Salem School Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 22, 2010
A regular meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, March 22, 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, Nate Bryant, James Fleming , Mrs. Kerry Martin, Dr. Brendan Walsh, Mr. Kevin Carr,
Members Absent: Dr. Janet Crane
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. Carr. The motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Salem School Committee meeting held on Monday, March 8, 2010 were presented for approval.
Dr. Walsh moved approval of the minutes of the March 8, 2010 School Committee meeting as presented. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
Mark Mazuzan addressed the School Committee and Noted what a great school the Horace Mann is and reported that the HMLS DI Teams did very well in the Destination Imagination competition held at Beverly High School this past weekend.
Mr. Mazuzan asked the School Committee for an update on the status of the possible closing of the Horace Mann School. Mayor Driscoll addressed those present and noted that it is premature to actually talk about closing the Horace Mann School and that we are hoping not to have to close a school. She noted that the School Committee would be reviewing all options and will involve a broader dialogue. She also noted that the School Committee has not seen a budget yet this year. She reported on the latest information she has regarding local aid from the State and said that she expects a $900,000 reduction in local aid for FY11.
Mayor Driscoll explained that the City faces an increase in Health Insurance of $1.2 million dollars and she plans to sit down with the city unions to see if anything can be done to alleviate that as well as advocate for legislation that would allow cities and towns to design health plans without negotiating them.
Donna Pelletier a teacher a the Horace Mann school addressed the School Committee and noted that she is concerned that officials are weighting finances too heavily and noted that the MCAS scores at the HMLS are strong and the school benefits from the long standing relationship with Salem State College. She stressed that there is something that is really working at Horace Mann noting that the College is a tremendous resource and it is a big piece of what they are doing at the school.
Alexa Ono of 182 Federal Street addressed the School Committee and expressed her concerns about maintaining class sizes, noting that she would like to see them as small as possible She also expressed concern that students with IEP’s should be in smaller classes. Dr. Cameron explained that the district would try to keep class sizes reasonable and explained class sizes in the lower grades are 18 students per class and is required by a grant. He also noted that the class sizes in the upper grades are dictated by the teachers contract. He stated that keeping class sizes low will mean reductions in other areas of the budget. He also reported that the district has a legal obligation to comply with DESE regulations for staffing rations for students on IEP’s.
Mark Mazuzan addressed the School Committee again and noted that he is concerned that the School Committee would consider closing a school because a law was passed that cities and towns that close schools have to give first preference to Charter Schools.
Mayor Driscoll stated that the whole discussion is hypothetical at this point. She also noted that there is a concern about the adequacy of the Horace Mann building.
Dr. Cameron stated that when a determination is made to keep the school open, he would immediately launch a search for a principal.
Dr. Walsh noted that there are several people interested in being principals in Salem and he assured those present that he did not think that it would be hard to find a principal for the Horace Mann School,
Mr. Fleming stated that the School Committee would be looking at a lot of options before deciding whether to close a school.
Teachers Union President Joyce Harrington addressed the School Committee on behalf of the HMLS staff and asked that they be informed as soon as things are known so that they can try and allay fears and keep the members updated.
Moment of Silence
Mayor Driscoll reported that the Salem Community experienced a great tragedy this past weekend when Julia Gauthier, a graduate of Salem High School class of 2009, passed away from injuries received in a car accident. Mayor Driscoll extended the sympathies of the School Department and the City of Salem to the Gauthier family and asked for observance of a moment of silence.
Student Representative Report
Student Representative Zachary Broughton reported on the following events and activities at Salem High School:
Today, the students of Salem High School began our day with tragic news. Over the weekend we lost one of ours friends and leaders from the class of 2009 due to a tragic and fatal accident. Julia Gauthier was a dedicated student and athlete during her tenure at Salem High. Her loss is shared today with all the students at Salem High who had the privilege of working with her on the field and in the classroom. Today, teachers took time out of their class periods to allow students to share their feelings about the situation and the guidance department was readily available for anyone who needed their assistance. Julia will be deeply missed by all.
Starting tomorrow, the MCAS exam will be administered to all current 10th grade students through the week till Thursday. Which means for the rest of us at Salem High, we get to enjoy a few delays. Tomorrow and Wednesday, there will be a 3-hour delay at Salem High, and on Thursday a 2-hour delay. With that, I can safely say that my fellow Seniors and I are extremely excited to sleep in.
