Regular Meeting of
the
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Michael Katz Press
Andy Churchill Public
Maureen Ecclestone Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Sonia Correa-Pope
Michael Hussin
Kathleen Anderson (arrived at 7:19)
Absent: Marianne Jorgensen, Chrystel Romero
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 announced that she will call for an Executive Session at 8:00 p.m.
C. Minutes—Mr. Churchill made a motion to approve the minutes of September 11, 2007. Ms. Correa Pope seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Churchill made a motion to approve the minutes of September 25, 2007. Mr. Hussin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
2. Announcements and Public Comments
7:05 p.m.
Mr. Hussin thanked Dr. Hochman and his staff for going the
extra mile to support the Middle School Guidance Counselor at the DOE
hearing. Ms. Brighty announced that the
Amherst Education Foundation presented a donation of $40,000.00 to the
3. Superintendent’s Update
7:05
p.m.
Dr. Hochman began his update with a report on the upcoming budget process, noting that there were two budget-related meetings last week. There was a meeting of the Amherst Budget Coordinating Group and a Four-Towns meeting that was called by the Amherst Select Board. Dr. Hochman stated that two themes of budget discussions this year will be “What does it mean to do less with less?” and “What is it we want to accomplish two to three years from now (and how do we build to get there)?” He noted that the schools will continue to provide a rich, rigorous curriculum combined with continuing experiential activities for all students. Dr. Hochman also pointed out that there are three major areas we need to look at over a three-year timeframe. They are: 1) Our staff—Who are they and are we attracting and retaining the most talented people we can find; 2) Schedules—How do we reach a point at which we can ensure that no Middle School or High School student will have to take a study hall unless he or she wants to, and how do we provide optimal elementary class sizes; and 3) Systemic Professional Development Model—How do we implement the systemic professional development model we envision but have not yet been able to put in place.
A. AYP/MCAS Status Report—Dr. Hochman gave a brief review of the MCAS data and preliminary AYP data that was just released to the public. He noted that he will present a more in-depth, comprehensive report on both MCAS and AYP at a future School Committee meeting. Dr. Hochman noted that the districts will still keep the status labels from last year because progress must be made for two years in a row for the district status to change.
B. Principal Search Process Update—Dr. Hochman noted that a Middle School Principal position will be posted this year. He outlined the process, noting that the position will be posted in a variety of places in November. Once the process is complete, Dr. Hochman will select a finalist after the February break.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 7:52 p.m.
A. School Choice Enrollment and School Choice Closing Dates—Dr. Hochman reviewed an updated school choice chart for the Regional District. He noted that the chart includes information on current school choice enrollments, remaining vacancies, and a section monitoring any seats that open up during the year.
5. New Business 7:55 p.m.
A. Food Service Committee Formation—Ms. Brighty distributed and read the charge for the Food Service Committee. She noted that four community members have been asked to join the committee and the group will meet next Monday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. At that time, those asked to join will be able to decide if they can serve based on the time requirement and schedule developed. The role of this committee is to develop the RFP and review proposals that are submitted. Mr. Churchill asked if this group will still look at the research on districts that are doing in-house food services programs. Dr. Hochman said that Ms. Mazur is continuing to research in-house programs, and that information will be presented for the committee’s consideration.
B. End-of-Year Budget Update—This item was tabled.
C. Accept Gifts—Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept the gift of $277.94 from the Target “Take Charge of Education” program. Mr. Churchill seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to accept a gift of $500.00 from Martha and Barry Field. Mr. Churchill seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
6. Reports None
7. Sub-Committee Reports 8:02 p.m.
Ms. Brighty appointed Marianne Jorgensen as chair of the Regional Agreement Sub-Committee.
8. School Committee Planning None
A. Calendar Review
B. Items for Upcoming Meetings
9. Adjournment 8:03 p.m.
Ms. Brighty called for the School Committee to go into Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiation. She announced that the School Committee will not return to open session. By unanimous roll-call vote the Committee moved into executive session at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland