Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee
Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Michael Hussin Press
Alisa Brewer Public
Tom Flittie (left at 7:05 p.m.) Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Maureen Ecclestone
Marianne Jorgensen
Michael Katz (arrived at 7:29 p.m.)
Absent: Sonia Correa Pope, Andy Churchill
1. Welcome 7:01 p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order/Agenda Review—Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. She then reviewed the agenda and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
C. Minutes—Mr. Hussin made a motion to accept the minutes of September 26 with one correction. Ms. Ecclestone seconded and the motion passed with one abstention.
2. Announcements and Public Comments 7:04 p.m.
Ms. Brighty reminded everyone that the ABC Walk will be held on October 14. Ms. Brewer noted that there is also a Planning Amherst Together meeting on the 14th. Mr. Hussin stated that in an article in the Amherst Bulletin and the Daily Hampshire Gazette regarding his remarks at the school committee meeting on September 26th it was noted that he is co-chair of the Regional School Committee. He wanted to clarify that he spoke as an individual member of the committee, not as the person chairing the meeting.
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:06 p.m.
Dr. Hochman reported that he is speaking at the Commonwealth Corporation conference tomorrow afternoon with an emphasis on the need for the connection between what CS2 does and the work within the schools. He noted that he is also meeting in the morning with three other Superintendents from some of the benchmark schools in the state to continue discussion about development of a Regional MSAN-like group. Dr. Hochman then reported on district dues for membership in Hampshire Educational Collaborative. He noted that because the Amherst, Pelham and Regional districts do not use the special education programs of HEC, the districts are not reaping a financial benefit through HEC membership. Dr. Hochman stated that he met with Joan Schuman, HEC Director, last year to discuss this issue and the collaborative has been reviewing their fees and services. He noted that unless there is a change in the dues structure or the services received, he will recommend that the districts no longer continue membership in the collaborative beginning next year. Notice must be given to HEC by December 1st if the district does not plan to continue as a member.
Dr. Hochman then spoke briefly regarding school safety in light of the rash of violent incidents in schools across the country in the past three weeks. He reported on the district safety manual that has been adopted as well as deterrents and preparations that have been undertaken in the schools and offices. While no one can ever guarantee 100% security and safety, he wanted to reassure the committee by giving an overview of what is being done. Ms. Jorgensen stated that she appreciates that the district is taking a balanced and reasonable approach to safety.
Ms. Ecclestone gave a brief report on the HEC Legislative Breakfast which she, Elaine Brighty and Dr. Hochman attended.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 7:30 p.m.
A. District Goals & Tasks 2006-2007—Dr. Hochman presented an in-depth overview of the district goals for 2006-2007. He asked for questions after reviewing each department’s goals.
Business Office: Ms. Jorgensen asked if there will be quarterly budget updates this year as requested by the school committee. Dr. Hochman stated that Mr. Detweiler has scheduled those updates in the budget cycle he has developed for the year.
Curriculum: Dr. Hochman noted that the math curriculum guide is close to being complete. Ms. Jorgensen asked if Shutesbury and Leverett have been involved in curriculum discussions. Dr. Hochman noted that both schools were involved in the math development and will be brought in for all other curriculum areas. Pelham representatives are also involved in all curriculum development. Mr. Hussin asked if the development of these guides means that the district does not currently have curriculum guides. Dr. Hochman explained that there is currently a K-6 curriculum guide that is several years old, Middle School unit maps and High School course maps. There is not currently a coordinated K-12 guide. Mr. Katz asked if there can be a liaison from Leverett and Shutesbury who is responsible for working on the curriculum. Dr. Hochman said there will be. Mr. Katz also asked that he and Ms. Jorgensen be kept up to date on who is invited as the liaison so they can encourage attendance.
Food Services: Ms. Brewer asked if the point of sale system is installed in all schools. Dr. Hochman said it is up and running in every school. Mr. Hussin asked about vending. Dr. Hochman stated that there will be a more in-depth report on vending at a future meeting.
Human Resources: Dr. Hochman reported on progress in implementing the Human Resources software Kronos. He also noted that we are in the process of beginning contract negotiations. A high priority item in the Human Resources goals is teacher evaluation.
Information Systems: Dr. Hochman noted that the data warehouse is a high priority goal for the Information Systems department this year.
Student Services: Dr. Hochman noted that there is a long list of goals in the student services department.
Ms. Jorgensen stated that she hoped that looking at the structure of the Middle School would be a major goal this year. Dr. Hochman stated that a review of the Middle School is something he is doing and it is an almost daily discussion in some way. The School Committee agreed they would like to see a review of the Middle School structure listed as a goal. Ms. Brighty expressed the appreciation of the committee for the in-depth report.
