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[The following minutes fetched from the district site on 2009-09-11 --webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Monday August 31, 2009

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order in the Selectmen’s office at 6:10 p.m. by Chairman, Karen Henderson. Committee members present included Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji, Mr. Steve Doret, and Mr. Craig Harris. Administrators present included Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle; Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks.

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

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 4-0 in favor of approving the minutes of the June 17, 2009 meeting. Upon a motion by Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 4-0 in favor of approving the minutes of the August 20, 2009 meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Towle introduced Eagle Scout Jake Sharkey. Jake’s project was painting a map on the playground for children at the Mill Pond School. Dr. Towle also recognized two other Eagle Scouts who were not able to attend, Barnett Klane and Samuel Bryant. Barnett did work with the Northborough Humane Society, and Samuel Bryant performed work on part of the Charm Bracelet.

Mr. Tretter arrived at the meeting at 6:20pm.

Dr. Towle congratulated Westborough High School for being ranked number 16 in Boston Magazine’s annual review of the best high schools in the state. Ranks were determined using data from enrollment, student/teacher ratio, per pupil expenditure, MCAS scores, SAT scores and graduation rate. Westborough was one of only two schools in Central Massachusetts that made the top 20.

The Superintendent said that Massachusetts students in the class of 2009 ranked first nationally and on all four subject areas on the ACT exam, a test that measures college readiness. Massachusetts students earned an average composite score of 23.9 out of a possible 36; the national average composite score was 21.1

Dr. Towle expressed her thanks to the custodians, maintenance staff, secretaries, and administration for their extra-ordinary efforts this summer-the schools look great!

The Superintendent spoke about this summer’s Administrators’ Retreat which focused on a book discussion of the best seller by Michael Fullan called The Six Secrets of Change. The administration has established two goals for the year: the Supervision and Evaluation process, and Professional Development. She said the administration believes that the schools’ strengths are in resources, both financial and human, outstanding community support, district-wide focus on what is best for children, and leadership support and assistance. An area where the schools were identified as being “thin” is in school committee policies, which will soon be “thick” as the policy revisions are completed this year.

Mrs. O’Connor said that the New Teacher Orientation went very well, although there were only 8 new staff members. She also said that the Freshmen Orientation at the High School and the family night for parents both were great. She thanked the guidance, administration, and staff for making it a success. She also attended the Open Door Day at Mill Pond where the incoming 4^th graders and returning 5^th and 6^th graders were welcomed. At Gibbons School, she said the students were mostly focused on getting their lockers open! She welcomed the staff back, and mentioned that 70 paras attended training by Kim Tynan on “Behavioral Analysis”.

Mr. Hendricks gave out a handout “Fees For Facilities Use”. He also mentioned that the Fiber installation is expected to be completes by October 1^st, and that it will increase the internet speed.

School Committee Meeting 2.

August 31, 2009

COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS

Mrs. Henderson quoted from a memo from Captain Kittredge of the Fire Department “…the schools all look tremendous. I wish all the residents could see how hard your staff works to keep the buildings in such great shape!!!” She commented that the town has a big investment in the school buildings, and it is important that they be kept up.

Mrs. Henderson introduced the new student representative, Afeefa Bhatti. Afeefa said she will be a senior this year and is looking forward to being a part of the committee.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji expressed her thanks to the administration for all the work they do all summer long in preparation for the new school year. She also welcomed the two new principals, Mrs. Maryann Stannard at Fales School, and John Mendes at Armstrong. She said that both have done an outreach to the community.

Mrs. Henderson noted that the committee is working on a “state of affairs” for the schools. It will show where the schools were last year and where they are this year.

BAND/JAZZ TRIP TO ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Mr. Matt Lefebvre, Band Director presented a request for approval of a trip to Orlando, Florida from February 15-19, 2009. The Band and Jazz Ensemble will be performing, attending a sight reading clinic, and doing a recording session at Disney Studios. He also hopes to arrange for them to do a volunteer project with Habitat for Humanity.

Discussion ensued around contingency plans in the event of a weather delay at the proposed stopover in Chicago, or in the event that a child becomes ill. Mr. Lefebvre replied that a nurse would be traveling with them, and that he would discuss contingency plans with both the travel agent as well as parents.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to approve the Band trip to Florida, and Mrs. Levine-Kanji seconded it. The committee voted 5-0 in favor.

CONCERT CHOIR TRIP TO ITHACA, NEW YORK

Mr. Joseph Stillitano, Choral Director presented a request for approval of a trip to Ithaca, New York from November 13-16, 2009. The Concert Choir will study a new composition that they will receive in September. Once in Ithaca, they will work on the music with the composer, and then give the premiere performance of the work as part of the Ithaca College School of Music Choral Composition Festival. They will also attend workshops, hear other choruses perform, and attend a Broadway production. He said that the Concert Choir first participated in the festival in 2005.

