Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 27, 2009
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the School Committee Room, 3rd Floor, Town Hall. Chairman Coburn called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Members Present: Karen Adelman Foster, Anne Blanchard, Dirk Coburn, David Margil, Amy Mistrot, Anne Zernicke
Members Absent David Murphy arrived at 8:00 p.m.
Others Present: Peter Sanchioni Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
William Hurley Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
At 7:10 p.m. Ms. Blanchard moved for approval to enter into Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23b of the Massachusetts General Laws. Ms. Zernicke seconded. By roll call vote, all members present were in favor of entering into Executive Session.
The School Committee returned to open session at 7:35 p.m.
Corinne Worthington, Student Representative and Mr. Mark Baranoff, Teacher Representative, joined the meeting.
APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Mr. Hughes requested the School Committee’s approval for out of state travel for the Natick High School chapter of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) students to attend the National Competition in Dallas, Texas from May 6-10, 2009. Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval. Ms. Blanchard seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hughes requested the School Committee’s approval for the Natick High School Boys’ Track Team to travel to New Britain, Connecticut for the 38th Annual Hartford Public School Invitational track meet on Saturday, May 9th. Mr. Margil moved for approval. Ms. Blanchard seconded. It was unanimously approved.
MATH CURRICULUM REVIEW
Dr. Karen LeDuc provided an update on the Mathematics Curriculum Review K-8 Action Plan. She reviewed the work being done to address the following areas for improvement:
- Provide a balanced instructional approach
- Ensure consistency in instruction
- Increase parent communication
Dr. LeDuc responded to questions from Committee members. Some areas for follow up/additional discussion are:
- Information regarding freshmen levels
- Making sure there is consistency among elementary schools regarding time spent on mathematics
- Share district results from the elementary math coordinator (Ms. Regina Byrnes)
- Would like to discuss middle school math placement at a future meeting
PRESENTATION BY RF WALSH - FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. David Billings and Mr. Paul Kalous, from RF Walsh were present and provided the School Committee with an update of the Natick High School Building Project Feasibility Study. Mr. Graham reported on the following items that need the School Committee’s approval as a result of recent meetings of the High School Building Committee.
- At the meeting of the Natick High School Building Committee on April 23, 2009, a motion was made and seconded to recommend that the School Committee accept RF Walsh’s management change for the High School project. The yes vote was unanimous. Mr. Robert Graham previously advised the School Committee that there has been a change in personnel at RF Walsh. Frank Kennedy has left the firm and RF Walsh is proposing the substitution of Mr. Paul Kalous as Project Director. There are no other changes to the RF Walsh contract.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval for the School Committee to accept RF Walsh’s management change for the High School project from Mr. Frank Kennedy to Mr. Paul Kalous as Project Director. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.
- At the meeting of the Natick High School Building Committee on April 15, 2009, a motion was made and seconded to recommend, to the School Committee, new construction versus renovation or modernization of the old building. The yes vote by the Building Committee was unanimous.
After a full review of the High School feasibility study by RF Walsh, Owners Project Manager, the building committee spent time discussing the pros and cons of renovation versus new construction. The cost of renovation is higher than new construction. An occupied renovation is a long and tedious project. None of the building committee members believe that spending any funds on a renovation would produce a quality product. A new building would be much more energy efficient, easy to navigate and have lower operating costs. It would have a much longer life than any renovation effort could produce in the existing building.
After analyzing options from the original renovation study through updated modernization scenarios and new construction proposals, the building committee felt it has done due diligence on the project. The facts and cost estimates were well delineated.
The School Committee held a discussion. Some things discussed were the possibility of preserving parts of the existing high school for a gymnasium and field house. The possibility of adding a pool was also discussed. Mr. Billings indicated that these would more than likely have to be treated as separate projects and would not be part of the high school building project for MSBA reimbursement. A concern was raised about the enrollment statistics and the fact that there needs to be a margin of error when projecting these numbers. Site selections were reviewed. Ms. Blanchard requested that the Building Committee consider the Field House and Gymnasium as part of the site selection.
