Salem School Committee
Minutes
Monday, May 17, 2010
7:30 p.m.
Collins Middle School
A regular meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Chambers at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts.
Members Present: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Dr. Janet Crane, Nate Bryant, Mr. James Fleming, Mrs. Kerry Martin, Dr. Brendan Walsh
Members Absent: Kevin Carr
Others Present: Dr. William Cameron, Superintendent, Alyce Davis, Assistant Superintendent. Business Administrator Timothy Sheehan and Eileen Sacco, Secretary
Mayor Driscoll called the Regular Meeting of the Salem School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m.
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Bryant. The motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Salem School Committee meeting held on Monday, May 10, 2010 were presented for approval.
Mr. Fleming moved approval of the minutes of the May 10, 2010 School Committee meeting as amended. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
There were no questions or comments from the audience.
Student Representative Report
Tomorrow, the Sophomores of Salem High School will complete the MCAS Math examination. During this time, the remaining students have a three hour delay and are expected to attend classes beginning at 10:24. And now that AP tests are over with, it’s finally nice for some of us to enjoy and sleep in on these three hour delays.
Also tomorrow night is the annual Senior Recognition Night. This is a chance for Seniors to receive academic awards from their teachers as well as Scholarships from the Community of Salem and their respective schools. Are all welcome to come and join this celebration with the Seniors and their families.
The Salem High School Music Department is pleased to present their annual “POPS” concert on Wednesday, May 19th in the auditorium at 7:30pm. The program will feature the Concert Band, String and Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble and the Acappella group, Witch Pitch? Mr. George Parks from Umass Amherst will be conducting and performing a tuba solo with the concert band and Salem High School's very own Mr. John Robinson will be singing with the Jazz Band. There is a small admission charge and refreshments will be served in a “Boston POPS” style with floor seating at candlelit tables. All are welcome.
The Life Skills program is selling raffle tickets for a Boston Red Sox game. Tickets are sold during first lunch or from room 132. If anyone is interested, it's $1 for 1 ticket, and $2 for 3 tickets. If you have any questions, you may see Ms. Russo in room 132.
This Thursday at 9:20 am, Salem High School's Marine Corps JROTC will present its Basketball Dedication Ceremony in honor of James Hubiscz in the Auditorium. All are welcome to attend and celebrate and honor the life of Mr. Hubiscz and other soldiers that have given their lives for our great nation.
The Life Skills Program, in conjunction with the MCJROTC, is having a carnival on May 22, rain date May 23 from 10-2pm at the Soccer Field at Salem High. There will be food, games, prizes and everyone’s favorite, a Moon Bounce. Cost of the games range from $.25 to $1.00 with tickets to redeem great prizes. There will also be a crafts table, face painting, popcorn, baked goods, hot dogs, and drinks. All are welcome.
Coming up in June is the annual Senior Week. This year Senior week will consist of Six Flags on June 1st for $20. Improv Boston, an interactive comedy group and all you can eat Chinese Food for $10 on June 2nd at Collins Middle School and the Senior Picnic at Winter Island for $5 on June 3rd. Tickets will be sold from May 24th through May 28th during both lunches outside the Student Activities Office. And of course, to complete Senior Week, graduation will be held on June 4th at 6pm in the Field House.
Tonight is my last meeting as Salem High's Student Representative. It has truly been an honor to sit beside some of Salem's greatest and most dedicated public servants. You have all taught me a great deal about public service. You have helped me look forward to the day when I can return to Salem and begin my career as a public servant. I thank you for this unique and great experience. These last four years have truly been remarkable for me.
Mayor Driscoll thanked Zac for his service as Student Representative, noting that she fully expects to see him involved in our community in the future.
Members of the School Committee thanked Zac for his service as well and wished him well as be moves on to UMass Amherst.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Cameron thanked Zac Broughton for his service as Student Rep to the School Committee and for all of his participation in activities that are beneficial to Salem High School Student. He noted that when he first met Zac he was a member of the Superintendent’s Search Committee.
Dr. Cameron introduced Margaret Marotta Smith as the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services as of July 1, 2010. Ms. Marotta Smith addressed the School Committee and stated that she is excited about coming to Salem and looks forward to working with the staff.
Dr. Cameron introduced Richard Prouty, the CEO of Project Adventure to make a presentation on the possible participation of the Salem Public Schools in a grant opportunity that they have applied for.
Dr. Cameron reported that the DESE is accepting applications for the second round of the Race to the Top program. He explained that school districts seeking to participate do not have to do anything if there is no change in the original commitment and no action is required.