MOTION

Mr. Harris made a motion to approve the Concert Choir trip to Ithaca, and Mr. Tretter seconded it. The committee voted 5-0 in favor.

DONATION FROM THE LUDES FAMILY FOUNDATION

Mrs. O’Connor requested acceptance of a $1,000. donation from The Ludes Family Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. David Giblin. She said the funds will be used to support the special education programs in Westborough.

MOTION

Mr. Doret made a motion to accept the donation from the Ludes Family Foundation, and Mr. Harris seconded the motion. The committee voted 5-0 in favor.

School Committee Meeting 3.

August 31, 2009

WESTBOROUGH PLAYERS CLUB - FEE REDUCTION REQUEST

Dr. Towle referred to a letter from the Westborough Players Club requesting that they be offered the same rates as other nonprofit organizations in Westborough for the use of the Gibbons School stage for their performances. Mr. Hendricks explained the Players club usually holds their events on Saturdays and Sundays. He said that everyone pays the same fees for the custodians if the use of the facility is during non school hours when no one is on duty. Custodians are paid time and a half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays. There is also the cost of the lights, heat, etc. The fees are simply to cover our costs. Mr. Doret suggested the club avoid Sundays to reduce their costs. There was discussion about possibly bringing the issue to the attention of the custodial union to see if something could be worked out. If the Players Club doesn’t use the facility, there would be no overtime. Mr. Harris requested that the Players Club be invited to attend a subsequent meeting if they want to pursue it further.

FLAGPOLE/CELL TOWER AT FALES

Dr. Towle informed the Committee that she had met with Town Manager Jim Malloy and Town Attorney Greg Franks regarding the possibility of a flagpole/cell tower at the Fales School. She was advised that it has to go out to bid. Also, the maximum height allowed would be 75 feet, but the proposal was for 100 feet. The company was offering $1,100/month, which was a low figure according to Mr. Malloy who had experience with a tower in Sturbridge. Dr. Towle said it would be easy to go out for bids as we already have the specs. Once the bids are received, then we would need to work with the town for a variance. The feeling was that there was a 50/50 chance for approval. Then it would need to go to Town Meeting, and requires a 2/3’s vote to pass. Dr. Towle said there are a lot of steps to go through, and where it would be in the middle of a neighborhood, there are a number of concerns. Marlborough has one in the works and there are a lot of issues. Her recommendation would be not to go forward with the project. Mr. Tretter expressed agreement. Mr. Doret stated that a variance may not be needed, but echoed the sentiment against going forward.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to not proceed with the flagpole/cell tower request, and Mr. Doret seconded the motion. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

REQUEST TO OPEN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CUSTODIANS AND SCHOOL LUNCH WORKERS

Mrs. Henderson said that the Committee had received a request to open negotiations with the Custodians Unit and with the School Lunch Workers Unit of the AFSCME Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1709.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to open negotiations with the Custodians and with the School Lunch Workers, which Mr. Doret seconded. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

Mr. Harris inquired as to when the negotiations would begin. Dr. Towle replied that she would be contacting Mr. Michael Foster of the union to set up some dates and times.

SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

Mr. Hendricks said that the Food Service Contract is due to be renewed. He sent out proposals, and walked several companies through the buildings. However, due to changes in the federal regulations, all contract services are now going out to bid. And due to the complexity of the bid process, only one company, our current provider, Chartwells actually bid the job. The bid came in at 4% over the present contract, and the price will hold for 3 years. The bid, which is renewable for 5 years, includes the installation of a new Point of Service System district wide. This system includes new software, cash registers and pin pads for individual account access. Mr. Hendricks recommended that the contract be awarded to Chartwells. Mr. Doret questioned how the 4% increase compared to other towns. Mr. Hendricks replied that others were getting 3-4% increases as well, and that we have the ability to get out of the contract with 60 days’ notice. Mr. Doret asked if the program pays for itself, and Mr. Hendricks replied in the affirmative, adding that it is essentially a breakeven program that is funded by the operation of the program as well as government reimbursements. He acknowledged that there was small loss of $12,000 last year on a $1 million budget.

School Committee Meeting 4.

