Salem School Committee
Minutes
Monday, May 10, 2010
7:30 p.m.
Collins Middle School
A regular meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the School Committee Chambers at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts.
Members Present: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll (6:30 p.m.), Dr. Janet Crane, Nate Bryant, Mr. James Fleming, Mrs. Kerry Martin, Dr. Brendan Walsh and Mr. Kevin Carr
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Dr. William Cameron, Superintendent, Alyce Davis, Assistant Superintendent. Business Administrator Timothy Sheehan and Eileen Sacco, Secretary
Dr. Cane called the Regular Meeting of the Salem School Committee to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Dr. Walsh The motion carried.
Executive Session
Mr. Fleming moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of hearing a Level III Grievance filed by ASFCME Local 293, Council 93 relative to collective bargaining and the School Committee will return to open session at the conclusion of the Executive Session. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. Dr. Crane called for a roll call vote as follows:
Mrs. Martin Yes
Dr. Walsh Yes
Mr. Fleming Yes
Mr. Carr Yes
Mr. Bryant Yes
Dr. Crane Yes
The motion carried (6-0).
The School Committee reconvened at 6:45 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Salem School Committee meeting held on Monday, April 26, 2010 were presented for approval.
Mr. Fleming moved approval of the minutes of the April 26, 2010 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
Salem High School Student Representative Zac Broughton reported on the following events and activities at Salem High School:
Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding performances at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. The Following students are Kim Barzola, Samantha Chigas, Brianna Cruddas, Diego Fellows, Joe Forristal, Emily Kent, Adelaide Majeski, Paula Miller, Jesus Morales, Celine Morneau, Jean Ricardo and Meryl Schultz. These students all received either silver or gold medals as well as very positive feedback on their performance from some of the best musicians from around the country. This exciting achievement continues to demonstrate the abundant and growing talent that Salem High School has.
This week on Thursday morning at 9:20am, students of Salem High's Advanced Health Class will take part in a mock car crash in conjunction with the Salem Police Department. This Event will demonstrate for the students of Salem High School the devastating effects of drunk driving. This community service project began over a year ago. Its main goal is to take preventative action from drunk driving accidents in the future.
This Friday both Seniors and Juniors will conclude their AP testing for the year. I can not tell you how relieved we all are.
Also this Friday night is the Class of 2010's Senior Prom at the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel. Students who wish will take trolleys from the Salem Common to the hotel and then off to an exciting after prom party that will continue this great celebration with food, games, and fun. All members of the school committee are invited to attend.
We have the Senior Awards night on May 18th at 7pm in the High School Auditorium. This is a night in which students receive awards from various faculty members and departments of the high school for their hard work and academic achievements as well as scholarships from various institutions. All are welcome to come and celebrate the hard work with the Senior Class.
On May 20, at 9:15 in the morning in the High School Auditorium, the Salem High School Marine Corps JROTC program will be dedicating the basketball court located next to the Field House in honor of former Salem High School student James Hubizs who gave his life for our country in February of 1966. The cadets of the MCJROTC program have worked hard and raised thousands of dollars for the last three years. This dedication is very appropriate not only for his services rendered but also for his love and avid participation in basketball during his time as a student here in Salem. All are welcome to attend.
On May 19th at 7:30 in the Auditorium, the Salem High School Music Department is proud to present its annual “POPS” concert.
On May 29th is the Salvation Army Flea Market. Students along with Ms. Coleman, a math teacher and adviser to NHS are collecting donations until the 28th, otherwise known as the Seniors Last Day of School.
Finally for tonight, there will be an Alateen group starting in the High School. If you or someone you know is affected by alcoholism, they are encouraged to speak with Ms. Kacie in the Teen Health Center for more information.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Cameron reported that he was invited to attend a celebration at the State House for the Parent Child Program 40th Anniversary. He explained that while there he learned of a 1 ½ billion dollar federal grant included in the health care reform bill for home based preschool programs. He noted that he is waiting for more information on this and will keep the School Committee informed.
Dr. Cameron reported that there is back up information in the School Committee packet on the Project Adventure proposal. He noted that Mr. Prouty will be at the May 17th School Committee meeting to make a brief presentation on the program.
Dr. Cameron suggested the creation of a committee to look at the facility future needs of the Salem Public School buildings. He noted the impending fiscal pressure next year without federal stimulus money for the budget. He also noted that the strategic plan should be completed by the end of the summer. He asked members to consider this and think about ideas for membership of the committee.
Mr. Fleming suggested that the district contract our state legislators and inquire as to state funding for the renovation of the Horace Mann Lab School for Salem State College.
