including recommendations made by a Calendar Study Committee which was established back in 1990. This item will be back to the School Committee for a vote at its meeting of December 3. Ms. Blanchard requested receiving input from the Teachers’ Union on these calendars prior to the vote.
APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Mr. Connolly requested approval for the Natick High School Boys’ Hockey Team to participate in the Mount St. Charles Academy 2007 Holiday Face-Off Hockey Tournament, December 27-29 in Woonsocket, RI. Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Connolly provided the School Committee with a letter from the Board of Selectmen which invites the School Committee to join them at their meeting of November 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. for a joint meeting with the State Legislators.
Vice Chairman Meyler reported that the update on the Financial Planning Committee will take place at a future meeting when the entire board is present.
The Communications Subcommittee update was deferred to a future meeting.
At 8:45 p.m., Ms. Adelman Foster moved to adjourn. Mr. Coburn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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