August 31, 2009

FALES RETAINING WALL PROJECT

Mr. Hendricks said that he had received bids for replacement of the retaining wall at the Fales School. He recommended that the Committee award the bid to Millennium Landscape and Design for $51,845. He said that the project is expected to be completed by September 7^th.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to award the contract to Millennium Landscape and Design, which was seconded by Mr. Harris. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

POLICY SECTIONS J-STUDENTS and L-EDUCATION COMMUNITY RELATIONS

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to approve Policy Section J-Students, and Mr. Harris seconded the motion. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to approve Policy Section L-Education Agency Relations, and Mrs. Kanji seconded it. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

POLICY SECTION K-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Mrs. Henderson stated that Policy Section K is being presented for review by the Committee, and will be on the next agenda for approval.

CHANGES IN OPEN MEETING LAW

Dr. Towle highlighted the major changes to the Open Meeting Law which went into effect on July 1, 2009. The reference section is now MGL, Chapter 30A, Sections 19-25.

1. As of July 1, 2010, the Attorney General will have exclusive jurisdiction over Open Meeting Law. interpretation and enforcement. Complaints must be made within 30 days of the alleged violation.

2. The statute specifically exempts as a “meeting” the following:

- A conference or training program as long as the members do not deliberate

- Attendance of a quorum at a meeting of another public body as long as the members communicate at the open meeting and do not deliberate among themselves

- A session of Town Meeting which a quorum of the governmental body attends

3. The definition of “deliberation” now includes emails “between or among a quorum of a public body on any public business within its jurisdiction”.

4. The statute defines “intentional violation” as knowingly violating the open meeting law by an act or omission. There is up to a $1,000 fine for violations unless the public body acted in good faith under the advice of legal counsel.

5. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays can no longer be counted as part of the 48-hour notice for posting meetings.

6. When posting meetings, the topics the chair plans to discuss need to be included.

7. The audience needs to be informed if a meeting will be recorded.

8. Executive Session minutes, if protected under the attorney-client privilege, do not ever need to be released. The minutes now must include date, time, place, members present/absent, a summary of the discussion, a list of documents and exhibits used, and a record of any votes. Now discussion about an individual’s reputation can occur in executive session; however the individual can request that it be audio taped.

9. Open Session minutes must be made available within 10 days if requested, even if they are in draft form

10. The final superintendent’s evaluation is considered public record, but written comments by non-board members are not.

Mrs. Henderson noted that agendas are posted on the website. She also said that the Committee needs to be

aware of limitations on discussing issues by email. She asked Dr. Towle to get clarification as to whether two

members are able to discuss an issue by email without violating open meeting law.

School Committee Meeting 5.

August 31, 2009

AP EXAM RESULTS

Mrs. O’Connor said that she was very pleased with the AP exam results. A total of 207 students took 378 exams in

23 subject areas. This is an increase of 16 students tested and 57 more exams taken. She said 345 students (91%

scored 3 or better, an increase of 6% over last year. All students who take AP courses are encouraged to take the

exam. There were 168 students who received a score of 5, 110 received a 4, and 67 received a 3. She went on to

say that each year more students in the 10^th grade take the exams, and 44.5% of the 2009 graduating class received a

score of 3 or higher at some point in their high school years, representing an increased performance of 2.2% over the

past 5 years. There was discussion as to why the European History scores were low compared to the others. Afeefa

Bhatti, the student representative suggested that the prerequisites for those classes are lower, so maybe that’s why

the students don’t do as well. She said she thought it was good that students who might otherwise not be able to

participate in AP classes had an opportunity.

UNANTICIPATED SPECIAL EDUCATION COSTS

Dr. Towle said that a deficit of $160,000 in the special education account is due to the unanticipated costs of 2 new

students requiring one-on-one paras ($30,000 each), and the out-of-district placement of another student ($50,000

tuition and $50,000 transportation cost). She said that the Finance Committee representative, Judy Lucas had asked

about any anticipated financial difficulties, and she had advised Ms. Lucas of the special education costs. Dr. Towle

also said that articles for the October Town Meeting need to be submitted by September 11^th. She questioned

whether a request for the special education money should be placed on the warrant.

MOTION

Mr. Doret made a motion that the administration create an article for the October Town Meeting requesting the $160,000. for the unanticipated special education costs. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tretter, and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion at 7:40 p.m. to enter Executive session under Chapter 30A, Section 21 for the purpose of discussing negotiations. Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor by roll call vote.

The Committee returned to Open Session at 8:43 p.m.

WESTBOROUGH CABLE ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mrs. Henderson said that she has received several names from Donna Kelly, Director of the Cable Station, as possible candidates to replace Steve Masciarelli who resigned from the Westborough Cable Advisory Board. She said it will not be someone from the schools. The Committee gave the go ahead for her to have Ms. Kelly inquire further as to the level of interest by the individuals on her list.

The Committee signed bills, and at 8:50pm, upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted

Ilyse Levine-Kanji

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.