School Committee Meeting



School Committee Meeting

Tuesday

May 22, 2012,

High School Library

Public Hearing on the 2012/2013 Budget – 6:30 PM

School Committee Meeting

School Committee Members Present –Chair Zapantis, Vice Chair West, Robert Ebstein, Steven Mendoza, and Debbie Wetherbee.

Administrators Present – Superintendent Ingano, Jim Hastings, Annmarie Sargent, Geraldine Sargent and Kathleen Buchanan.

Others Present: Tiffany Michalak, Julie McGown, Robert Seed, Paul Colombo, John Martin, Angela LeBlanc, Kelly Turcotte, Kristi LaPerle, Alyssa Sarget, Erin Mederios, Barbara Renzi, Kim Calleva, Stephanie Tencati, Kelly Michaud, Katy Winn, Kim Cravedi, Mary Ann Falconer, Maureen Friedrich, Shelly Martin, Lisa Champagne, Mary Ann Dobbins, Janet Carey, and Mary Neeley-Winkler.

Media Present – Jan Gottesman

Chair Zapantis called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM with a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Approval of Bills – Mr. Mendoza moved and Mrs. Wetherbee seconded to approve the schedule of bills as presented. The motion passed 4-0-1 with Mr. Ebstein abstaining and Vice Chair West abstaining on one bill.

Approval of Minutes of the May 8, 2012 Meeting- Vice Chair West moved and Mr. Mendoza seconded to approve the Minutes of the May 8, 2012 meeting. The motion passed 5-0.

Comments, Questions, and Requests

PTA – Nothing to report

Student – Julie McGown said that there would be a blood drive on May 31st at the High School. She explained that they are down by 5 units for 1st place. Billerica is currently in 1st place. Winning school will receive 8 $1000 scholarships. Baccalaureate will be held on May 30th, and the Sports Banquet, May 31st. The Senior Class trip has been scheduled for May 29th at Quincy Market and the Blue Man Group with the Senior Banquet the same night on a Boston Harbor Cruise. The MCAS Science and Technology testing is June 5th and 6th. Members of the Drama Club attended the Tamy Awards last Sunday at Mt. Wachusett Community College and Graduation will be held on June 2nd.

CTA – Paul Colombo said he would comment later into the meeting

Special Needs PAC- Special Needs Director Kathleen Buchanan reminded SPED parents that there is an online survey that needs to be completed by Friday.

Chair Zapantis took a few moments to acknowledge School Committee members, Debbie Wetherbee and Ginny West. Both members have decided not to seek re-election. Chair Zapantis presented both with plaques and stated that Vice Chair West has been on the board for over 15 years and they will be lost without her expertise.

Superintendent’s Report

FIRST Team – Irene Daly, along with students from the FIRST Team presented the “Inspiration Award” to the School Department. The FIRST Team was presented the Inspiration Award from the FIRST program through their Pen Pal Program. The team also gave 30 copies of the book “The New Cool” to the committee and the High School. The Nypro Foundation purchased the books. Irene announced that the team participated in the “Battle Cry” held last week at WPI and made it to the semi-finals.

RS Energy/GreenteamUpdate – Bill Spratt from RS Energy and Annmarie Sargent addressed the committee. Bill explained that students at all three schools have been working with 12 students from Clark University. The goal was to foster more of the green aspects. He said that 3 action plans have been developed. He said that RS Energy’s contract with the school department ends in November. Their goal was to have a 20% savings. He explained that they saved 20% in gas but only 10% in electricity with a total savings of $125,000. He thanked Buddy Learned, Miguel Codero, and Brenda DiSessa for all of their assistance and cooperation. Mr. Spratt added that clear policies need to be established, such as shutting off the AC in areas of the building that is not in use.

Annmarie Sargent thanked Mr. Spratt for getting the Green Team started. She said there are currently 36 students in grade 6 working with Mrs. DiSessa on the Green Team. The students were given a green checklist and went through the building. Mrs. Sargent said they would expand on this idea next year and have boy/girl teams that will maintain the checklist. Green tickets to foster green behavior will be used. Superintendent Ingano thanked Mr. Spratt for his efforts.

Action Items

Secretaries/Custodians Contract – Mrs. Wetherbee moved and Mr. Ebstein seconded to table action on this item. The motion to table passed 4-0-1 with Mr. Mendoza abstaining.

2012-2013 School Calendar – Mr. Colombo addressed the committee. He explained that the CTA along with the School Department met with Labor Relations on October 28, 2011. He said that the two professional development days were brought forward from the expired contract bringing it from 181 to 183 workdays. He said he is opposed to the proposed calendar with the additional professional development days, which is in violation of 150E. Mr. Ebstein said that the CTA was compensated for the additional days when they were added to the past calendar. He said they were paid for 185 days and worked 181 days. He added that they are still working 183 days but getting compensated for 185 days. Mr. Colombo stated that he wanted on record that the CTA is not in favor of the 2 professional development days coming forward. Mr. Mendoza moved and Mr. Ebstein seconded to approve the proposed calendar for the 2012-2013 school year. The motion passed 5-0.

School Handbooks

CHS – Mr. Hastings went over the changes in the CHS Handbook. He said that a “Vision Statement” was added and all changes are highlighted in green. Mr. Ebstein said that it has come to his attention that the Middle School has policy on getting parental signatures on all tests regardless of the grade. He said if the test is not signed the student gets a detention. Mr. Hastings responded that there was no policy like that at the High School. Mrs. Sargent explained that it is not a school policy however some teacher’s require signatures on tests. Vice Chair West moved and Mr. Ebstein seconded to approve the CHS Handbook. The motion passed 5-0.

