Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee
Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Tom Flittie Wendy Kohler, Exec. Dir. of Program Dev.
Andy Churchill Rob Detweiler, Dir. of Finance & Oper.
Maureen Ecclestone (left at 8:30 p.m.) Marta Guevara, ARHS Vice-Principal
Alisa Brewer Nunia Mafi, ARHS Teacher
Marianne Jorgensen (arrived at 7:15 p.m.) Hyra Byrne, Student
Mwende Katwiwa, Student
Salomon Moreno, Student
Zak Willets, Student
Sam Rohde, Student
Press
Public
Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Absent: Sonia Correa Pope, Michael Hussin, Michael Katz
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 reviewed the agenda and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
C. Minutes—Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to approve the minutes of October 10, 2006 with minor corrections. Ms. Brewer seconded and the motion passed with two abstaining.
2. Announcements and Public Comments 7:50 p.m.
There were no announcements or public comments.
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:10/7:35 p.m.
Mr. Detweiler distributed and reviewed the final report on fiscal year 2006, noting that the year ended with unexpended budget funds in the amount of $147,667 which will be returned to the E&D fund. He stated that much of the credit for these savings goes to principals and district department directors who worked diligently to keep spending to an absolute minimum. Mr. Detweiler noted that the auditors are coming in two to three weeks so there may be adjustments to these numbers, although he anticipates that they will be very slight adjustments.
Dr. Hochman reported that the MSAN group is now moved out of the EvanstonHigh School to the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This move will allow the network to receive the full-time attention of a Director and will take it to the next level. Dr. Hochman reported that he is continuing to meet with local Superintendents to explore the possibility of developing a local network. He stated that the dues to MSAN are substantial; therefore, during this time of transition, member districts are doing cost/benefit analysis of membership.
Dr. Hochman noted that the district has been awarded a $10,000 Extended Learning Time grant which will be used to explore possible ways to extend time in learning. He stressed that this grant will fund preliminary discussions by community members, teachers, administrators, and families of possible ways to expand either the learning day or year. Ms. Brewer stated that she hopes families will be included from the beginning of discussions. Dr. Kohler noted that the study teams will include families and school councils at every stage.
Dr. Hochman reported that he has followed up in writing with Hampshire Educational Collaborative noting that the district will not be able to continue membership without a change in membership dues structure. He noted that he met last week with Ms. Jorgensen, Mr. Churchill and Mr. Detweiler to begin planning for the structure and charge of a budget advisory committee. Dr. Hochman noted that district administrators and building leaders will be participating in a tabletop of five safety/emergency scenarios tomorrow afternoon. The tabletop is being conducted in conjunction with the Amherst Police Department.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 7:50 p.m.
A. Policies for Approval—
Policy 410.18 Bullying—Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes that were made to this policy based on the last review. Ms. Ecclestone suggested that the order of one sentence be moved. Ms. Brewer made a motion to approve the policy with the suggested amendment. Mr. Churchill seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Policy 420.07 Acceptable Network Use—Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes that were made to this policy based on the last review. Ms. Brewer suggested three minor word changes. Ms. Brewer made a motion to approve the policy with the proposed changes. Mr. Churchill seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
B. Policies for First Review—
Policy 110.13 School Committee Communication with Staff—Ms. Brighty noted that the changes on this policy do not significantly change past practice. The policy will be brought back to the committee for a vote at the next meeting.
Policy 410.03 Enrollment: School Admission—Ms. Brighty noted that additions made to this policy are simply to make it clearer, especially with regard to kindergarten enrollment. It will be brought before the committee at the next meeting.
C. Informational Only: Amherst & Pelham Policy—
Policy 410.02 Enrollment: Entrance Age—No discussion was required since this is an Amherst and Pelham policy.
5. New Business None
6. Reports 7:25 (A)/8:05 (B & C)
A. Student MSAN Report—Dr. Hochman introduced Marta Guevara and Nunia Mafi, explaining that students from their MSAN Leadership Seminar class would be making a presentation on the recent MSAN conference they attended in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ms. Guevara introduced students Zak Willets, Hyra Byrne, Sam Rohde, Mwende Katwiwa and Salomon Moreno. Mr. Rohde spoke regarding the difference between ethnicity and race, noting that race is a social construct that artificially separates groups. Miss Katwiwa spoke regarding the ways in which race and class impact SAT scores. Mr. Moreno described the Posse Program of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Ms. Mafi noted that the conference provided these students with an opportunity to network with other MSAN network students, including those from Cambridge with whom they planned last year’s seminar. Dr. Hochman asked if the students can report on their action projects. Ms. Mafi explained that Cleaver Cruz, a class participant last year, is providing a three-day leadership training for this year’s students based on his action project. The training begins tomorrow and current students will then begin planning their own action projects. Ms. Guevara thanked the School Committee for their continuing support of this student group. Mr. Churchill thanked the students for representing the Amherst Schools so well at these national events and for coming to present to the school committee. Ms. Brighty invited the students to come before the committee again later in the year to present their action plans.
B. Class Size and Budget Implications—Dr. Hochman distributed a draft of the budget timeline that was developed by the Budget Coordinating Group (BCG). He then briefly reviewed the High School class size information that was included in the school committee agenda packet, noting that there are 53 classes in the five major academic areas that have enrollments of more than 25 students. Ms. Jorgensen noted that with language classes at this size she has concerns that anything can really be accomplished due to the need to speak the language in class. Ms. Brighty stated that she has similar concerns about science and math classes and the impact such large classes have on teachers’ ability to individualize instruction as needed. Dr. Hochman reviewed the number of students in study halls this year and outlined measures that have been taken to address the issue. He noted that there are 75 students in the first trimester who are doing community service work in place of study hall, compared with a total of 100 students for the whole year in 2005-2006. Mr. Flittie stated that he would like to hear more about the community service program at a future meeting. Dr. Hochman then reported briefly on the team sizes at the Middle School. A full Middle School class size report will be presented to the School Committee at a future meeting.
C. AYP—Dr. Hochman presented a brief overview of AYP Determinations. He noted that the language of the NCLB guidelines for AYP is that all students attain proficiency in ELA and mathematics “as measured by standards-based State assessments.” Because all states have different standards and state assessments, there is a wide gap in what constitutes “proficiency” from state to state. He then reviewed the Regional District AYP results, noting that in the aggregate the district exceeded the requirements in all categories. However, the district did not meet AYP requirements in some subgroups. Dr. Hochman stated that the district is developing a comprehensive improvement plan to address these issues. He will be providing more information at subsequent meetings.
7. School Committee Planning 8:47 p.m.
A. Sub-Committee Reports—Mr. Churchill reported that the School Committee team took second place at the APEA Trivia Bee.
B. Calendar Review—Puerto Rican flag raising on November 1 at 1:00 and Potluck dinner on November 3; School Committee Mini Retreat from 5:00-7:00 on October 30
C. Items for Upcoming Meetings—HS/MS handbooks for approval; Dr. Hochman reviewed and distributed a calendar of presentations/subjects for meetings from November through January.
8. Adjournment 8:55 p.m.
Mr. Churchill made a motion to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Mr. Flittie seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland
Approved 11/7/06