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These minutes fetched from the district site on 2009-08-31:

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday April 29, 2009

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Craig Harris. Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Stephen Doret, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji and Mrs. Karen Henderson. Administrators present included Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle; Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Marianne O’Connor, Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Principal, Pattie Berkey.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag .

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Henderson, the Committee voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of April 8, 2009.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Towle and Hastings School Guidance Counselor, Mary Ann Burritt, introduced and congratulated the second grade winners of the EPA’s New England Office 36^th Annual Paul G. Heough Earth Artist’s program. The caring for the planet posters were created by Alexander Izvolsky, Madison Lehr, Maya Mundelboim, and Hope Zhu.

Matt Schoen was recognized and congratulated for being named to the Central Massachusetts All Academic Basketball team by the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association and the Red Auerbach Foundation. David Lamont was recognized by the Superintendent for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.

Superintendent Towle announced a Connect Ed message is being sent to all parents regarding the recent Swine Flu worldwide epidemic. The Public Health Department and the Department of Education have issued guidelines to the schools. Hand Sanitizer donations are being sought for the schools.

Dr. Towle reported the latest information from the House of Representatives is that Westborough’s Chapter 70 stabilization amount will be reduced from $557,000 to $317,000. The state Senate will examine the budget within the next two weeks. A final figure is not expected until June, therefore, will not be available for Town Meeting, May 16. As a result of the reduction, the district is now $250,000 short of its submitted budget figure and further reductions will be necessary.

The Superintendent reminded the community that Westborough was given a five year commitment by the legislature to reach equalization on the state Chapter 70 formula after the district funding was reduced by 22%. This is the third year of the five year commitment toward restoration. In 1993 under Ed Reform, the formula was determined by taking into account the wealth of a community, property values, low income, ELL students. In 2009 neighboring Hopkinton, a mirror image of Westborough, received $3 million dollars more than Westborough. Of the 351 communities in the Commonwealth, only 161 were scheduled to receive funding. It appears other districts are now being added, resulting in the reduction of funds to Westborough. The House budget is based on an increase in the sales tax.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji requested a face to face meeting with the district’s legislators, in particular Senator Eldridge. She suggested the Committee go to Beacon Hill to meet with the Senate Ways and Means chair and to start an email campaign for the restoration of funds.

Mrs. O’Connor thanked the Hastings School staff for inviting her to Literacy Day. The kindergarten screening is underway at the Armstrong School. Fales will screen next week, and the Hastings School will screen May 25. The summer reading list is posted on the district’s website. AP exams will be administered May 4 to 15 at the Mill Pond School. The AP curriculum is approved by the College Board.

School Committee Meeting 2.

April 29, 2009

COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS

Mr. Tretter reported he attended the Westborough Education Foundation sponsored Character Day at the Mill Pond School and Literacy Day at the Hastings School. Approximately 50 people participated in the town’s Earth Day clean-up.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji highlighted the upcoming Reading Tree, sponsored by United Way, where third grade Fales students will donate books for families in Massachusetts and overseas. The Friendship Network is giving a benefit concert at the Mill Pond School May 2, sponsored by SEPAC. Westborough students will sing and perform.

Mrs. Henderson reported the final Literacy Workshop will be held May 5 at the Mill Pond School. Sue Bardsley will present information on spelling, word study and writing. This weekend the Rotary Club is hosting a Spring Festival. Election Day is May 5. Mrs. Henderson also requested the administration keep the Committee informed of class size numbers that are close to reaching maximum. An update will be available at the May 6 School Committee meeting.

Mr. Doret noted the class size numbers are becoming more and more difficult to retain because of the reduction of Stimulus funds. He inquired about the vent pipes in back of the high school that were never painted, and the grading of the mid level parking lot. He suggested there may be sufficient funds left in the school construction budget to complete the two items.