CMS – Mrs. Sargent went over the changes to the CMS Handbook. She said that presently grade 4 has a separate handbook and they would like to combine grades 4-8 into one book. She said that all changes to the handbook are highlighted. Mr. Ebstein said he would like it clearly defined in the handbook regarding parental signatures on tests. He suggested that they add with a score of 70 or above a signature is not needed. Mr. Ebstein stated that he does not want detentions given. He added that this item was discussed several years ago and he thought the matter had been resolved. Mr. Ebstein moved and Mrs. Wetherbee 2nd to approve the handbook with it clearly defined in the handbook regarding signatures on tests. A lengthy discussion occurred. Janet Carey said that parents should sign tests. She said that it is her policy to have the tests signed and returned within 3 days. Mrs. Sargent said she would survey the teachers. She suggested that they add that teachers may require tests to be signed. The motion on the table was withdrawn. Vice Chair West moved and Mrs. Wetherbee seconded to approve the handbook as presented. The motion passed 4-1 with Mr. Ebstein opposed.

Mrs. Sargent said they are still in need of volunteers to participate in Career Day on June 1, 2012 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

CES – Mrs. Sargent went over the changes to the CHS Handbook. Vice Chair West moved and Mrs. Wetherbee seconded to approve the CHS Handbook. The motion passed 5-0.

Release of Executive Session Minutes – Vice Chair West moved and Mrs. Wetherbee seconded to approve and release the May 19, 2011, May 24, 2011, and June 6, 2011 Executive Minutes. The motion passed 4-0-1 with Mr. Mendoza abstaining.

Vice Chair West moved and Mr. Mendoza second to approve and release the August 9, 2011 Executive Session Minutes. The motion passed 5-0.

Discussion Items

Mr. Ebstein asked if the plaques stored under the stairs of past CHS Valedictorians could be put on display in the hallways. Mr. Hastings said that has already been taken care of.

Budget Update – Mr. Ebstein asked what budget is going to be submitted to the town hall. He suggested we submit the budget amount that they were asked to submit in the hopes that someone will stand up on the town hall floor and ask for additional money. He urged people to get out and vote and support the school department. Discussion occurred. Chair Zapantis commented that the town leaders need to present an override for all town departments and that the tax rate needs to be reset. Superintendent Ingano stated that the $19,016,785.78 is what will be presented at town meeting. Mr. Ebstein suggested that the school committee should have an emergency meeting before the town meeting. Chair Zapantis asked the superintendent to contact the town and find out the procedure to follow regarding the school budget.

Chairman’s Report

Sub-Committee Updates- Vice Chair West said that they met earlier today. She reported that they received handouts from SPG Solar regarding the town’s electric usage. Martin Reisner approached CAEC Chair Bob Latini about the town purchasing electricity from him. She said he is looking into installing solar panels on his property and was hoping the town would consider purchasing power from him. SPG Solar was discussed for the same purpose. SPG’s panels will be up in 9-12 months. At the May 29th Selectmen’s meeting Mr. Ward will recommend putting out a power purchase agreement for purchasing net metering electricity. The next meeting will be held on June 12th.

Superintendent Evaluation- Chair Zapantis went over the 2011/2012 evaluation of Superintendent Ingano. She briefly explained the critical Success Factors, Performance Standards and comments from the committee. She said that overall Superintendent Ingano consistently exceeds requirements. Vice Chair West moved and Mrs. Wetherbee seconded to approve the evaluation. The motion passed 5-0. Superintendent Ingano thanked them and said he appreciates their support.

New Business – Chair Zapantis said that the Class of 1962 has invited the committee to attend their n50 year reunion. She asked that they RSVP to Mary if they would like to attend.

Chair Zapantis read a letter from Clinton Youth Soccer regarding the recent vandalism at the fields and possible ways to protect the area from any future occurrences. Dane Burk, President of the Clinton Youth Soccer indicated that they are asking the school committee for permission to proceed in a responsible but expedited manner to begin to protect the fields. Mr. Ebstein suggested they bring back to the board a proposal on how the method they will use to protect the fields. He added that the committee would then vote on it. Mr. Mendoza moved and Mr. Ebstein seconded to allow the Clinton Youth Soccer to begin to explore ways to protect the field and to bring ideas back to the committee for approval. The motion passed 5-0.

Angela LeBlanc said the Booster Club would be meeting this Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall.

Mr. Ebstein thanked Vice Chair West for her expertise on the board and Chair Zapantis noted all of the committees that Mrs. West had served on over the past 15 years.

Superintendent Ingano, Geri Sargent, and Kenny Contreras recently participated in a Tricycle Race at the Elementary School. Mrs. Contreras was the winner. On June 5th there will be a celebration at the Elementary School from 6:30 – 7:00 PM.

John Martin thanked Chair Zapantis for attending the Finance Committee Meeting. He encourages the new board to appoint a member to attend all Selectmen and Finance Committee meetings. Chair West said that was done in the past. Mr. Martin questioned the $700,000 balance in the School Choice account that is carried over each year. A brief discussion occurred.

At 9:45 PM, under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 39 23B of the Open Meeting Law, the committee voted by roll call vote to enter into Executive Session to discuss contracts and other personnel issues. The motion to enter into Executive Session was unanimous: Mr. Ebstein, aye, Mr. Mendoza, aye, Mrs. Wetherbee, aye, Vice Chair West, aye; Chair Zapantis, aye. The committee will not reconvene.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Neeley-Winkler

Mary Neeley-Winkler

Secretary to the School Committee

Documents:

Minutes – May 8, 2012 Open Session

2012-2013 Calendar

AFSCME Letter and Memorandum of Agreement

May 19, 2011, May 24, 2011, June 6, 2011, August 9, 2011 Executive Minutes

Clinton Youth Soccer Letter

Superintendent Ingano Evaluation

School Handbooks (CES, CMS, CHS)

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