Mr. Margil moved for approval to accept the Building Committee’s recommendation for new construction for the high school as opposed to a renovation. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.
- At the meeting of the Natick High School Building Committee on April 23, 2009, a motion was made and seconded to recommend that the School Committee request an “Invitation” to the Model School Program sponsored by the MSBA. The yes vote was unanimous.
R. F. Walsh and school administrators met with the MSBA on Friday, April 17, 2009. The meeting was to review progress and get more information on the model school program. The limits on a 750 seat auditorium and a 10,000 square foot gym are not negotiable, unless it is a model school. The interior layout of the model can be adapted to the specific educational program as long as the basic footprint and organization of the model is maintained.
The building committee recognizes that the model school program provides the most cost effective, usable and timely option to replace the existing building.
A discussion was held and Mr. Billings and Mr. Graham responded to questions from the Committee. Members discussed the fact that the model school approach will be less expensive, larger, completed sooner and will have a minimal loss of flexibility.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval for the School Committee to request an “Invitation” to the Model School Program sponsored by the MSBA. Ms. Mistrot seconded. It was unanimously approved. A request was made to put the various costs on the website and to present them as rounded numbers, so they don’t appear to be so precise. Operating costs for the various options will be provided at a later date.
SURPLUS OF THE LAND ON WHICH THE COMMUNITY FARM IS LOCATED
Chairman Coburn indicated that the topic of transferring the land on which the Community Farm is located to the Conservation Commission has been discussed and researched at length and it has been determined that the transferring of this land will not interfere with an addition to the Memorial School in the event one is needed. He thanked the many people who researched this and acknowledged Mr. Stephen Meyler, former School Committee Chair, for all his work on this matter. Mr. Graham and Dr. Sanchioni reviewed the site plans of the Farm and School and showed how classroom space could be added if need be. A discussion was held on an easement that could be retained by the School Committee adjacent to the driveway at Memorial School, which is triangular in shape and could be used for parking or other school
related operations.
Ms. Martha White, Town Administrator, provided a motion for the School Committee to use which has been reviewed by Counsel. It reads as follows:
Move that the property occupied by the Natick Community Organic Farm is no longer needed for school purposes and that the School Committee recommend favorable action on the subject matter of Article 3 in the warrant for the Spring, 2009 Natick Annual Town Meeting, which article proposes to transfer the care, custody and control of this property to the Natick Conservation Commission with the stipulation, however, that the Natick School Committee retain an easement in the southeast corner of the property adjacent to the driveway of the Memorial School, said easement being triangular in shape and measuring approximately 175’ along the northeasterly property line and approximately 75’ along the southerly property line and having an area of approximately 6500 square feet.
Ms. Blanchard moved for approval of the motion above. Ms. Zernicke seconded.
Mr. Margil amended the motion to add the following language to the end of the paragraph to read,
… approximately 6500 square feet, to be used for parking or other school related operations.
Ms. Blanchard seconded the amendment.
Mr. Coburn called for a vote on the amendment. It was unanimously approved.
Mr. Coburn called for a vote on the main motion. It was unanimously approved.
FY10 BUDGET
Dr. Sanchioni provided the School Committee with updated FY10 Budget numbers as a result of the State Aid Reduction from the house budget as follows:
Budget Appropriated in Town Meeting Book $42,761,062
Less Trash Fee Reduction -$115,770
Less State Aid Reduction from House -$310,325
Less Stimulus share w/Town -$193,450
New Amount to be voted $42,141,517
He also provided the School Committee with his recommendations for the Federal ARRA Stabilization Funds in the amount of $1,721,838 as follows:
1. |
Account for Reduction in State Aid |
$ 310,325 |
|
|
|
2. |
Account for Town Stimulus Offset |
$ 193,450 |
|
|
|
3. |
Account for Reduction due to Trash Fee |
$ 115,770 |
|
|
|
4. |
Restore all Personnel cuts in Tier 3 |
$ 624,988 |
|
|
|
5. |
Meet the Requirement of Effective Reforms by: |
|
|
- Math Program Grade 1 |
$ 28,000 |
|
- Study Island |
$ 1,000 |
|
- PLC Training |
$ 8,000 |
|
- Additional Seats VHS |
$ 6,000 |
|
- Summer Mentor Hours |
$ 9,000 |
|
- Equity & Excellence Course |
$ 9,000 |
|
- Summer Work $26.52 x 200hrs |
$ 5,304 |
|
- DIBELS/DRA |
$ 25,000 |
|
- Fundations Continued Implementation |
$ 20,000 |
|
-Restore Technology Funds |
$ 50,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$ 161,304 |
|
|
|
6. |
Restore Johnson Principal from .8 to 1.0 |
$ 25,000 |
|
|
|
7. |
Restore Data Base Administrator Position |
$ 47,593 |
|
|
|
8. |
Restore Summer Help in Tier 2 to $30,000 |
$ 30,000 |
|
|
|
9. |
Restore Curriculum Positions in Tier 2 |
$ 132,036 |
|
|
|
10. |
Reduce the amount of Circuit Breaker from $589,000 to $507,628 |
$ 81,372 |
|
|
|
|
UNFUNDED |
|
|
|
|
1. |
Further reduce the amount of Circuit Breaker from |
$ 507,628 |
|
|
|
2. |
Eliminate Activity Fee |
$ 30,350 |
Dr. Sanchioni recommended that the School Committee approve the FY10 budget appropriation of $42,141,517.
A discussion continued and many concerns were raised pertaining to the portion of the stimulus funds being turned over to the town. Concerns such as:
- There are no guarantees of the $1.7 M reimbursement
- School Committee budget started with a $2M shortfall – let’s not lose sight of that
- Has the Finance Committee done due diligence in analyzing the impact on both the general government side and the school side? – would like to have a statement from Finance Committee
- Has there been any discussion on the general government side to absorb the $193,450?
- Has the general government side had any discussion on reinstating their increase to the trash fee?
Ms. Martha White was present and provided the School Committee with a memo dated April 27, 2009 which outlines the state aid reductions, use of Federal Stimulus Money and the resulting effect on the FY2011 municipal and school budgets. Ms. White stated that as budgeting begins for FY2011, the impact of the shift of funds ($193,450) from the School Department to the General Government must be reversed. She stated that the School Department should not be penalized for offsetting the General Government’s loss of state aid. Therefore, the base budgets from which the FY2011 budgets will be developed will be:
School: FY2010 budget appropriation + $193,450 +/- any subsequent adjustments
Municipal: FY2010 budget appropriation - $193,450 +/- any subsequent adjustments
Mr. Margil moved for the School Committee to approve the FY10 budget appropriation in the amount $42,141,517 contingent upon the understanding as outlined in the Town Administrator’s memo of April 27, 2009 that the FY 2011 budget would not be impacted by the $193,450 that is being offset to the Town (as outlined above). Mr. Coburn seconded. After considerable discussion, Chairman Coburn called for a vote on Mr. Margil’s motion. The motion carried by a vote of four to two.
APPROVAL OF DONATIONS
Mr. Hurley requested that the School Committee approve the following donations:
Source/Donation Amount/Value Purpose/Donation
O. B. Hill Trucking & Rigging $1,500.00 Granite Bench for the O.B. Hill Memorial Park at
Brown School
Ms. Patricia Magill $200.00 Student Activity – Wilson Student Garden Club
Earthwatch Institute Inc. $250.00 Student Activity – Wilson Green Thumb Club
Mr. Patrick Hayes $122.99 Printer donated to Technology Department
Backun Musical Services $2,800.00 Four clarinet bells and twelve clarinet mouthpiece
necks donated to Music Department
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of the above donations. Ms. Blanchard seconded. It was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Blanchard moved for approval of the minutes of February 23, 2009. Ms. Mistrot seconded. Ms. Adelman Foster requested that they be modified as follows:
In the paragraph regarding the Natick Community Organic Farm – Transfer of Property – the following sentence should be changed from:
Ms. Adelman Foster added that the School Committee would also like assurances that there is no chance that there will be any need of the land for an expansion to Memorial School and that the funds from the Conservation Commission will be sufficient to sustain the operation of the Farm
And changed to:
Ms. Adelman Foster added that the School Committee would also like assurances that there is no chance that there will be any need of the land for an expansion to Memorial School and that it is permissible for the Conservation Commission to use its funds for the operation of the Farm. ~
The minutes were approved as amended by a vote of five. Ms. Mistrot abstained as she was not yet a member of the School Committee at that time.
Ms. Mistrot moved for approval of the retreat minutes of April 4, 2009. Ms. Blanchard seconded. They were unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR THE 2008/2009 SCHOOL YEAR
Dr. Sanchioni requested approval to adjust the last day of school for the 2008-2009 school year to Thursday, June 18, 2009 (early release). The system lost two days as a result of inclement weather as of this date. This date provides for the completion of the required 180-day school year for students and the 182-day year for the professional staff. Mr. Margil moved for approval to adjust the last day of school for the 2008/2009 school year to June 18, 2009. Ms. Blanchard seconded. It was unanimously approved.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEES
Chairman Coburn suggested holding on the appointment of subcommittees until the Committee has a chance to work on its goals and priorities. He did however indicate that a School Committee member is needed to serve as an alternate for the EAN negotiation team. Ms. Blanchard moved for approval to nominate Mr. David Margil. Mr. Margil accepted. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.
MEMBERS CONCERNS
Chairman Coburn requested the School Committee’s endorsement to send a letter to the Board of Health to request them to undertake a comprehensive review of relevant literature and research regarding power transmission lines, exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), and the public health which pertains to the installation of a power transmission corridor through West Natick from the Sherborn line to a set of transformers near Speen Street in Framingham. School Committee members and members of the public have expressed their concerns with this project and the effects it may have on students/staff in the Brown School, the Kennedy Middle School and people who reside in the surrounding
neighborhoods. Copies of the letter were provided to School Committee members. Ms. Mistrot moved for approval to send this letter to the Board of Health. Mr. Margil seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Ms. Blanchard provided the School Committee with a draft set of suggestion that she and Ms. Adelman Foster have been working on regarding the working relationship with the High School Building Committee. She requested that School Committee members review the document and provide her with any feedback. She will be providing the High School Building Committee with a subsequent draft.
Ms. Adelman Foster requested an update on the recommended language change for the Town Meeting article being presented by the School Committee for the $2M design fee for the High School building project. Dr. Sanchioni and others attended a meeting with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and discussed the wording of the article, and it was recommended to delete the wording that the money can be obtained by borrowing. Chairman Coburn indicated that another amendment will be added which would include adding the address of the current high school.
Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval for the School Committee to present a citation to Ms. Vi Tutuny, who is being honored this Friday evening by the Natick Service Council when they name the food pantry as the Vi Tutuny Food Pantry at its upcoming new location in the former Coolidge Junior High gym. Ms. Adelman read the citation. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved. Ms. Zernicke offered to attend the event and present the citation. Ms. Tutuny is an 80+ year resident of Natick and taught in the Natick Public School system for 43 years.
Ms. Zernicke requested receiving related material for the ELA review prior to the next meeting of May 4, 2009.
Mr. David Margil reported that he now has a School Committee team in place for the NEF Spelling Bee. The team will consist of Mr. Margil, Chairman Coburn and Ms. Adelman Foster. It is his understanding the admittance cost of $100 is split by the School Committee members. School Committee members present concurred.
Chairman Coburn announced that the School Committee has received an invitation to march in the Fourth of July Parade. School Committee members should let him know if they are interested in participating.
At 11:35 p.m., Ms. Mistrot moved to adjourn. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Peter Sanchioni, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
| 
