Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee
Tuesday, February 6, 2007 6:30 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Tom Flittie Rob Detweiler, Dir. of Finance & Operation
Andy Churchill Kathy Mazur, HR Director
Alisa Brewer Mark Jackson, HS Principal
Maureen Ecclestone Fran Ziperstein, MS Principal
Marianne Jorgensen Mike Hayes, MS Co-Principal
Sonia Correa Pope Tim Sheehan, APEA President
Michael Hussin Public
Michael Katz (arrived at 7:15 p.m.) Press
Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Absent: Sok Kimeng Chamm (student representative)
1. Welcome 7:04 p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order/Agenda Review—Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. She then welcomed everyone to the meeting and reviewed the agenda.
C. Minutes—Mr. Flittie made a motion to approve the minutes of January 23, 2007. Ms. Correa Pope seconded and the motion passed with three abstaining.
2. Announcements and Public Comments 7:07 p.m.
There were no announcements or public comments.
3. Superintendent’s Update None
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 7:07 p.m.
A. Policy 400.04 Students: Student Records—Mr. Flittie made a motion to approve the policy as written. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed with one abstaining.
B. Budget Update
Course Proposals—Dr. Hochman reviewed the new course proposals, which were first presented to the School Committee at their meeting on January 23rd. AP Chinese: Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to approve the Chinese AP course. Ms. Ecclestone seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Minority Student Achievement Leadership Seminar: Mr. Churchill asked how the pilot year of this course has gone. Dr. Hochman stated that he has had the opportunity to work with the students in the class and has found it to be very invigorating and enlightening. Mr. Jackson noted that this is actually the second pilot year. He stated that the class is action oriented and he finds the work of the students interesting and compelling. Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to approve the MSAN Leadership Seminar. Ms. Correa Pope seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Russian Program—Dr. Hochman noted that he has heard from a number of community members and former students from the Russian program. He stated that the program is a jewel for the district; however, the enrollments have declined in the sixth grade going to seventh grade over the past two years. He stated that the recommendation is that Russian be included in the Program of Studies for seventh grade next year so that students will have the opportunity to select it. The district will see that all sixth grade classes are visited by current Russian students to describe the program as they are making class selections. If enrollments meet the enrollment requirement of 15, the class will be offered. There will not be a section in eighth grade in 07-08 because Russian was not offered in seventh grade this year due to low enrollments in the current school year. The district will continue to explore grant and other sources of funding to support the program.
PE/Health Requirement—Dr. Hochman noted that the recommended changes to the PE/Health requirement that were presented at the last School Committee meeting still stands. Mr. Jackson noted that given the shrinking choices students have in electives, it is logical to encourage students to choose PE electives in grades 11 and 12. Mr. Churchill asked if the PE elective would be able to replace one of the two directed studies students will be required to take. Mr. Jackson clarified that all students will still be required to take two directed studies due to the number of teachers that the High School anticipates cutting due to budget constraints. At the committee’s request, Mr. Jackson explained step-by-step how this change will affect students. Ms. Brighty noted that this is an educational choice that is budget driven, which is not what we ever want to do. However, current budget constraints are forcing such decisions. Ms. Ecclestone requested that the minutes reflect that a school committee vote to approve this reflects appreciation for Mr. Jackson’s efforts to think creatively to find ways to support students’ opportunities to have elective choices. However, it is in no way an endorsement of students being required to take fewer then four years of PE. Collette Neto, parent, asked if every student in eleventh and twelfth grade will be required to have a personal health plan. Mr. Jackson stated that the ideal situation would be that every student would complete a plan; however he does not believe the school will be able to deliver on that in 2007-2008. Ms. Brewer made a motion to approve the change in the health/PE requirement. The motion was approved unanimously.
