Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Kathleen Anderson Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Andy Churchill Press
Marianne Jorgensen
Michael Hussin
Maureen Ecclestone (arrived at 8:05 p.m.)
Absent: Sonia Correa Pope, Michael Katz, Sok Kimeng Chamm (student representative)
1. Welcome 7:08 p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order/Agenda Review—Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. She reviewed the agenda, noting that Dr. Hochman will have to leave for an 8:30 Town Meeting Coordinating Group meeting. Ms. Brighty noted that the Amherst Education Foundation Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 26 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Amherst College Alumni House.
C. Minutes—Mr. Churchill made a motion to approve the minutes of April 3, 2007 with corrections. Ms. Anderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
2. Announcements and Public Comments None
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:12 p.m.
Dr. Hochman reported that two of the ARHS JETS teams scored in the top 10 nationally in their divisions out of more than 1,200 participating high schools. Dr. Hochman distributed and reviewed copies of the handouts he will share at the orientation meeting for new Amherst Town Meeting members at 8:30 tonight.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 8:17 p.m.
A. FY08 Budget Update—Tabled
B. Policies for First Reading & Possible Vote: Ms. Brighty noted that there are minor corrections to the policies that were included in the agenda packet. She distributed updated copies and asked the School Committee members to review them for the next meeting.
5. New Business 7:13 p.m.
A. Handbook Review—Dr. Hochman distributed copies of the current Middle School and High School handbooks to each of the School Committee members for their review. He noted that the goal is to have School Committee members review the handbooks within the next few weeks to see if they have questions or comments on the policies sections. By getting members’ input before the end of the school year, the schools can incorporate their requested changes before the handbooks are printed in August.
6. Reports 7:18 p.m.
A. District Improvement Plan
Dr. Hochman briefly reviewed the list of district department goals for the 2006-2007 school year and commented on progress made toward the goals. Ms. Anderson asked if there is a written document to go along with the Social Justice Commitment goal that the School Committee can review. Dr. Hochman noted that there is a document which is in the final stages of editing at this time. Ms. Brighty stated that the Social Justice Commitment will be included as an agenda item for a full report in the near future. Mr. Churchill asked if a math program review is included as a goal. Dr. Hochman stated that it is a standard, yearly goal to review programs, and math will be on the top of the list during the summer and into the beginning of next year. Ms. Anderson asked if a review of the social studies program is part of the goal to develop a K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Guide. Dr. Hochman explained that it is and outlined the process for developing the curriculum guides. After more discussion of the goals, Dr. Hochman distributed and reviewed an outline of the District Continuous Improvement Plan, including the districts’ broad vision and mission; academic benchmarks; goals for continuous improvement; and operations. Ms. Anderson asked what the definition of “professionalism” is within the improvement plan. Dr. Hochman stated that there are contractual obligations for behavior and professional expectations for NCLB regulations, among others. Ms. Anderson stated that the concern behind her question is that there is sometimes a belief that discussion of race is not professional, which could impede progress toward the district goal of eliminating race and class as a predictor of success. Ms. Jorgensen stated that discussing issues of race is highly professional so it is imperative to help people understand that. Ms. Anderson asked for clarification of the term safety as it is used in the plan. Dr. Hochman stated that safety includes everything from the bricks and mortar of the buildings to students’ emotional safety, and everything in between. Dr. Hochman noted that his over-arching goal for the 2006-2007 school year was to make sure that, by the end of the year, the district has in place all of the things needed in order to implement plans. He stated that the district can begin work this summer in the areas of training, development and accountability. Mr. Churchill asked if the goal is ultimately for every teacher to have a learning profile of each student on the first day of class, allowing for differentiated instruction. Dr. Hochman affirmed that it is the goal, and that it can be achieved by putting all of the puzzle pieces together using the technology that is now available. He emphasized that the district is on the front end of learning to use the new technology, but it will eventually become user friendly for the teachers as they are trained. Dr. Hochman completed the report by reviewing the projects and ideas that are in development for the upcoming school year.
7. Sub-Committee Reports None
8. School Committee Planning None
A. Calendar Review
B. Items for Upcoming Meetings
9. Adjournment 8:17 p.m.
Ms. Anderson made a motion to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Mr. Churchill seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland
Approved May 15, 2007