Carver Public Schools
Carver, Massachusetts
School Committee Meeting
Monday, October 16, 2006
Minutes
School Committee Members Present:
Kay Spencer, Chair
Mary Kaminski, Vice Chair
Al Spicer
Randy Webster
Susan Drew
Present from School Administration:
Elizabeth Sorrell, Superintendent
Lisa Roe, Director of Technology
Matthew Gillis, Director of Business & Finance
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Kay Spencer called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m.
I. Comments from General Public
None
II. Comments from EAPC
None
III. Updates from Student Advisory Council
Brittany Sherwood and Megan Hurlburt reported on high school class activities. Freshman elected class officers. Sophomores are selling monogrammed sweatshirts and will do community service with cleanup around Carver Square and holiday visits to nursing homes. Juniors are hosting the 1st annual craft fair on Oct. 28th, Spaghetti Dinner on Nov. 15th and are working on prom details. Seniors are hosting Homecoming Festivities on Oct. 21st. Senior Show might be changed to December or January to avoid spring conflicts, Newport trip is planned for December. There will be no Grad Night trip by the Class of 2007. Student Council is busy with E-Board attending Officers Workshop, SEMASC Conference in
November, Cookie Dough fundraiser, Lock In on Nov 9-10th. Community service is bundles for soldiers and Trick or Treat for canned goods.
IV. Approval of Minutes
Mary Kaminski made a motion to accept September 18, 2006 meeting minutes as written, Sue Drew second. All in favor. Mary Kaminski made a motion to accept Executive Session minutes from September 18, 2006. Al Spicer second. Four in favor, one abstention.
V. Communications
Parent letter received regarding sensitivity to Jewish Holiday and attention to arranging school calendar and events. The Diversity Committee met the previous week and made note of this for all future planning. The parent was sent a letter by the Superintendent to assure her the School Committee would be attentive to these holiday dates. Susan Drew, committee member, raised the issue of tests and assignments to be arranged accordingly for these holidays. Liz Sorrell indicated this topic was being brought to the Administrative
Leadership Team for discussion.
EEE Ban Lifted – Due to two frosts, as of October 16th, the ban has been lifted for evening activities with Carver Public Schools. This updated information has been posted on the website and will be placed in newspapers.
VI. Reports from the Superintendent
Recognitions: The National Honor Society had a successful indoor Yard Sale and raised over $1400 on September 23-24, 2006. Congratulations to all the recipients of the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship who scored advanced or proficient and were in the top 25% for their MCAS tests from Spring 2006. These students will have the opportunity to take advantage of free tuition at Mass. State colleges and universities.
Thanks to Kimberly Duane, Adjustment Counselor at High School, for agreeing to be the facilitator for follow up from the Comprehensive Guidance Service Committee and she will come to a school committee meeting later this year with a timeline and plan of action to implement the recommendations from this report. This group will meet on Professional Development Days.
Personnel: We are fully staffed and welcome Paul Nelson as our new high school Chemistry teacher. We also welcome Phyllis Bowie as Athletic Department Secretary. The Transportation Department Clerk position search is currently underway. Thanks to Clyde Hix for his years of service in this positions.
H.I.L.L. Report – Darci Burns, Consultant from the Hanson Initiative for Language and Literacy (non-profit group with Massachusetts General Hospital) provided an overview of the work being done with the primary and elementary schools. The HILL assists school districts in developing school improvement plans surrounding literacy. Three priorities were created: Getting assessments to improve instruction; Creating common language and consistent leadership teams and Identify and implement core plans to deliver instruction.
Enrollment Reports – Updated enrollment by section and class was included in addition to enrollment by grade and out of district placement. Carver students attending private schools were also provided.
Professional Development Day – Liz Sorrell updated the Board on the October 10th professional development day and distributed brochure on subsequent offerings in November and January.
Field Trip Requests - Europe Trip -Clare Brady and Jeanne Deanne, Department Chairs from High School presented information to the Board regarding details of trip to Madrid and Paris from April 13-21, 2006. Chaperone ratio is 6 students to one adult. Randy Webster made a motion to approve the trip
including recruitment of students and fund raising. Al Spicer second the motion. No discussion. Approved unanimously.
New York City Trip - Paula Shaw and Barbara Barakat, Middle School faculty, appeared before the board for approval to take the Middle School Trailblazer Team of students to New York City. The educational, social values of the trip were discussed. Financial aid/scholarship will be available to students who are in need. Randy Webster made a motive to approve the trip. Mary Kaminski second. Approved unanimously.
VII. Recommendations from the Superintendent
Policy Actions: Wellness Policy was presented for second reading – revised as well as final approval along with McKinney-Vento Homeless Policy and Disposal of School Property Policies. Mary Kaminski made a motion to approve all three policies as written, Randy Webster second. Approved unanimously.
PCC Board Appointment: Motion to appointment Elizabeth Sorrell to Project Contemporary Competitiveness Board (PCC) for the 2006-2007 school year was made by Mary Kaminski, second by Sue Drew. Approved unanimously.
Rental Options for Ben Ellis – Discussion with READS collaborative regarding their interest in renovation in lieu of rent has not yet moved forward. However, we have been approached by Bay State Human Services for the potential use of this property. This organization provides court ordered counseling for adults. Discussion ensued between committee members as to whether or not to begin contract negotiations with Bay State Human Services. Members felt this group was not the best fit for building and neighborhood. Decision not to move forward and Matt Gillis, Director of Business/Finance would contact the group with our decision. One more attempt at renting the building will be taken and READS will be contacted for update. After that time, committee will take a vote on disposition of property.
VIII. Reports from the School Committee
None
IX. Executive Session
None
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annmarie G. Metrano
Recording Secretary
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