Salem School Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 15, 2008
A regular meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Chambers at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts.
Members Present: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Nate Bryant, Mrs. Kerry A. Martin, Dr. Brendan Walsh, Kevin Carr, Dr. Janet Crane, and Mr. James Fleming
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Dr. William Cameron, Superintendent, Alyce Davis, Assistant Superintendent, and Eileen Sacco, Secretary.
Dr. Walsh called the Regular Meeting of the Salem School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m.
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Dr. Crane The motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the School Committee meeting held on December 1, 2008, School Committee meeting were presented for approval. Mr. Fleming moved approval of the minutes of the December 1, 2008 School Committee meeting as amended. Dr. Crane seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
There were no questions or comments from the audience.
Student Representative Report – Vanessa Marshall
There was no student report this evening.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Cameron reported that the Salem High School Class of 1958 made a donation to the Salem High School Instructional Media Center in recognition of their 50th class reunion.
Dr. Cameron reported that he attended the National Honor Society Inductions Academics, Art and Music at Salem High School. He noted that he was honored to participate in this event and congratulated the students.
Dr. Cameron informed the School Committee that the Salem Public Schools has secured the services of the Great American Plan Advisors to administer the arm of the 403B plans that are available for employees. He explained that there would be no cost to the school district and we are in compliance with the IRS regulations, and must be achieved by January 1, 2009.
Dr. Cameron reported that there are still two crossing guard positions available and noted that there was an incident where a crossing guard was concerned about student feedback and resigned the position. He noted that students should be respectful to the crossing guards who are there for their safety.
Dr. Cameron requested that the School Committee approve his request to issue an RFP for a study focusing on the intake procedures for Special Education. He explained that he thinks that there is an issue at that level, not with severely handicapped kids but there are many who have less severe needs. He noted that 25% our students are in special education, which is a high percentage statewide.
Dr. Walsh reported that the Special Education Subcommittee met and reviewed Dr. Cameron’s proposal and recommend approval of the request. He noted that he would make a motion as an action item later in the meeting.
Dr. Crane asked what the cost of the study would be. Dr. Cameron stated that he has no idea and guessed at around $20,000 noting it will be a labor intensive process. He also noted that if the cost is prohibitive he will inform the School Committee of that.
Mr. Fleming stated that he supports the request and noted that he has had suspicions along those lines. He also noted that he feels that the School Committee would have great added comfort knowing that we either have to revamp the system or we are doing it the right way.
Mayor Driscoll suggested that we may be able to join with another community that might want to participate such as Beverly noting that they have high numbers of special education students has well noting that it might be cost effective. Dr. Cameron stated that he thought that it might be difficult as each district may have separate issues.
Curriculum Report
Alyce Davis introduced Ms. Mary Decourcey House Master at Salem High to make a presentation on the Bridge Academy. Ms. Decourcey noted that there were several students and their parents in attendance as well as the staff for the program. She introduced the staff as follows:
Matt Buchanan
Teddy Turallo
Lisa O’Neil Moynihan Kim Simonelli
She also recognized Debbie Amerault Executive Director of the Salem YMCA and noted that the YMCA has been very supportive of the Bridge Academy.
Matt Buchanan made a presentation on the Bridge Academy and showed a video produced by students at Salem High School and a Power point presentation on the program.
Salem High School senior Lakeisha Gagnon addressed the School Committee and explained how the program has helped her.
Finance Report
There was no finance report this evening.
Deliberation on the School Department Warrant:
The following warrants were presented for approval:
December 4, 2008 in the amount of $143,910.77
December 11, 2008 in the amount of $620,566.40
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Dr. Crane. The motion carried.
Budget Transfer Request
The following Budget Transfer was requested:
Amount: $54,887
From: 13482020-5117 Salary Administration $54,887
To: 13930120-5146 Sick Time Buy Back $45,498
To: 13930120-5161 Retroactive Pay $9,389
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
Action Items
- Deliberation on the approval of the job description for the position of Head Teacher for Instruction/Curriculum at Salem High School
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
- Deliberation on the approval of the evaluation document for the Superintendent’s evaluation.
The School Committee reviewed the evaluation document and made amendments to it.
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the evaluation document for the Superintendent as amended. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
- Dr. Walsh moved to approve the Superintendent’s request to issue an RFP for a study on the intake procedures for Special Education. Mr. Fleming seconded the motion. The motion carried.
School Committee Reports
Curriculum Subcommittee
Mrs. Martin reported that the Curriculum Subcommittee met several times and reviewed the Salem High School Program of Studies. She reviewed the following courses that will be added to the program of studies at Salem High School for next year:
AP English Language and Composition
Conflict and Change: The Course of Conflict and Conflict Resolution in
History
Keyboarding/Computer Skills, grades 9-12
(an extension of the grade 9 course offering)
Banking/Business Internship
Spanish for Hispanoblantes 3, College Prep/AP
Dr. Crane moved to approve the Program of Studies for Salem High School with the additional classes. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
Dr. Walsh reported that he participated in a Salem High School Service Learning project on Sunday, December 14th. He explained that seniors Julia Gauthier and Maggie Duffy are building an outdoor amphitheater at the high school and many students from Salem High School participated throughout the day. He also thanked Director of Buildings and Grounds Paul L’Heureux for his help on the project.
Dr. Walsh reported that the annual Salem Children’s Charity Fundraiser will be held tomorrow evening, Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at Victoria Station.
Mr. Bryant reported that Collins Middle School will be holding a Winter Celebration tomorrow evening.
Dr. Crane reported that the All City Band Concert will be held at Salem High School, tomorrow, December 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Driscoll reported that she expects to hear about the Regionalization grant by the end of the calendar year. She noted that there are a host of local communities that have signed on to this effort. She also reported that she is contacting the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to see if there would be additional assistance available for this effort.
Questions and Comments from the Audience regarding the December 1, 2008 agenda
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, Mr. Fleming moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
| 
