Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee
Tuesday, August 15, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Marianne Jorgensen, Chair (arrived 7:42 p.m.) Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Elaine Brighty Mark Jackson, High School Principal
Andy Churchill Rachel Bowen, Recorder
Alisa Brewer
Maureen Ecclestone
Sonia Correa Pope
Absent: Michael Hussin, Michael Katz, Tom Flittie
1. Welcome 7:21 p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order/Agenda Review—Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order, noting that Ms. Jorgensen was delayed. She then reviewed the agenda.
C. Minutes of July 11, 2006—The School Committee voted to accept the minutes of July 11 with Ms. Brewer abstaining
2. Announcements and Public Comments 7:25 p.m.
Mr. Detweiler introduced Mary Wallace, Treasurer, and she was warmly welcomed.
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:35 p.m.
Dr. Hochman reviewed the activities scheduled for the month of August. He noted that there will be workshops for administrators on Safety and Health, Sexual Harassment, and Safety and Building Security. He also noted that a Crisis Management team has been established in every building and a shelter appropriate drill for each school building is planned for the upcoming year. The district is also working in conjunction with the Town of Amherst on pandemic emergency planning. Dr. Hochman reported that all bus drivers participated in a workshop, which included a presentation on sensitivity to children with special needs, listening and effective communication, rule setting and other safety issues as it relates to the transportation of children. Administrators are in the process of completing other manuals for distribution, including the discipline manual. Ms. Pope asked to see a copy of the finished manual.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 8:35 p.m.
A. Policies for Approval—110.10 School Committee: Member Ethics: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes made to the policy based on discussion at the last school committee meeting. After some discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve the policy as amended.
400.05 Students: Student Fee Assessment for Participating in Athletic Programs: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes made to the policy based on discussion at the last school committee meeting. The committee voted unanimously to approve the policy as amended.
410.16 Students: Participation of Home-Educated Students in Athletics and Extra-Curricular Activities: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes made to the policy based on input from the Athletic Director. The committee voted unanimously to approve the policy as amended.
B. Discipline Policies for First Review—Dr. Hochman reported that Alvin Morton, David Slovin and Wendy Kohler have been working on the discipline policies. He noted that the schools do not want a punitive environment and that the district does not espouse a zero tolerance approach. Students must be dealt with as individuals. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the definition of the PRISM discipline model, which stands for Prevent, Plan, Respond, Intervene, Support and Monitor.
420.01 Student Conduct: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes being proposed to this policy. Dr. Hochman reviewed the range of disciplinary actions that can be taken related to the policy. There was discussion around the wording of “compliance with authority.” Dr. Hochman explained that compliance with authority is a safety issue for our students.
410.12 Student Suspension: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes being proposed to this policy. A question was raised and discussion followed regarding due process, suspension, advocacy, and parental/guardian notification. Dr. Hochman stated that we must pay attention to due process, but that we will not stop a process in order to wait for parental/guardian notification.
410.13 Student Expulsion: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes being proposed to this policy. Ms. Ecclestone asked for clarification regarding the terms expulsion and exclusion. Dr. Hochman noted that we have been advised to use “expulsion” by our legal counsel. Ms. Brighty suggested that language be added to include the role and responsibility of the School Committee in issues of expulsion, as it is required by law.
410.15 Students: Sexual Harassment: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes being proposed to this policy.
Ms. Brewer asked to include sexual orientation in the topic of sexual harassment and the committee agreed to include this language.
420.02 Student Dress and Grooming: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes being proposed to this policy.
It was noted that administrators or their designee may develop guidelines for this policy. It was suggested that the last paragraph be deleted and the committee agreed.
420.04 Corporal Punishment: Ms. Brighty reviewed the changes being proposed to this policy. It was noted that this policy needs to cross-reference the policy on restraint.
420.05 Interrogation and Searches: Ms. Brighty will review this policy and make changes as necessary.
5. New Business 7:26 p.m.
A. FY07 Budget Summary—Rob Detweiler stated that the Region ended FY06 in the black. He distributed and reviewed an update regarding the FY07 budget. At a future meeting, he will request a vote by the committee approving the updated FY07 budget. Mr. Detweiler also noted that the district is in the process of refinancing the debt on the high school and other debts. This is a time sensitive process and he will be calling on the committee to reconvene in a special session to vote to approve the refinancing.
6. Reports 7:45 p.m.
A. High School Improvement Plan—Mark Jackson, experiencing technical difficulties, used two desktop computers to share information regarding the High School Improvement Plan with the School Committee. He distributed the school goals in hard copy. Mr. Jackson reviewed the “Core Habits,” noting that the High School is seeking to achieve consensus amongst core teachers (teachers teaching the same subject) that all students are learning the same material, are being assigned the same homework, and are reaching the same educational goals. He stated that “advocacy to be balanced with inquiry is a descriptive phrase that will guide the high school. Mr. Churchill noted that Mr. Jackson’s goals are fabulous and show respect for the teachers, students and all others participants. Ms. Ecclestone asked about attendance during fire drills. Mr. Jackson suggested that they did very well at this during the past year. He noted that there are safety captains in place for the upcoming year who have a role in taking attendance after a drill is over. Mr. Jackson noted that he is using the Parent Center to get the message out that parents are responsible for getting their children up on time each morning, fed and to school on time. He asks that all adults make no apology for having this expectation, noting that this helps to ensure that all students a chance to fully participate and be successful learners.
7. School Committee Planning 9:40 p.m.
A. Sub-Committee Reports
B. Calendar Review—Jere Hochman shared information about the Latino student initiative. The next meeting is August 24, 2006 in the Middle School library. The next School Committee meeting is August 29 and will require an Executive Session for both Amherst and the Region.
C. Items for Upcoming Meetings—district goals, school updates, reorganization of the committee Ms. Jorgensen announced she will be stepping down as Regional School Committee chair due to additional professional responsibilities.
8. Adjournment 9:52 p.m.
The committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachel Bowen
Approved 9-12-06