Dr. Cameron reported that he would like to refer the matter of Special Education out of district transportation to the finance subcommittee.
Mr. Fleming moved to refer the matter of transportation of out of district special education students to the finance subcommittee. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dr. Cameron referred to an article from the New republic titled Philanthrogovernment and recommended that the School Committee members read the article.
Dr. Cameron reported that a team of professionals from MSBA will be coming to the district on Wednesday to do an inspection at the Collilns Middle School and the Saltonstall School. He explained that they will be looking at the work that needs to be done on both buildings and noted that they are concerned that they do not want to invest a lot of money in repairs if the buildings are going to be renovated in the next two years.
Dr. Walsh reported that he attended the Salem Cyber Space graduation last week along with Mayor Driscoll and Mr. Bryant
Curriculum Report
Dr. Davis reported that she has deferred all curriculum presentations until after the budget process is complete.
Finance Report
Deliberation on the School Department Warrant:
May 6, 2010 in the amount of $219,921.14
May 13, 2010 in the amount of $573,609.73
May 20, 2010 in the amount of $336,265.06
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the warrant as presented. Dr. Crane seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Budget Transfer
Total Amount $4,600.00 Witchcraft Heights Budget
Amount: $2581
From: 13570821-5421 Office Supplies
To: 13570821-5514 Instructional Supplies
Amount: $119.00
From: 13570821-5511 Textbooks
To: 13570821-5514 Instructional Supplies
Amount: $2,000
From: 13570821-5317 Professional Development
To: 13570821-5514 Instructional Supplies
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the budget transfer as submitted. Dr. Crane seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Action Items
a. Deliberation on the second reading of the request of Dr. Brendan Walsh and Mr. James M. Fleming to name the wing of Salem High School that houses the Arts and Occupational Education Programs the Robert L. Pesce Unified Arts Wing
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
b. Deliberation on the approval of the School Committee Meeting schedule for July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
- Deliberation on the approval of the contract of Employment for Steven G. O’Brien, Assistant Superintendent as of July 1, 2010
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
- Deliberation on the approval of the contract of Employment for Margaret Marotta Smith as Director of Pupil Personnel Services as of July 1, 2010
Dr. Crane moved approval. Mr. Fleming seconded the motion. The motion carried.
School Committee Reports
Policy
a. Deliberation on the approval of the second reading of the revised policy on School Committee Policy Formation 6203
Dr. Walsh moved approval as amended. Seconded by Mr. Bryant. The motion carried.
b. Deliberation on the second reading of the revised policy on School Committee Meetings 6402.
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Seconded by Mr. Dr. Walsh. The motion carried.
c. Deliberation on the second reading of the proposed policy on School Vehicle Idling Prohibited – 3605
Mrs. Martin moved approval. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
d. Deliberation on the approval of the second reading of the proposed revisions to the policy on Professional Staff Positions - 4201
Dr. Walsh moved approval. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
e. Deliberation on the approval of the first reading of the proposed policy on Employees Legal Role in Child Custody and Domestic Disputes.
Mr. Fleming moved to tale the first reading and to refer the matter back to the Policy Subcommittee for further review. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Elementary Schools Budget Presentation
Dr. Cameron and Finance Administrator Timothy Sheehan presented the Elementary School budgets to the School Committee.
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
Dr. Walsh offered the following resolution regarding Charter Schools:
Dr. Walsh moved that Charter Schools may be instituted in any School District or Region in any one of four ways:
- Creation of a Horace Mann Charter School by the district or regional School Committee.
- Approval by the district or regional School Committee of an application by an entity or other than the district or regional School Committee
- Approval of the type of application described in #2 above by the voters of a School District(s) or region(s) at a general election or Town Meeting(s).
- Approval by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
In cases of approval by School Committee(s) or voters, funding formula approved by the General Court shall be utilized.
In cases of Charters approved solely by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, funding shall be through the budget of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education without usage of Chapter 70 or any other local funds.
Mr. Fleming seconded the motion for purposes of discussion.
Dr. Walsh explained that he planning to submit the resolution to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to be included in their resolutions voted on by the general membership at the conference in November.
Dr. Crane noted that she is a member of the resolutions committee for MASC and recommended that Dr. Walsh get additional school districts to sponsor the resolution to insure that it is included in the MASC resolutions for the annual meeting.,
Mayor Driscoll called for a vote on the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried.
Questions and Comments from the Audience Regarding the May 17, 2010 Agenda
There were no questions or comments from the audience.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the School Committee this evening, Dr. Walsh moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Fleming. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
Approved by the School Committee
June 7, 2010
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