Coming up for the rest of this week is the Advanced Leadership Learning Summit. This group of student and teacher leaders will be meeting on Thursday March 25, from 4-6pm on the 2nd floor of the IMC. This is a service learning group that explores and fosters youth leadership and takes action in response to global change issues. For more information, Ms. Julie Kong is able to answer questions through email or appointment.
Also this Thursday, Salem High Schools Gay Straight Alliance group Embrace will be having a meeting in room 313 to discuss student speakers for the upcoming Embrace Tolerance Assembly. Students interested in speaking about Embrace tolerance at the assembly, are encouraged to come and share their ideas.
And this Friday at Salem High is another busy day for us. The Human Body in Health and Disease classes will be holding another blood drive from 8am to 1pm in the auditorium. This blood drive is open to students, teachers, and the community of Salem as whole. For further information, you are encouraged to speak with Ms. Martin.
This Friday night, the Class of 2011 is proud to host its Junior Prom at the Jimmy's Allenhurst of Danvers. Tickets are on sale for $30 each and students also have the chance to purchase trolley tickets for $7. This night not only serves as a great memory to look back on, it is also a celebration for all the hard work the Junior Class has completed in the last 3 years. From what the Junior Officers tell me, it is going to be a fantastic night.
Coming up in the next few days and weeks;
The Marine Corps JROTC continues to sponsor its computer literacy program. Now, any students throughout Salem High in need of a computer can sign up for the literacy classes. After completion of the classes, the student will be able to purchase a computer for a nominal fee.
The EARLY after school program is now back again at Sale High. This program offers tutoring for students who are accepted and require some assistance with there abundant course load. Freshman and Sophomore students who are interested are encouraged to speak with their guidance counselor.
Seniors Allison Lawrence and Darcy Theriault will be fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation until the end of the month. Anyone interested in joining their cause, can purchase a paper heart during lunch for $1.
Anyone interested in a trip to Japan with the Salem-Ota Club this August should contact Midori Oka, the president of the Salem Ota club at 978-745-9090. This is truly a once and a life time opportunity.
And finally for tonight, Salem High School's Tri-M Music Honor Society is proud to hold their annual Jazz and Broadway Showcase on Friday, April 9 at 7:30 in the high school auditorium. The students are excited and energetic to demonstrate for the community their hard work and achievements.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Cameron acknowledged the efforts of Salem High School Principal David Angeramo and his staff in dealing with the tragic death of Julia Gauthier. He praised Mr. Angeramo for his handling of the intrusive news media that showed up at the school.
Dr. Cameron reported that he reviewed information last week that there are 157 homeless student in Salem and noted that in less than two years that is a 112% increase.
Dr. Cameron updated the School Committee on the status of the principal search committees. He reported that the second level of interviews are being conducted and he hopes to select candidates by the end of the week. Dr. Cameron also reported that the four finalists for Assistant Superintendent will be visiting the district on March 23, 29, 30, and April 1, 2010
Dr. Cameron reported that the search committee for the Director of Pupil Personnel Services is in the process of reviewing applications. He noted that a representative from the School Committee is still needed and if any member wishes to serve on the search committee they should contact him.
Dr. Cameron requested that the matter of State Federal Stabilization Funds (SFSF) be referred to the Finance Subcommittee for review. He noted that he has received word that the state will start distributing the money around March 26, 2010.
Mr. Fleming moved to refer the matter of the review of the SFSF funds to the Finance Subcommittee. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dr. Cameron requested that the matter of Salem employees appearing in court in the role as a Salem Public Schools employee, be referred to the Policy Subcommittee.
Mr. Fleming moved to refer the matter of Salem employees appearing in court in the role as a Salem Public Schools employee, be referred to the Policy Subcommittee. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dr. Cameron suggested that after the Curriculum Presentations this evening, that the School Committee adjourn to Executive Session.
Mr. Bryant asked how the Cyber Bullying presentation, held last week was received. Dr. Cameron reported that it was well attended and the presenters included District Attorney Jonathon Blodgett, Police Chief Paul Tucker, Collins Middle School Principal Mary Manning, Dr. Prince from North Shore Medical Center and Mayor Driscoll. He noted that the presentation provided good insight and information for parents.
