Salem School Committee
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Monday, December 18, 2006
A regular meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, December 18, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the School Committee Chambers at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts.
Members Present: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Michael Allen, Dr. Janet Crane, Dr. Brendan Walsh, Mr. Kevin Carr, Mr. James Fleming and Mrs. Norene Gachignard
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Dr. Lawrence Callahan, Alyce Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Bruce Guy School Business Administrator
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Allen. The motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the School Committee meetings held on December 4, 2006 were presented for approval.
Mr. Fleming moved approval of the minutes of December 4, 2006 as presented, seconded by Mr. Allen. The motion carried.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
Michael Blatty addressed the School Committee and expressed his concerns about the Charlotte’s Web reading event that was recently held in the schools.
Approval of the School Department Warrant
The following warrants were presented for approval
December 7, 2006 in the amount of $89,870.00
December 12, 2006 in the amount of $290,331.74
Mr. Fleming moved approval of the warrants as presented, seconded by Mr. Allen. The motion carried.
Student Representative Report – There was no student report this evening.
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Callahan reported that he is requesting a number of new positions for the Special Education program and explained the positions. He noted that the cost for the Occupational Therapist will be funded from the credit from the contract at North Shore Children’s Hospital. He also noted that this is a temporary position that he may recommend funding again next year. Dr. Callahan also explained that a teacher and two paraprofessional positions are needed for the establishment of a grade 3-5 PDD program. He explained that the establishment of this program will save the district money from out of district placement costs.
Curriculum Report
Bentley School Principal Lynda Coffill presented the Bentley School MCAS analysis report.
Carlton School Principal Mark Higgins presented the Carlton School MCAS analysis report.
Saltonstall School Principal Margaret Howard presented the Saltonstall School MCAS analysis report.
Finance Report – No report this evening.
Action Items
a Deliberation on the approval of the Collins Middle School 8th Grade trip to New York City on June 7-8, 2007
Mr. Allen moved approval, seconded by Mrs. Gachignard and approved.
b Deliberation on the recommendation of the Superintendent for a full time Occupational Therapist at the Bentley School/Early Childhood Center for the remainder of the school year – step and column teachers salary schedule
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved.
c Deliberation on the recommendation of the Superintendent to as a special education paraprofessional at the Collins Middle School in the Learning Skills Program – 6.5 hours per day @ $12.35 per hour
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Mrs. Gachignard and approved.
d Deliberation on the approval of the recommendation of the Superintendent for the establishment of a PDD program for grades 3-5
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mrs. Gachignard and approved.
e Deliberation on the approval of the recommendation of the Superintendent for a 1.0 Special Education Teacher for the grade 3-5 PDD program – step and column teachers salary schedule
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Dr. Crane and approved.
f Deliberation on the approval of the recommendation of the Superintendent for a Special Education paraprofessional for the grade 3-5 PDD program – 6 hours per day
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Dr. Walsh and approved.
g Deliberation on the approval of the recommendation of the Superintendent for a long term substitute special education teacher at the Carlton School
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved.
h Deliberation on the recommendation of the Superintendent for a 1.0 (1to1) Special Education Paraprofessional for a new student in the Learning Skills Program at the Collins Middle School
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved.
School Committee Reports –
Dr. Crane reported that the Curriculum Subcommittee met this evening and are reviewing report cards. She also noted that they will be meeting again on January 8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Walsh reported that the Superintendent Search Committee met this evening as well and the next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. He noted that the proposals have been received from the consultants and they will be interviewed at the meeting.
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the recommendation of the high school principal to appoint Zach Broughton as the Student Representative to the Superintendent Search Committee. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mr. Carr reported that there has been a request from Salem Youth Soccer to use Geswell Field for their program.
Mr. Carr moved to allow Salem Youth Soccer to use Geswell Field pending agreement of final terms with Salem Youth Soccer regarding maintenance issues and reimbursement to the city. The motion was approved (6-0-1) with Mr. Allen voting present.
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
Dr. Walsh reported that the Salem Children’s Charity distributed $500.00 to each of the Salem Public Schools at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas.
Dr. Walsh suggested that the School Committee think about establishing a Special Education Subcommittee. Mayor Driscoll suggested that this be referred to Dr. Callahan and Ms. Malio for further discussion.
Dr. Walsh referred to the comments made earlier in the meeting regarding the Charlotte’ Web event and suggested that if a program or event is sponsored by a for profit organization it should be approved by the School Committee. Mayor Driscoll suggested that the matter be referred to the Policy Subcommittee.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
There were no questions or comments from the audience this evening.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the School Committee this evening Dr. Walsh moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved.
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
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