Senior Option Proposal—Ms. Ecclestone noted that this option is a positive one even though it is being implemented due to the budget constraints. Mr. Jackson stated that this option presents an opportunity for community leaders and businesses to help the schools and students, as well as their businesses. He encouraged School Committee members to spread the word in the community. Ms. Correa Pope asked if this option will be open to all students. Mr. Jackson stated that it will be available as a choice for any senior. Mr. Katz made a motion to approve the Senior Option Proposal. After further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
School Choice Recommendations—Dr. Hochman reported that the recommendation is that the RegionalSchool District continue as a choice district. The current recommendation is to open 9 slots at the High School and no slots at the Middle School. If scheduling plans change, the recommendation for the Middle School may be brought before the committee again to request slots. Ms. Jorgensen made a motion that the RegionalSchool District continue as a school choice district in 2007-2008. Mr. Hussin seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Churchill made a motion to open 9 choice slots at the High School in 2007-2008. Ms. Ecclestone seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
FY08 Budget Draft #1—Dr. Hochman distributed a packet of information regarding the Regional budget that includes a list of cuts. He reviewed the factors that impact the FY08 budget, noting that the intent is to have the district’s guiding principles continue to drive the district’s work in the face of budget constraints. A list of net cuts of $1.4 million has been developed for the Region and $700,000 for Amherst in order to come in at the 1% maximum increase for FY08 in each district. Mr. Detweiler then reviewed the revenue and expenditures summary that was included in the packet. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the summary of cuts and adds currently being recommended based on numerous planning meetings with school and district administrators. Mr. Hayes, Middle School Co-Principal, reviewed the cuts and changes being proposed for the Middle School. Mr. Hussin asked what the anticipated increase in class size will be. Mr. Hayes said that they anticipate 24-25 average in classes, with some 22-23 if they have pull-out students. Discussion continued with Mr. Hayes clarifying how the schedule will work with the proposed changes. Ms. Ziperstein noted that there will be some areas of the school programs that will be affected that are not obvious just by looking at the cuts. She used the example of the way a team will change by taking the math teachers off the team. She also noted the loss of what the literacy coach provides, which includes working with students in classrooms and providing professional development for faculty members. Kathy Reckendorf, Middle School teacher, noted that the three teachers on the team will be able to focus less on students because of the extra work they will have to do due to cuts. Mr. Jackson then reviewed the full list of planned cuts at the High School. In discussing the FTE cut in electives, Mr. Jackson noted that the exact cuts will not be determined until students have signed up for classes because electives with higher enrollments will not be cut. Mr. Jackson stated that one High School administrator will be cut. He noted that this equals a 25% reduction in the leadership at the High School, which will significantly impact the ability to lead the school instead of just manage the school. In discussing athletics, Mr. Jackson noted that the athletic director has been asked to find a total of $50,000 in cuts. He explained that the way in which those cuts will be realized is still to be determined, but could include cutting a whole sport, cutting all third teams, or having a combination of cuts and increases in fees. Mr. Churchill stated that he is very impressed with the thought that went into both the Middle School and High School cuts in order to find benefits in the changes wherever possible. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the cuts and changes proposed at the district level and Central Office. Ms. Jorgensen requested that Dr. Hochman study the possibility of charging the four towns for transportation for their elementary students. Ms. Brewer stated that she agreed that it is time to look into that possibility. Mr. Detweiler distributed the FY08 Base Budget Preparation Document.
C. District Calendar—Dr. Hochman noted that two possible 2007-2008 calendars were presented to the School Committee at the January 23rd meeting. In addition, the Superintendent’s Planning Council looked at the possibility of using creative calendar planning to recognize some savings in areas such as energy. It was decided that no changes can really be implemented next year; however, the issue will be reviewed more for the 2008-2009 school year. Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to accept the Pre-Labor Day calendar for the 2007-2008 school year. Ms. Ecclestone seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
5. New Business None
6. Reports None
7. Sub-Committee Reports 10:02 p.m.
Dr. Hochman reported briefly on the Budget Coordinating Group’s most recent discussion of the potential override.
8. School Committee Planning 9:59 p.m.
A. Calendar Review—Four Towns Meeting, Saturday, March 10
B. Items for Upcoming Meetings
9. Adjournment 10:10 p.m.
Ms. Brighty noted that the committee will enter executive session for the purpose of contract negotiations and will not return to open session. The committee voted by roll call vote to enter executive session.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland
Approved 3/5/07