Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2006

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 14^th.  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 26^th 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 1^st 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 21^st
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 16^th.

 

School Committee Planning                                                   9:00 p.m.

A.  Calendar Review—Dr. Hochman noted that items for the October 24^th
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