Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
January 15, 2008
The School Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Wilson Middle School. Chairman Wynn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Anne Blanchard, Dirk Coburn, Karen Adelman Foster, Steve Meyler, David Murphy, Rick Wynn, Anne Zernicke
Others Present: Joseph Keefe Interim Superintendent
Tom Rose Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Karen Leacu Leduc Assistant Superintendent
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Staff
Parents, Press
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Wynn asked if anyone wished to come forward for “Public Speak”. No one came forward.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the School Committee minutes of January 3, 2008. Ms. Blanchard seconded. They were unanimously approved.
Ms. Anne Blanchard moved for approval of the School Committee minutes of January 5, 2008. Mr. Coburn seconded. They were unanimously approved.
CONTINUATION OF FY09 BUDGET
Technology
Mr. Dennis Roche provided an update on the FY09 technology budget. Mr. Roche provided a review of goals that have been accomplished, ongoing risks and concerns, technology plans for the current school year and technology plans for 2008-2009. Mr. Roche reported that $400,000 is needed each year to replace 20% of our Technology equipment and that currently the average age of computer equipment in the system is 8 years old. The superintendent is recommending that the School Committee add the sum of $447,000 to cover the institution of an annual replacement plan and maintenance costs.
The following concerns/comments were raised:
· Complaints of lack of training and replacement of equipment
· Down time of website and internet
· Need data on system unavailability
· More technology is needed in the curriculum
· Would like to see breakout of the 1500 computers used in the district
· What do other districts spend?
· The need for a 5-year replacement plan
· Move hub to another facility? Start thinking proactively about the possible move to a new high school
· Publish needs assessment on website
NEASC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATICK HIGH SCHOOL – IMPACT ON BUDGET
Mr. Hughes provided an overview of the financial impact pertaining to the recommendations made by the NEASC in order to continue accreditation of Natick High School. Dr. Keefe recommended that the School Committee use unexpended balance funds from the Salary and Wages account as the source for responding to these needs which is approximately $150,000. Mr. Robert Graham discussed the facility issues at Natick High School and the need for a $100,000 contingency fund. More discussion will take place at the meeting of January 17, 2008.
APPROVAL TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES – BOILER REPLACEMENT PROJECT – KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Rose requested that the School Committee award a contract for engineering services for the boiler replacement project at the Kennedy Middle School to R.D. Kimball Co., Inc., 200 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA in the amount of $54,000. Mr. Coburn moved for approval to award this contract as outlined above. Mr. Murphy seconded. It was unanimously approved.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR – UPDATE
Mr. Tom Lamb, Athletic Director, reviewed his role and responsibilities as well as the salary and wages budget of his coaching staff and the athletic operating budget.
At 11:20 p.m. Mr. Meyler moved to adjourn. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Joseph A. Keefe, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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