B. Policies for Approval—
110.07G Additional Guidelines for Making Policy: Ms. Brighty reviewed changes that were made based on suggestions after the first reading. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the guidelines as written. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
110.13 School Committee: Staff Communication and School Visits: Ms. Brighty noted that no changes were made since the first reading. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the policy as written. Ms. Jorgensen seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
110.17 School Committee: Email Policy: Ms. Brighty reviewed changes that were made based on suggestions after the first reading. After discussion, it was decided that the word “may” should be changed to “are” in the second and fourth sentences of paragraph five. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the policy as revised. Mr. Hussin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
410.17 Hazing: Ms. Brighty noted that no changes were made since the first reading. Ms. Ecclestone suggested adding “or condone” in the last sentence of paragraph one (“No organization that uses the facilities or grounds of the School Districts shall engage in or condone…”). Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to approve the policy as revised. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
410.18 Bullying: Ms. Brighty reviewed changes that were made based on suggestions after the first reading. Ms. Ecclestone noted that Connecticut has passed a bullying law that can be found online. It was decided that Ms. Brighty and Dr. Kohler will review the Connecticut law and bring this policy back at the next Regional meeting.
410.19 Student-to-Student Harassment: Ms. Brighty reviewed changes that were made based on suggestions after the first reading. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to approve the policy as written. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
420.05 Interrogation and Searches: Ms. Brighty reviewed changes that were made based on suggestions after the first reading. Ms. Brewer suggested changing “parked on school property” to “parked on campus” in paragraph four. She also suggested changing “The student’s parent or guardian will be immediately notified” to “will be notified of the situation as soon as possible.” There was also discussion of item #2 under Interrogations by Police. After further discussion it was decided that this policy will be reviewed again and brought back before the committee.
400.14 Rights of Non Custodial Parents: Ms. Brighty noted that the language of the law has changed slightly since this policy was approved by the Regional School Committee. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to approve the revised policy. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
C. Policies for First Review
410.04 Non-Resident Students: Ms. Ecclestone asked if the requirement in this policy that the child sleeps in a residence from Monday through Friday can be changed to a defined number of days. Dr. Hochman noted that number 2 in the numbered list is vague and therefore, problematic. He noted that the transition years of grade six, eight and twelve are important ones for students who have been in the district for several years. After discussion, it was decided that this policy will be sent to the district’s legal counsel for clarification of the residency issue.
420.07 Acceptable Network Use: Ms. Brighty noted that Jeff Comenitz reviewed this policy to make sure it is appropriate. Ms. Jorgensen pointed out that there are references in the policy to behavior of adults even though it is titled “Conduct of Students.” It was decided that this policy will cover both issues and will not be a “Conduct of Students” policy. Ms. Ecclestone expressed concern about use of the term “obscene” since it can be so broadly interpreted. Ms. Brighty noted that the legal reference “Children’s Internet Protection Act” will be added as a footnote to this policy.
D. School Committee Assignments—Ms. Brighty asked the committee members to review the list of committee assignments and notify her if they want to be added or removed from any assignment.
5. New Business 8:47 p.m.
A. Welcome Letter—Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to approve the welcome letter as written. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
B. Accept Gifts—Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the $1,000 gift from an anonymous donor. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the donation of $191.50 from the Target Take Charge of Education Program. Ms. Jorgensen seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the donation of $976.36 from the Greenfield Savings Bank Civic Action Account Program. Ms. Jorgensen seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Brighty explained that the donations for the High School Benefits Package Gift Fund go to the Amherst Education Fund rather than the district; therefore that gift should not be accepted by the School Committee.
6. Reports None
7. Sub-Committee Reports 8:49 p.m.
A. Budget Coordinating Committee (BCG): Ms. Brighty reported that the BCG is going to recommend that Amherst set their budget vote for May 21st or later. They are suggesting that other towns consider doing the same. Dr. Hochman reported that he is meeting with John Musante and Rob Detweiler this week to develop a proposed calendar to bring before the BCG. He reminded the committee that John Musante is meeting with town committees to report on long-term financial projections on Monday, October 16th.
School Committee Planning 9:00 p.m.
A. Calendar Review—Dr. Hochman noted that items for the October 24th meeting include the student MSAN report and a report on the initial effects on the budget cuts/class size. In November, the first meeting will include an overview report on Student Services and the second meeting will include a report on Curriculum with an emphasis on mathematics. In December, the first meeting will be Budget Meeting #1 and the second meeting will include an overview of operations with an emphasis on facilities and technology. In January, the first meeting will be Budget #2 and will include an initial discussion on school choice and an update on discipline. The second meeting will focus on programs/grants and an overview of Human Resources. After discussion, it was decided that a Food presentation, including vending, would be made as a written report (which will be sent in advance) at the first meeting in November. The financial aspects of the report can be included in the budget discussion meetings. Ms. Brighty reminded the committee that the October 24 Regional meeting will begin at 7:30 instead of 7:00 due to an Amherst Executive Session. After discussion, it was decided that the Regional School Committee will meet for a mini-retreat dinner on a weeknight. October 30 is the suggested date at 5:00 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room.
B. Items for Upcoming Meetings
8. Adjournment 9:13 p.m.
Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to adjourn at 9:13 p.m. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland
Approved 10/24/06