Dr. Cameron announced that he is recommending Margaret Moratta Smith as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services at a salary of $110,000. Dr. Cameron noted that Ms. Smith brings the strongest set of qualifications to the position having served as the Assistant Director of Special Education for the city of Boston. He noted that details of the contract need to be worked out and he will be submitting the contract to the School Committee for approval shortly.
Dr. Walsh moved to approve the appointment of Margaret Moratta Smith subject to final review of the contract and adoption by the School Committee. Mr. Fleming seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Curriculum Report
Dr. Davis reported that she has deferred all curriculum presentations until after the budget process is complete.
Dr. Davis reported that the focus groups for the Strategic Planning process have been set up. She explained that there are nine focus groups comprised of a wide range of representation in the community.
Finance Report
Deliberation on the School Department Warrant:
April 22, 2010 in the amount of $549,596.72
Mr. Fleming moved to approve the warrant as presented. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Budget Presentation
Dr. Cameron reported that the budget overview for the Salem Public Schools FY11 budget was to be held this evening. He stated that he expects to present the proposed budget on Wednesday evening at the scheduled budget meeting.
Mr. Fleming noted that he would like to see historical data included in the budget information. Mr. Sheehan stated that the information provided will include a personnel budget page and a budget page.
Loretta Cannistraci made a presentation on the technology needs to the district.
Action Items
a. Deliberation on the third reading of the approval to allow a plaque to be placed in an automotive classroom at the Salerno Automotive Center in honor of Robert Byrd, recognizing his 29 years of service in the Salem Public Schools
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Mr. Bryant seconded the motion. The motion carried.
b. Deliberation on the first 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
Dr. Walsh moved approval. Mr. Fleming seconded the motion. The motion carried.
c. Deliberation on the approval of the Saltonstall School 7th and 8th grade trip to Nature’s Classroom, Groton, Massachusetts, May 19-21, 2010
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
d. Deliberation on the approval of the request of George LeVasseur to waive the fees for the use of the Salem High School Field House on June 12, 2010 for a fundraising Volley Ball Tournament to benefit the Zaharias Levntis Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Discussion:
Dr. Walsh recommended that the School Committee waive the custodial fees for this request as well. He explained that this event is for a scholarship in memory of a Salem High School graduate and the scholarship directly benefits Salem High School students. Mayor Driscoll agreed suggested that the fees that we do charge should be able to cover this request. Discussion ensued and it was noted that the motion is for facility fees only. Dr. Walsh stated that he felt that there were members of the Community that would be willing to contribute to cover the cost of the custodians for this event.
Mayor Driscoll called for a vote on the motion.
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Dr. Crane seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dr. Crane suggested that she would like to see a policy that is fair and equitable with regards to waiving rental and or custodial fees for the use of Salem Public School facilities. Mr. Bryant agreed and noted that the custodial fees are the issue and noted that the Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee reviewed this matter a couple of years ago but maybe it is time to reexamine waiving custodial fee procedures.
Mr. Fleming moved that the matter be referred to the Policy Subcommittee and the Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee for further review.
e. Deliberation on the approval of the Salem Public Schools participation in Project Adventure grant program of the US department of Education
Mr. Fleming moved approval. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
School Committee Reports
Policy
a. Deliberation on the approval of the first reading of the revised policy on School Committee Policy Formation 6203
Mr. Fleming moved approval as amended. Seconded by Mr. Bryant. The motion carried.
b. Deliberation on the first reading of the revised policy on School Committee Meetings 6402.
Dr. Walsh moved approval. Seconded by Mr. Fleming. The motion carried.
c. Deliberation on the first reading of the proposed policy on School Vehicle Idling Prohibited – 3605
Dr. Walsh moved approval. Mr. Bryant seconded the motion. The motion carried.
d. Deliberation on the approval of the proposed revision to the policy on Professional Staff Positions - 4201
Dr. Walsh moved approval. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dr. Cameron reported that the Policy Subcommittee met this evening to consider a request for an honorary diploma awarded posthumously to James Hubisz. She reported that while researching this matter she found “Operation Recognition” and recommended that the Superintendent pursue this matter further with the Veterans Services Agent for the City of Salem.
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
There were no School Committee concerns or resolutions this evening.
Questions and Comments from the Audience Regarding the April 26, 2010 Agenda
John Phelan of 3 Fairfield Street, Salem, MA. addressed the School Committee and requested a copy of the Salem Public Schools budget. Dr. Cameron reported that copies will be available online for the public to view when the budget is completed.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the School Committee this evening, Dr. Walsh moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
Approved by the Salem School Committee
May 17, 2010
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