Minutes for the Regional School Committee Meeting of August 25, 2010 (Draft)

 

Rick Hood, Chair                                                        

Irv Rhodes                                                                  

Steve Rivkin                                                                

Kristen Luschen                                                           

Catherine Sanderson                                                   

Kathy Weilerstein                                                        

Debbie Gould                                                              

 

Absent:                                                                                   

Rob Spence, Kip Fonsh     

 

Maria Geryk, Acting Superintendent

Rob Detweiler, Director of Finance & Operations

Beth Graham, Dir. of Curr., Inst. & Evaluation

Jerry Champagne, Information Systems Director                                                                                   

JoAnn Smith, Interim Director of Student Service

Mike Hayes, ARMS Principal

Betsy Dinger, ARMS Assistant Principal

ARMS Curriculum Leaders

Mark Jackson, ARHS Principal

Miki Lee Gromacki, ARHS Assistant Principal

Public

Press

Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder

 

     

 

A. & B. Call to Order and Agenda Review—Mr. Hood called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and reviewed the agenda.

C. Approve Minutes—None

 

Pat Ononobaku, parent, stated that on behalf of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, she is encouraging the School Committee to take into account all information received regarding the law firms being considered for the district. She then spoke regarding the School Committee’s decision this summer to approve an increase in athletic fees. She noted that not all families are doing well financially or are eligible for free or reduced lunch (which would make them eligible for reduced fees). She asked the committee to keep this in mind when making future decisions. Katy Perry, parent, urged the School Committee to hire a new law firm rather than retain the district’s current firm. She stated that Special Education administrators use practices to circumvent special education laws and deny students a free and appropriate education. Ms. Perry also suggested that the South Amherst Campus should be used for Honors courses only.

 

Ms. Geryk distributed and reviewed an update on current initiatives in the district. She noted that the Superintendent’s update will be provided in writing for each meeting and will be posted on the district website. Ms. Geryk reported on new communication initiatives, an upcoming MSAN mini-conference, the Backpack Project, exit surveys, the First Day celebration, summer math tutoring by Dr. Nate Whitaker and Principal Mike Hayes, and an update on Dr. Rossi Ray-Taylor’s work with the district regarding social justice. Dr. Guevara recognized several businesses and organizations that made particularly significant contributions to the Backpack Project, including the Interfaith Council and the Amherst Rotary Club. Mr. Hayes spoke briefly regarding the administration’s recommendation to open 10 school choice slots for grade seven at the Middle School since he was not able to attend the meeting in July at which the School Committee voted unanimously not to open any additional seats. Mr. Rivkin stated that he was disappointed when the school choice issue was first discussed that there was already a firm decision to have three teams rather than 2.5. He asked what the Middle School class sizes will be and how many classes teachers will teach compared to the last academic year. Mr. Hayes reported that the academic support for math and ELA have been brought back onto the team, which is a change in the way that support is allocated. Each teacher will teach a full load of five classes. Seventh grade teams will have about 80 students and eighth grade teams will have approximately 90 students. Mr. Hayes stated that the average class size will be 20 in seventh grade and 22 in eighth grade. Mr. Rivkin stated that those are low class sizes and represent a reduced work load for the Middle School teachers, especially compared to the elementary schools. He stated that it is important to keep this in mind as discussions go forward regarding budgeting for FY12. Mr. Hayes stated that the reduction in class size is a result of a reallocation of resources due to a commitment to small class size and teams, rather than increased resources. Ms. Sanderson noted that she voted against additional School Choice seats, in part, due to concern about the impact of adding additional seventh grade students on the high school enrollments in the future. Ms. Sanderson stated that she has heard from some families that the exit surveys did not include return address envelopes, noting that it may increase the return rate if return envelopes are included, even if they are unstamped. She also suggested that parents be allowed to submit the exit survey online. Ms. Weilerstein asked if there will be an announcement if more donations are needed for the backpack project. Ms. Geryk said the plan is to keep this program going throughout the year and to start earlier soliciting donations for next year. Mr. Rhodes stated that he applauds the summer math tutoring program, noting the importance of providing these types of services within the framework of the school day so students who are under-represented in honors math can receive the help they need. Mr. Hood took a moment to thank Ms. Weilerstein for her service to the Regional School Committee. She is stepping down from the Regional School Committee after tonight’s meeting, and Nora Moroulis will take her place. Ms. Weilerstein noted that she will continue serving on the Pelham School Committee.