Curriculum Report
Collins Middle School Librarian Joanne O’Keefe made a presentation on the Middle School Library Program.
Salem High School Principal David Angeramo, Courtney Gosslin, made a presentation on the High School Accreditation Process.
Finance Report
School Business Administrator Timothy Sheehan addressed the School Committee and reported that the third quarter ARRA Funding Report is due Friday. He explained the reporting process and the information that is required in the report.
Mr. Sheehan reported that the third quarter finance report for the School Department will be submitted by April 15, 2010.
Mr. Sheehan requested that the School Committee review line item transfer procedures be reviewed with the Policy Subcommittee. He explained that his suggested changes would be more in line with the process that the city finance department uses.
Mr. Fleming moved that the matter of reviewing line item transfer procedures be referred to the Policy Subcommittee. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Budget Transfer
There were no budget transfers this evening.
Deliberation on the School Department Warrant:
March 11, 2010 in the amount of $369,609.78
March 18, 2010 in the amount of $280,161.22
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr The motion carried.
Action Items
a. Deliberation on the third and final reading of the revised policy on the Use of Cellular Telephones.
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Fleming. The motion carried.
b. Deliberation on the second reading of the revised policy on Transportation.
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
c. Deliberation on the second reading of the policy on Student Records
Mr. Fleming moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
d. Deliberation on the approval of a Full Time Special Education 1-1 Paraprofessional at the Early Childhood Center – 5 hours per day / 5 days per week at the rate of $13.11 per hour.
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
e. Deliberation on the approval of a Full Time Special Education 1-1 Paraprofessional at the Witchcraft Heights School – 5 hours per day / 5 days per week at the rate of $13.47 per hour.
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
f. Deliberation on the approval of a Full Time Special Education 1-1 Paraprofessional at the Collins Middle School – 5 hours per day / 5 days per week at the rate of $13.47 per hour.
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Carr. The motion carried.
School Committee Reports
Finance Subcommittee
Mr. Carr reported that the Finance Subcommittee met with School Business Administrator Timothy Sheehan and reviewed the proposed budget format for the 2011 budget. He explained the format that Mr. Sheehan would like to use and noted that it would be presented at the next meeting.
Mr. Carr also reported that the Finance Subcommittee reviewed Student Activity Accounts with Mr. Sheehan and he is recommending that more accounts be used for the schools. He explains that we should be consistent with the city.
Dr. Walsh moved to refer the matter of line item transfers to the Policy Subcommittee, seconded by Mr. Fleming. The motion carried.
Personnel Subcommittee
Mr. Fleming reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met this evening relative to collective bargaining and will be meeting again and will be starting negotiations with the Salem Teachers Union.
Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee
Mr. Bryant reported that the Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee met this evening to consider the request made by former Salem Public Schools Administrator on behalf of the SHS Vocational Automotive Advisory Committee to have a plaque placed in an automotive classroom in honor of Robert Byrd, former teacher at the Salerno Automotive Center from 1975-2002. Mr. Bryant noted that Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee has considered the request and recommends approval by the School Committee.
Dr. Walsh moved to approve the recommendation of the Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee 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 seconded the motion. The motion carried.
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
Mayor Driscoll noted that she and members of the School Committee have received calls regarding the new elementary report cards and suggested that an FAQ sheet be compiled to help parents understand the new report cards and the reasons for the changes.
Mayor Driscoll requested that the Finance Subcommittee review the finance reports for the transportation budget.
Questions and Comments from the Audience Regarding the March 22, 2010 Agenda
There were no questions or comments from the audience this evening.
Adjourn To Executive Session
Mr. Fleming moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining issues and the School Committee will be returning to open session. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. Mayor Driscoll called for a roll call vote as follows”
Mr. Bryant Yes
Mr. Carr Yes
Mr. Fleming Yes
Dr. Walsh Yes
Mrs. Martin Yes
Mayor Driscoll Yes
The motion carried (6-0).
Mayor Driscoll reconvened the School Committee meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Mr. Fleming moved to accept the grant from Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative as presented, but continue efforts to amend the terms to eliminate the Committee agreeing to pay stipends to qualifying teachers. Mr. Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-1) with Dr. Walsh opposed.
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 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
Approved by the Salem School Committee April 5, 2010
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