Salem School Committee
Minutes
Monday, February 8, 2010
7:30 p.m.
Collins Middle School
A regular meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, February 8, 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, Mr. Nate Bryant, Dr. Janet Crane, Mrs. Kerry Martin, Dr. Brendan Walsh
Members Absent: Mr. Kevin Carr, Mr. James Fleming
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 7:35 p.m.
Approval of the Agenda
Dr. Walsh moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Dr. Crane. The motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Salem School Committee meeting held on Monday, January 25, 2010 were presented for approval.
Dr. Crane moved approval of the minutes of the January 25, 2010 School Committee meeting as presented. Mr. Bryant seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
There were no questions or comments from the audience.
Student Representative Report – Zachary Broughton
This past weekend the Salem High School Drama department performed the great production of Sweeney Todd. On all three nights, over fifty students demonstrated for the Salem Community the amazing talent and determination of the students throughout the drama department. The Musical Director, Ms. Leanne Goodwin was exceptionally proud of all students and their performance. The Drama department would like to thank all that attended and supported the production throughout the year. I'm sure many will agree with me that this extraordinary performance will not soon be forgotten.
Last week, the Salem High School Community lost an extremely valuable, energetic, and intuitive member of our family. Christos Hantzi demonstrated a great zest for life and the learning process. Because of this tragic and unexpected loss, students have been collecting donations and selling memorial ribbons that will be donated to a memorial fund in his honor. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can contact the high schools Junior Class Officers.
Throughout this week, the La Union Latina Student Organization will be distributing the flowers students bought last week for their friends and loved ones throughout the Salem High community.
This Friday in the Auditorium, the Marine Corps JROTC program will be hosting a Haiti Benefit concert. Several vocal artists from across the North Shore are going to donate their time to help raise money. Students who wish to attend can purchase tickets during lunch for $6 or at the door for $8. This event will last from 6-11pm.
Also this Friday night is the Best Buddies Valentines day dance in the 1st Floor Cafeteria from 6-8pm. The cost is $5.
Finally for tonight, the students of the Salem Public Schools will be on February Vacation next week from February 15-19th. I'm sure my peers will join me in thanking the powers that be on that one.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Cameron extended his sympathies and those of the Salem Public Schools to the Hantzi family on the loss of Christos. He noted that Christos was a well liked member of the Salem High School Community and students and staff are mourning his loss.
Dr. Cameron congratulated the students and staff of the Salem High School Drama Club on their production of Sweeny Todd this past weekend,
Dr. Cameron noted that there have been several tragic events in the news recently involving teens who have been driven by circumstances to take their own lives. He noted that cyber bullying is on the rise and the Salem Public Schools district is taking this seriously and is planning a community meeting to inform parents and students on signs of bullying and the resources available to them. He also noted that Salem High School students mentioned this subject as a community engagement activity.
Dr. Cameron requested that the following matters be referred to the Finance Subcommittee for review:
Second Quarter Financial Review
Format for the 2011 SPS Budget
Grants and Revolving Fund Accounting
Dr. Walsh moved that the matters be referred to the Finance Subcommittee for review. Dr. Crane seconded the motion
Curriculum Report
Cynthia Napierkowski made a presentation to the School Committee on the instrumental music programs in the Salem Public Schools. Students from grades 4 , 8, and 10 performed for the School Committee as follows:
Laura Smith 4th Grade Flute
Shelby Casimir 4th Grade Viola
Anand Patel 7th Grade Viola
Aletha Spang 8th Grade Flute
Svannah Mazola 9th Grade Viola
Emily Kent 10th Grade Flute
Dr. Walsh moved for a two minute recess at this time. Dr. Crane seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Finance Report
Mr. Sheehan made a presentation on the Quick Books Accounting System to the School Committee.
Budget Transfer
The following budget transfer was requested:
Amount: $7,000.00 Pupil Personnel Services
From: 13640161-5519 Computer Software
To: 13640161-5780 Other Expenses
Reason: Transfer needed to cover mileage reimbursements and other miscellaneous expenses normally charged to 5720 “Other Expense.” Annual software cost for E-Sped data base has been paid for from account 27093-5514 SPED 94-142 recurring grant.
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Mr. Bryant. The motion carried.
Deliberation on the School Department Warrant:
The following warrants were presented for approval.
January 28, 2010 in the amount of $248,878.19
February 4, 2010 in the amount of $ 71,881.29
Dr. Walsh moved approval of the warrants in the amounts listed. Dr. Crane seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Action Items
a. Deliberation on the approval of the Salem High School Baseball Team out of state field trip to Washington, D.C., March 19 – 22, 2010
Dr. Walsh moved approval, seconded by Dr. Crane. The motion carried.
- Deliberation on the approval of the Steering Committee for Strategic Planning.
Dr. Crane moved approval, seconded by Dr. Walsh. The motion carried.
School Committee Reports
Personnel
Dr. Walsh reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met last Friday regarding collective bargaining issues and noted that he would be calling for an Executive Session at the conclusion of this meeting to discuss the matter with the full School Committee.
Curriculum
Mrs. Martin reported that the Curriculum Subcommittee met on February 3, 2010 and reviewed the program of studies for Salem High School . She reported that the committee is recommending two additional courses at Salem High School as follows:
Latin I
Advanced Placement European History
Dr. Crane moved to approve the additional courses for the Program of Studies for Salem High School. Dr. Walsh seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mrs. Martin also noted that the Subcommittee also reviewed the sequence for Mandatory Social Studies Courses in the Middle and High School levels. She explained that the sequence of mandatory social studies courses in the middle and high school grades was re-examined, noting that MCAS social studies testing will reappear in 2010-11 and a realignment of the courses is necessary to provide adequate coverage not only for MCAS testing, but for generally effective coverage of material. She noted that no action by the School Committee is necessary.
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
There were no School Committee concerns or resolutions this evening.
Questions and Comments from the Audience Regarding the January 25, 2010 Agenda
Mary Manning reminded the School Committee and the public that “Hearts for Haiti” will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 5-8 and the cost is $5.00 per person or $20 per family.
Adjournment
Executive Session
Dr. Walsh moved that the School Committee adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining strategies and the School Committee will not be returning to open session this evening. Mayor Driscoll called for a roll call vote as follows:
Mrs. Martin Yes
Dr. Walsh Yes
Dr. Crane Yes
Mr. Bryant Yes
Mayor Driscoll Yes
The motion carried (5-0)
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
Approved by the Salem School Committee on February 22, 2010
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