Mr. Hayes recognized the ARMS School Council and the ARMS Curriculum Leaders who made significant contributions to the school improvement plan. He also introduced Betsy Dinger, the new ARMS Assistant Principal, and Wilma Ortiz, the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hayes then made a Powerpoint presentation and gave an overview outlining the way in which the plan was developed and reviewing the highlights of the document. Mr. Rivkin thanked Mr. Hayes and his staff for a very comprehensive document, noting that he was delighted to read it. He suggested that it would be helpful, as a district, to determine if and where gaps exist in student preparation between incoming seventh graders by analyzing sixth grade MCAS data.  He said it is incumbent upon the Middle School to make it clear to the other Regional districts what students are expected to know upon entering seventh grade. That will allow them to align their curriculum accordingly. If the districts choose not to align their curriculum, he said it is not fair to penalize students who are adequately prepared by moving slower than they need to move. Mr. Rivkin stated that he would hope to expand our view of how resources are used, noting that he would like to see some of the funds currently used to keep class sizes low redirected to provide student support in the summer. Mr. Rivkin asked Mr. Hayes what his plans are for evaluation of teachers and making potentially tough decisions based on those evaluations. Mr. Hayes stated that he cannot discuss the conversations he has, when necessary, with individual staff members. He noted, however, that he has no patience for incompetency—in himself, his school or anyone who works there—and that will be what drives his evaluations. Mr. Hayes stated that he is committed to tying evaluation to the School Improvement Plan and to moving forward, explaining that he is also concerned about how to move every teacher to the level of “Impact Teacher” before they are given a year-four contract. Ms. Sanderson stated that this is the single best school improvement plan she has seen in the past four years, noting that it is very encouraging as the parent of an incoming seventh grader. She asked if the Middle School is giving thought to having an eighth grade regular algebra class, in addition to the honors algebra class. Mr. Hayes stated that if all three of the Impact books are taught, it is the equivalent of a regular level algebra class. He noted that his first goal would be to have every student doing honors level work in eighth grade because that is the level of thinking that pushes students to be ready for high-level science and math courses. Ms. Sanderson asked Mr. Hayes what his opinion is regarding the issue of sixth grade math preparation. Mr. Hayes stated that he believes the sixth grade should be part of the Middle School. If that cannot happen, he said a very serious discussion is needed regarding how to break down the impediments in the Regional structure that create barriers between sixth grade and the middle school. Mr. Rhodes stated that he is thrilled Mr. Hayes has named the problem of under-representation of sub-groups in honors math and is ready to attack the problem with a solution. Ms. Luschen asked why some of the structural obstacles cannot be overcome. Mr. Hayes stated that he meets on a regular basis and is in constant communication with the K-6 Amherst and Pelham principal so it makes alignment easier. However, the faculty and administrators in Shutesbury and Leverett answer to a different boss, use different documents, and their students have a different curriculum. Ms. Gould stated that she is very excited about what she sees in the ARMS School Improvement Plan, noting that the first step in potentially pulling sixth grade students into the Middle School is to create an exceptional, dynamic Middle School. Ms. Geryk stated that looking at instructional practice is going to be the district focus this year. This includes defining what strong collaboration is and developing a structured collaboration as a system. Ms. Gould stated that if data exists showing that the sixth grade students from the Hill Town schools are less prepared upon entering the Middle School, it is important to share it with the School Committees of those towns. Mr. Rivkin clarified that he meant the students from those towns are differently prepared, not necessarily less prepared. Mr. Rhodes made a motion to approve the ARMS School Improvement Plan for 2010-2011. Mr. Rivkin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Jackson distributed and gave a brief overview of the Amherst Regional High School Improvement Plan for 2010 through 2012. He noted that the high school is currently up for reaccreditation, and he believes that reaccreditation should also serve as a school improvement plan that will lead to better outcomes for students. Mr. Jackson noted that there were 43 reported incidents of self-harming at the high school last year, which is more than double the number of incidents reported in the recent past. As a result, wellness became an important part of the School Improvement Plan, along with the academic goals. Mr. Rhodes said he is glad Mr. Jackson brought the issue of student self-harming to light and appreciates that the school will be giving the issue an intense amount of focus. With regard to the School Improvement goal concerning 504 accommodations, he suggested that the high school look at what the colleges do because they are also required to provide accommodations as needed. Ms. Weilerstein asked if the issue of self-harming will be tied in with what the district is planning for bullying prevention. Ms. Geryk stated that the district will be working on developing a culture of positive behavioral supports for students throughout all of the schools. Ms. Gould asked if the high school has been tracking attendance by subgroup since the special education review showed that special education students have a much higher absence rate than regular education students. Mr. Jackson said he does not have the data disaggregated by subgroup; however, special education status is one of the lenses used in attendance hearings. Mr. Rivkin stated that he would like to have seen more data in the ARHS School Improvement Plan. He said he believes a school improvement plan needs to have more focus on departmental academics and improving the areas in which the district failed to make adequate yearly progress. He stated he would need to see that in the plan, as well as more information about teacher evaluation, before he could vote to approve it. Additionally, Mr. Rivkin stated that he is concerned about the emphasis on interdepartmental collaboration because it so often leads to watering down of strong curriculum. Mr. Jackson stated that the need to increase interdepartmental collaboration is a requirement of reaccreditation. He noted that he understands Mr. Rivkin’s concerns, but he sees the important emphasis of interdepartmental collaboration being the word “collaboration.” Mr. Rhodes stated that a year-long self-study presents an incredible opportunity for the high school, especially if they involve parents and community members. Ms. Sanderson stated that she also would have liked to see more data in the ARHS School Improvement Plan. Additionally, she would be interested in knowing what specific academic challenges or issues ARHS plans to address in the coming year. Ms. Sanderson would particularly like to see the issue of graduation requirements discussed with regard to students in sub-groups since it was a topic of discussion last year. Mr. Jackson said that the issue of graduation requirements was “highjacked” last year by unilateral actions made by the former superintendent with no input from anyone in the high school or central office. He stated that it is a complex issue and conversation which he is still very interested in having. Ms. Sanderson said there were some other issues, such as trimester versus semester schedule, that were under discussion last year that are not on the School Improvement Plan this year. Mr. Jackson noted that the issue of trimesters versus semesters is contractual and the faculty voted two to one against moving to a semester system this year. He said that it was number one on the list of concerns he gave to Superintendent Geryk for inclusion in the upcoming contract negotiations.  Ms. Geryk stated that there has been no expectation in the district for principals to use a standardized format for school improvement plans. Mr. Rivkin stated that he believes it is important to have serious discussions of the sixth grade issue and the structure of the high school before FY12 budget discussions begin. Ms. Geryk stated that she plans to ask for feedback from the School Committee and the community in advance of presenting the first budget draft so there will not be a need to make as many changes during the budget process. Mr. Hood stated that he likes the ARMS school improvement plan format and would suggest using it as a district template. He asked if it would be realistic to ask Mr. Jackson to redo his plan to utilize that format. Ms. Geryk suggested that the School Committee could approve the plan with a request that Mr. Jackson bring additional information before the School Committee in the future since this is a living document. She said that with the school year starting, she would prefer to identify items the School Committee considers essential but not require Mr. Jackson to reformat his plan. Ms. Sanderson said she would prefer not to vote to approve a School Improvement Plan that does not meet the expectations of the Regional School Committee. After discussion, it was decided that the School Committee will forward their input about the ARHS School Improvement Plan to Superintendent Geryk by the end of next week. Mr. Rivkin made a motion to table the vote on the ARHS School Improvement Plan until the September 14^th meeting. Ms. Sanderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

 

The School Committee discussed the possible ways to choose a firm for the Superintendent search. Mr. Detweiler explained the difference between using an RFP process, which is required for contracts greater than $25,000, and the quote process, which is required for contracts between $5,000 and $24,999. He noted that using a bid process requires the district to hire the firm with the lowest bid. The RFP process allows the district to choose the firm that best meets the requirements of the RFP specs, regardless of who makes the lowest bid. He noted that the downside of the RFP process is that it is lengthy. Mr. Rivkin asked if it is possible to get quotes for the low-level search as well as bids for the higher level, and then decide which is preferable. Mr. Detweiler stated that he knows you can do the process for one, declare it a failed search, and then do another bid process. He is not certain if it can be done simultaneously, but he can contact the Attorney General’s office for a ruling. Mr. Detweiler suggested that the School Committee consider establishing a sub-committee to write the specifications. Ms. Sanderson suggested that using NESDEC could be a good compromise between MASC and the high-end, headhunter firms since they do regional searches and are New England focused. Mr. Rivkin stated that he believes it is important to have a search firm that will handle the entire process so that none of it will be done in-house since there are likely to be internal candidates. He said it is important to bring total objectivity to the process. Mr. Detweiler noted that the estimated cost of the search was based on having portions of the search process handled within the district. He explained that it will add additional costs to the process to have the firm do all of the work. Mr. Rivkin clarified that he was referring to the portion of the process prior to identifying semi-finalists. Ms. Luschen stated that she agrees with Mr. Rivkin that the district has had a great deal of negative press in the last year, and she believes it is important to hire a firm that can help sell the district. She expressed concern that MASC cannot do that. After further discussion, Ms. Sanderson made a motion that the Regional School Committee appoint a subcommittee to develop specs and distribute them to Educational CEO Search, Inc.; Future Management Systems; Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates; and Ray and Associated, Inc. Ms. Gould seconded and the motion passed with Mr. Rivkin opposed.   Mr. Rivkin, Mr. Rhodes and Ms. Gould volunteered to serve on the subcommittee and Mr. Rivkin will serve as chair.

 

B. Law Firm Discussion—This item was tabled with an agreement to have the discussion and vote in September.

 

Mr. Hood briefly reviewed the recommendation of the Budget Subcommittee to require the Director of Finance and Operations to report transfers between two cost centers, “Salaries and Wages” and “Expenses,” to the School Committee.   Ms. Sanderson made a motion to accept the recommendation of the budget subcommittee and Ms. Luschen seconded. Mr. Rivkin spoke to the motion, noting that the amount of control provided by the broad cost centers of “Salaries & Wages” and “Expenses” is too minimal. Ms. Gould and Mr. Rhodes spoke regarding their reasons for supporting and recommending the model. After discussion, the motion passed with Mr. Rivkin opposed. Mr. Hood asked for feedback regarding the budget timeline he drafted for the committee’s consideration. Ms. Gould stated that she believes that more meetings will be needed because there is simply not enough time in the meeting to do everything. Mr. Detweiler reported that he is working on revamping the entire budget process over the next three years. With regard to the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC), Mr. Hood noted that he believes CBAC should be reconstituted as a task force. His recommendation would be that the group be tasked with analyzing per pupil costs and why special education costs are going up and regular education costs are going down as a percentage of the budget. Mr. Rhodes noted that a task force is not bound by open meeting law as a subcommittee would be. Ms. Sanderson stated that meetings could be announced and publicized even if it is not a legal requirement. Mr. Rivkin stated that administrative cost and structure would be another comparison area CBAC could be asked to research. Mr. Rivkin made a motion to reconstitute CBAC as a task force. Ms. Sanderson seconded. Ms. Weilerstein said it is important to make sure the focus of the task force is regional and that is made clear in the charge made to the group. She also said it is important to monitor the impact of the group’s work on the Central Office workload. Ms. Geryk suggested that the Regional School Committee decide on one very specific task that the task force is asked to do first and then expand that if needed. The motion then passed unanimously. Ms. Sanderson stated that she would like to see the group research per pupil costs as their first task. 

 

Ms. Geryk asked each member of the School Committee to identify the goal areas that are most important to them. Ms. Sanderson stated that her interests are how the schools do differentiation, science, special education and the effectiveness of the interventions programs. Mr. Rivkin is interested in understanding declining enrollments and the drop out rate at the high school; moving sixth grade to the middle school; differentiation; rigorous and system-wide evaluation of teachers; and structure of the high school, including where we want to expand, contract or link programs. Mr. Rhodes stated that he wants goals around reducing the achievement gap among sub-groups, a standardized instructional model at the secondary schools that can be implemented and evaluated for consistency, and school climate. Ms. Luschen is interested in differentiation and in the recommendations of Dr. Ray-Taylor. Ms. Gould’s interest is in differentiation models, interventions and whether there is a need to expand them, the disproportionate number of Latino students referred to special education, and the instructional model. Mr. Hood is interested in a specific, standardized school improvement plan document. Ms. Sanderson stated that we need to be attentive to the district’s changing socio-economic demographic.

Mr. Rivkin made a motion to accept $3,299.59 from Friends of Amherst Regional Performing Arts for the music department and $500 from the Institute of International Education for use at the High School Principal’s discretion. Ms. Sanderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

 

 

B. Items for Upcoming Meetings— Ms. Gould expressed concern that it is problematic when a major agenda topic such as the law firm discussion has to be tabled. Topics: special education review update, math review update, late start time, per pupil expense review, anti-bullying report, five year trends report, teacher evaluation report; district improvement plan; superintendent’s goals; sixth grade at the middle school (subcommittee including members from all four towns to discuss the issue)

 

Mr. Rhodes made a motion to adjourn at 11:04 p.m. Ms. Luschen seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Debbie Westmoreland