Mr. Doret suggested establishing a sub committee of five to study the opportunity of seeking grants under the Stimulus package for wind turbines and solar energy. The package contains large funding for municipalities. He also suggested investigating the wiring of the Mill Pond School for live cable.

Mr. Harris noted WASA is conducting its annual fundraising event during the month of May. Proceeds support the schools and youth groups.

ACTION

As per contract, by seniority, 21 positions are available for Superlongevity payment. The district has received 24 requests. The additional three would cost $8,000 a year. The Retirement Board has determined the amount is not counted as salary.

MOTION
Mr. Tretter made a motion to pay 21 applicants for Superlongevity as per contract. Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

REPORTS

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr. Hendricks reported the Activity Fee at the end of March has realized $100,000. Another $20,000 is anticipated. The end of year closure usually takes place about mid August. Mr. Hendricks reviewed the FY10 Budget Summary with the Committee. The figures reflect the 1.32% change in the FY09-10 budget. Questions were raised about Special Education and transportation. Mrs. Levine-Kanji requested details of the Out-of-District numbers.

The administration will bring recommendations on further reductions to the May 6 meeting in the amount of $250,000. Final determinations need to be made at the May 20 School Committee meeting. Non tenured teachers must be notified by law of renewal by June 15.

Mr. Harris noted the town’s non school population of taxpayers must be remembered and represented in the budget deliberations.

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School Committee Meeting 3.

April 29, 2009

SUBCOMMITTEES

The Superintendent presented the Committee with recommendations for appointment to subcommittees for transportation and activity fees. The Transportation subcommittee will review the bus routes, how we transport, and should the district look at fees. The Activity Fee subcommittee will establish goals and state the expectations of what the fees are trying to accomplish.

Transportation Sub Committee

Dan Hendricks, Chair

Officer Chip Dapolite

Transportation Coordinator, Cindy Crowley

Assistant Principals, Jeff Slomski and Chris Fournier

School Committee members, Karen Henderson and Ilyse Levine-Kanji

Parents, Amanda Priest and Lynn Oswill

Fees Sub Committee

Dr. Anne Towle, Chair

Athletic Director, Johanna DiCarlo

Fine Arts Director, David Jost

School Committee members, Craig Harris and Bruce Tretter

Assistant Principal, Brian Callaghan

Principal, David Fredette

WABA, Maura Shunney

WMPA, Teri Gavin

Mr. Tretter announced the Stipend Committee will be meeting May 6.

PARENT GROUPS

Representatives of the Parents Organizations of the Gibbons School, Fales School, and Armstrong School, and Music/Fine Arts updated the Committee on fundraising and enrichment programs ongoing in the schools. From the Gibbons School, Holly Damiano and Lynn Oswill stated their main focus is to keep parents informed and communication open. The magazine drive is the major fundraiser. Funds have supported students on the trip to Washington, D.C... Mike Pickwick, Treasurer of the Fales PTO, related the major fundraisers and enrichment programs supported by the group. Rebecca Pittorino and Donna McCarthy of the Armstrong PTO reported on capital plans to improve the playground by adding kindergarten pieces. Funds are expended on two enrichment programs per grade level and three entire school programs. A coat drive and food drive were also conducted and a contribution was made to the Youth and Family Services. The playground equipment will cost $18,000.

Mrs. O’Connor noted the resources and the number of volunteer hours the PTO’s bring in do not go unnoticed.

Leslie Drohan reviewed the objectives of the Music/Fine Arts Parents Organization. This group supports programs K-12. It is exploring a mission statement for the group since it is now bringing the Fine Arts department under its umbrella.

Gayle Harrold of SEPAC reported raising $3800 of which $1500 has been expended. A major focus of the group is to promote understanding differences. SEPAC sponsors a professional theater performance and presents “Wind Beneath My Wings” certificates of appreciation to people who have made a difference helping children.

School Committee Meeting 4.

April 29, 2009

The Committee signed bills. Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Henderson, at 8:00 p.m. the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted

Karen Henderson

Secretary

These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.