Regular Meeting of the AMHERSTSchool Committee
Tuesday, March 6, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Andy Churchill, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Elaine Brighty Paul Wiley, CF Principal
Alisa Brewer Mark Prince, WW Principal
Russ Vernon-Jones, FR Principal
Nick Yaffe, MM Principal
Susan Kennedy Marx, CF Asst. Principal
Rob Detweiler, Dir. of Finance & Operations
Ron Bohonowicz, Dir. of Maintenance
Public
Press
Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Absent: Tom Flittie Sonia Correa Pope
1. Welcome 7:15 p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order/Agenda Review—Mr. Churchill called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. He then reviewed the agenda and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
C. Minutes— Ms. Brighty made a motion to approve the minutes of February 13, 2007. Ms. Brewer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
2. Announcements and Public Comments None
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:16 p.m.
Dr. Hochman stated that a great deal of preparation has gone into MCAS testing this year. Paul Wiley reported on a DOE MCAS administration teleconference that he and some of the other principals participated in this week. One of the purposes of the teleconference was to outline new requirements for 2007. He stated that it was informative and he found it beneficial to hear the questions and comments from other administrators from across the state.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 7:22 p.m.
A. FY08 Budget Update—Dr. Hochman noted that information from the Data and Directions packet and the Budget Assumptions packet was reviewed extensively at the Regional Committee meeting last night. He reviewed key points that relate specifically to the Amherst budget, including items that have been requested through the Joint Capital Plan. Mr. Detweiler then distributed the proposed 1% increase FY08 budget and reviewed the way in which it was developed. He noted that net cuts totaling $707,000 were required to reach the 1% level. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the proposed cuts and offsets. Mr. Churchill asked how printing will be handled since the Instructional Support printing services are being cut. Mr. Vernon-Jones explained that the elementary schools have used the Instructional Support Services office (located in the High School) much less in recent years since they each have copy machines in their own buildings now. Some money has been retained to pay for services through the ISS office as needed. Dr. Hochman reviewed the reductions in FTE for teachers of art, music, PE and computer, which will be accomplished by reducing each FTE by .2. He explained that teachers who are employed full time with professional status will be able to maintain their 1.0 FTE by working with students in academic subjects on Wednesdays. In addition there will be changes in the music program by beginning strings in grade 4 and winds in grade 5. Ms. Brewer asked why the cuts are not proportional within the schools. Mr. Vernon-Jones explained that the current number of FTEs in each school is not proportional to the number of classrooms in the schools. With the reductions, the FTEs will be proportional to the size of each school. Dr. Hochman explained that the greatest effect will be loss of some of the extra activities that are currently possible because teachers have some extra time to devote to them. Examples include the sixth grade musical at FortRiver and the musical at Marks Meadow. Mr. Churchill stated that he appreciates the thoughtful way the administrators approached these changes, noting that these are painful cuts to the arts and music program. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the class size targets, noting that the number of classes at each school and grade level can change as enrollment projections change. He noted that there are currently four or five classrooms that are potential hot spots that would be viewed as priorities if there are any bring backs due to additional revenue. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the must adds and restorations for the FY08 budget. He noted that library paraprofessional support and texts, as well as professional development funds, are high priorities as bring backs. Mr. Churchill asked if software such as Kronos and Powerschool can be added to JCPC. Ms. Brighty noted that when the town and school JCPC requests for information technology were presented it became clear that the software is not being treated the same. She explained that a revised school IT proposal, which adds some software, will be brought back to JCPC. Dr. Hochman noted that a higher-percentage budget will be presented to the School Committee for a vote in April. Ms. Brewer asked if there are specific areas of professional development that need to be done if money becomes available. Dr. Hochman noted that there are several areas, including follow up on intensive math training that was done in-house with a consultant three years ago and implementing more coaching-model training with teachers and students. He noted that professional development in the district is embedded and happens as close to the student-level as possible. Mr. Vernon-Jones stated that he knows the committee understands it, but he feels it’s important for the principals to state that these cuts are painful and will reduce the schools’ ability to provide the quality education for which Amherst has been known. Mr. Wiley noted that it is important to think about what is equal versus what is equitable, and it is imperative that we remain dedicated to supporting all of our schools and the diverse populations of students across the schools.
Increase School Lunch Prices—Ms. Brighty made a motion to approve an increase in lunch prices for FY08 in the amount of $0.25 for student lunches and $0.50 for adult lunches. Ms. Brewer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
5. New Business None
6. Reports None
7. School Committee Planning 8:31 p.m.
A. Sub-Committee Reports—Ms. Brighty reported that BCG met last week and had a dialogue about the override and warrant language. She noted that it was clear there was no consensus among the boards regarding the override plan, but many members of BCG seem to be speaking as individuals. Dr. Hochman recapped the recommendation that the Finance Committee made to the Select Board regarding the override plan. He noted that the recommendation is a good, sound, predictable package. After discussion, Ms. Brighty made a motion that the School Committee endorse the Finance Committee’s plan as outlined for the elementary schools and that the endorsement be conveyed to the other boards. Ms. Brewer seconded and the motion passed unanimously. BCG will meet again tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7th.
B. Calendar Review—Comprehensive Planning Committee Meetings, March 29 & 30
C. Items for Upcoming Meetings—Data warehouse presentation. Demographic study
8. Adjournment 8:48 p.m.
Ms. Brighty made a motion to adjourn at 8:48 p.m. Ms. Brewer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Approved 3/20/07 Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland