Regular Meeting of
the
Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Kathleen Anderson Wendy Kohler, Exec. Dir. of Prog. Dev.
Andy Churchill Rob Detweiler, Director of Business & Facilities
Sonia Correa-Pope Mark Jackson, HS Principal
Maureen Ecclestone Jim Fownes, HS Science Teacher
(left at 8:45 p.m.) Aaron Kropf, HS Physics Teacher
Michael Katz Nick Shaw, HS Science Teacher
Marianne Jorgensen Tom Davidson, HS Science Teacher
Sharon Gross, Recorder
Press
Absent: Michael Hussin
Chrystel Romero
1. Welcome 7:10
p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order / Agenda Review – Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. She then reviewed the agenda and announced that she would call for an Executive Session at the end of the meeting.
C. Minutes Mr. Churchill made a motion to approve the minutes of November 6, 2007. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion and passed with 5 yeas and one abstention.
2. Announcement
and Public Comments 7:12
p.m.
Ms. Anderson commented that she appreciates that the packets the School Committee members receive are 3-hole punched.
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:13
p.m.
Superintendent Hochman apologized for being a few minutes late. He was attending another meeting that ran late. No update.
4. Unfinished / Continuing Business 8:05
p.m.
Mr. Detweiler distributed the FY07 End of Year Budget Report. He explained that the district did not expend all budgeted funds and explained the reasons. A change in the law required that Medicaid funds be expended all in one year and that the funds can no longer be held and spent in other years as was allowed in the past. The district will come close to the 3.5% cap on E & D this year. At the next meeting he will have an update on the FY08 budget. Mr. Churchill asked how the district ended up with lower special education costs than the amount than originally budgeted. Mr. Detweiler answered that it is difficult to predict how many students will need services and how many will require out of district placements. Ms. Brighty commented that some years the district goes over budget on the special education costs. She then expressed the School Committee’s appreciation for the budget reconciliation.
5. New Business A. 7:13 p.m. B.
8:15 p.m.
A. FY09 Budget Process and Timeline (8:15 p.m.)
Dr. Hochman reviewed the budget process outline noting that it will be similar to last year. He noted that key decisions will include issues such as class sizes and number of school choice students the district will accept. He stated that budget is driven by needs as well as by financial realities. Dr. Hochman noted that the School Committee must decide what the priorities should be for the next three years and that this will be the focus at the next meeting. Mr. Churchill commented that he believes the current format of the budget wastes paper and is not particularly useful. Changing to a different format was discussed last year. Mr. Churchill then asked if a report has been received from the Trimester Study Group and whether it will have budget implications. Dr. Hochman said he will be meeting with Mark Jackson on November 22nd to discuss this subject. Dr. Hochman noted that the Four Town Meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2008. He also reported that he plans to have a Legislative Action Committee again this year, noting that scheduling meetings has been an issue. Dr. Hochman will put together three meeting dates. Senator Rosenberg is scheduled to attend the first meeting on December 14th.
B. High School Course Proposals for 2008/2009
(7:13 p.m.)
Dr. Hochman explained the process to be followed for new course proposals and then introduced Wendy Kohler and Mark Jackson. Dr. Kohler explained that there would be two discussions. They would first review changes in the physics realignment proposal which is just for information purposes and then make a presentation about the ninth grade Environmental Science proposal, which has substantial changes and will require a school committee vote. Principal Mark Jackson and science teacher Aaron Kropf reviewed the recommendations for the physics. Mr. Kropf pointed out that the changes will make students’ choices clear and will allow the department to consolidate texts and materials. Ms. Anderson asked if the academic expectations will be similar to the current ones. Mr. Kropf explained that the new physics class will cover a broad range of topics. He noted that the new course will be appropriate for students not intending to major in physics.
Mr. Jackson then reviewed the proposal for a new ninth grade Ecology/Environmental Science course. He noted that the new course will supply information supported by the scientific community and provide a solid scientific framework for students to move on to other levels of science. It will also prepare ninth grade students for the tenth grade MCAS biology test. Mr. Jackson introduced the science teachers in attendance, noting that Mary McCarthy also served on the panel that developed the new course proposal but could not attend the meeting tonight.
Ms. Brighty explained that she would like the organize questions regarding the course proposal, starting with the change in the required ninth grade course. Ms. Jorgensen noted that the ninth grade Earth Science course had been changed to a different course the previous year. She asked how that change had gone since implementation. Mr. Shaw responded that it did not go as well as hoped, stating that he felt the faculty was not prepared for the changes. Ms. Jorgensen asked if they are well prepared for the currently proposed change. Mr. Shaw stated that they are far more prepared because most of the science teachers are primarily certified in Biology. Mark Jackson noted that the faculty is qualified to teach the new course. Ms. Brighty commented that she hoped that some parts of Earth Science will not be completely lost in the new life sciences course.
Ms. Anderson had questions on Sections II, IV-C and V of the course outline. She asked what is being covered in Section III – Communities and Populations (specifically Biodiversity). She questioned whether this information could be an attempt to form a scientific basis to depopulate the human race. Ms. Brighty stated that this question was getting deeper into the curriculum than was appropriate for this meeting. Mr. Shaw explained that DNA and such theories are covered in the AP class as well as the curriculum of this course. The overall goal is not to promote any certain views. Ms. Jorgensen cautioned that it is imperative that the ecology information in the curriculum be scientifically, not politically, based. Ms. Correa-Pope asked if required MCAS tests were the main reason behind this course change. Mr. Jackson said all students will have to pass a science MCAS test to graduate, but that the importance of the subject was the reason for the proposed change.
Mr. Churchill asked what will happen to Earth Science and if it will be incorporated into the new course. Mr. Shaw explained that the pieces of Earth Science that are pertinent and relevant will be included and others, such as meteorology and astronomy, will be removed to make room in the new curriculum. Mr. Churchill said that he feels this is an attractive course to offer and will be a good introduction to science. Ms. Anderson asked what biodiversity refers to in humans. She asked how it addresses race and how students will understand the misconception of race. Mr. Jackson explained that genetics addresses this subject. It is part of the tenth grade course, not ninth grade. Ms. Anderson asked additional questions about this topic, at which time Ms. Brighty asked her not continue this subject for too long. Ms. Anderson stated that she believed she is being treated unfairly by Ms. Brighty’s request.
Ms. Brighty stated that she is concerned about the AP level being offered in ninth grade because it is a heavy lab course and many colleges don’t count AP courses until a student is in grade 11 or 12. She also expressed concern that because there is only one section of the AP course being offered there may not be sufficient space. Mr. Jackson explained that the district began offering the AP course to tenth graders three years ago. The goal now is for all students to have a common experience. He said that some students are capable of doing the work. Ms. Brighty suggests that Section I not be called soils, but have descriptions of the specific topics. Mr. Churchill feels that there has been some confusion for students regarding the connection between science and math. He asked if the Middle School science department was consulted in planning this course. Mr. Shaw said that Norman Price, MS Science Coordinator, was consulted and supports this new course.
Ms. Brighty stated that if any member of the committee has more questions that they can refer them to Mr. Jackson. She then apologized to Ms. Anderson if she felt cut-off earlier in the meeting. Ms. Anderson questioned why Mr. Churchill was not interrupted when asking multiple questions. Dr. Hochman acknowledged Ms. Anderson’s question and suggested that the committee schedule time to meet and review procedures for meetings and how to handle it when things feel unfair or discussions go on too long. Ms. Anderson invited people viewing the meeting on ACTV to come and voice their opinion on how Ms. Brighty handled the meeting.
C. Policies (8:28 p.m.)
600.1 – Instruction: Goals of Instructional Program
After extensive discussion the School Committee agreed this policy needs extensive re-writing before a vote can be taken. It will be brought before the committee again at a future meeting.
600.2 – Instruction:
Instructional Materials Selections
After discussion and questions the School Committee agreed this policy needs further re-writing before a vote can be taken. It will be brought before the committee again at a future meeting.
600.3 – Instruction: Library Materials Selection
After a short discussion Mr. Churchill made a motion to approve this policy as is. The motion was seconded by Mr. Katz. The policy was approved unanimously.
600.4 –
Instruction: Curriculum Development and
Instructional Program Evaluations
After discussion and questions the School Committee agreed this policy needs further re-writing before a vote can be taken. It will be brought before the committee again at a future meeting.
130.10 – Safety and Well Being
Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to approve the policy as is. Mr. Katz seconded the motion and the policy was approved unanimously.
The following policies are being submitted for deletion:
600.05 –
Instruction: Curriculum Adjustment and
Modification
After a short discussion it was decided not to delete this policy until after policy 600.4 is approved.
600.06 – Instruction
Evaluation of Instructional Programs
After a short discussion it was decided not to delete this policy until after policy 600.4 is approved.
600.7 – Instruction:
Grouping Students for Instruction
After a short discussion Mr. Katz made a motion to delete this policy. The motion was seconded by Ms. Jorgensen. The policy was deleted by a unanimous vote.
600.09 –
Instruction: Education of Gifted and
Talented Students
After an extensive discussion it was decided not to delete this policy until other policies are reviewed for content.
600.15 –
Instruction: Final Examinations
After a short discussion Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to delete this policy. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The policy was deleted by a unanimous vote (with Mr. Katz out of the room).
600.16 –
Instruction: Interscholastic Athletics
Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to delete this policy. Ms. Correa-Pope seconded the motion. The policy was deleted by a unanimous vote (with Mr. Katz out of the room).
600.17 – Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
After a short discussion it was decided that this policy should not be deleted until the new Activities Policy is reviewed for content. This will be voted on at a future School Committee meeting.
600.19 –
Instruction: Course Expectations
After a short discussion it was decided not to delete this policy at this time.
600.20 –
Instruction: Use of Film and Other Media
in the Classroom
Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to delete this policy. Mr. Churchill seconded the motion. The policy was deleted by a unanimous vote.
D. Accept Gifts: 9:20 p.m.
Mr. Katz made a motion to accept the gifts of $30 & $25 for the Ronald Shepard Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The gifts were accepted by a unanimous vote.
6. Reports 9:21 p.m.
Ms. Brighty requested that Mr. Katz postpone his report on the MASC conference.
7.
Sub-Committee Reports 9:22 p.m.
A. Food Service Committee
Ms. Brighty read a list of committee members.
Regional Agreement
Sub Committee
Ms. Brighty stated that the committee is making good
progress and will have a report at an upcoming meeting.
Ms. Anderson announced that she is on the ACTV board and
that ACTV will begin broadcasting
8. School Committee Planning None
9. Adjournment 9:25 p.m.
Ms. Brighty called for the School Committee to go into Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiations. She announced that the School Committee would not return to open session. By unanimous roll call (Ms. Eccelstone had left at 8:45 p.m.) the Committee moved into executive session at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Gross
Approved 12/18/07