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[The following minutes fetched from the district site on 2009-10-16 --webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday September 9, 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 Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Stephen Doret, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji 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, and Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

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

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mrs. Levine-Kanji and a second by Mr. Tretter, the Committee voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of August 31, 2009.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Towle reported on a very successful first week of the new school year. The High School Senior Parade went very well and the costumes were very clever.

The Superintendent informed the Committee the district is integrating President Obama’s speech to students on a school by school basis. Mill Pond students had the opportunity to view the speech, meshing to the school’s mission of good character and working hard in school; eighth grade students will view and discuss the speech in class with Civics teachers; High School students will view the speech in the social studies classes; grade three students will view the address. Parents have an opt out option.

Dr. Towle noted she had announced at the Back to School staff meeting that she will be retiring at the end of this school year and was humbled by the standing ovation she received. She added it has been an honor and privilege to serve as superintendent and thanked the School Committee and the community for their support.

Mrs. Henderson extended thanks to Dr. Towle for her fifth and final year in Westborough and for her many contributions to education since 1970. The MASC representative, Glenn Koocher, has been contacted and will be meeting with the Committee in October to review the process for an appointment.

Mrs. O’Connor announced the Open House schedule for the schools. Summer reading Book Talks will take place at the High School September 10. There are 30 new students at the high school; 15 in the ninth grade and seven in the tenth and eleventh grades. The students have come from private schools all over the world.

Mr. Hendricks attended a renewable energy program at Holy Name High School in Worcester and viewed the windmill they have on the property. He has also been meeting with representatives of the Westborough Players Club to assist in reducing costs of school use for its productions.

COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS

Afeefa stated the High School opening went very well, fall sports are underway, the Cross Country team having its first win of the season.

Mr. Doret passed along information regarding an energy renewal course in October and suggested the administration take advantage of it.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji stated she appreciates all Superintendent Towle has done for the district and thanked the entire staff and the many parent volunteers for the time spent in preparation of the opening of school.

 

School Committee Meeting 2.

September 9, 2009

　

Mr. Tretter reported he attended a Joint Labor/Management meeting where stipends were the topic of discussions, both missed and new. Regarding the controversy over the President’s speech, he hopes it allows people to discuss and show respect and tolerance of everyone’s views.

Mrs. Henderson noted she attended the opening meeting for teachers and staff and reminded everyone of the open houses that are upcoming. She inquired about the meetings of the Fee and Transportation sub committees offering encouragement to move forward with both. An Article will be brought forward at the Special Town Meeting, October 19, for $160,000 for unexpected Special Education funds. A meeting will be scheduled with the Finance Committee.

Mr. Harris suggested adding additional parents to the Sub Committees for a wider view on the subjects. The sub committees should be informed of their role and goals and advised the final decision lies with the School Committee. Members should be asked to bring in multiple opinions. The School Committee needs information, answers and data.

Mr. Doret felt the presentation of President Obama’s address was handled correctly, but could be improved upon the next time. The schools do not have the resources to provide a forum for an entire school.

Mrs. Henderson inquired about the "State of School" packet being prepared by the administration. Dr. Towle stated it will contain a positive attitude of student accomplishments, finance concerns, and a draft should be available by mid week. Mrs. Henderson felt it should contain information on fixed costs, test scores, achievements, and any information that indicates what is upcoming for costs this coming year.

Mr. Harris noted Boston Magazine’s high school rankings were of Central Massachusetts, not statewide.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji suggested asking to be put on the Finance Committee’s agenda October 5 and the Board of Selectmen’s agenda, October 13, to review the School Committee’s article before Town Meeting.

CITIZENS’ REQUESTS

Mr. Len Meade, 130 Milk Street, stated he approves of the selection process for the superintendent’s replacement. He then thanked the School Committee for its decision to have the principals and teachers view the President’s speech before the students.

Mrs. Henderson corrected Mr. Meade’s assumption that the School Committee was involved in the decision. The decision was made by the administration and not the School Committee.

Mr. Meade spoke vehemently against allowing the President to speak without first viewing the remarks.

ACTION ITEMS

MOTION

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted unanimously 5-0 to approve Section K, Community Relations, of the Policy Manual.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

At an August meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to create the Green Technology Advisory Committee, AdHoc. The mission statement is to provide vision, information and proposals to the Town promoting the application of green and sustainable technology on current and future town buildings, property, services, including residential, commercial and industrial buildings and projects in Westborough.

　

　

　

School Committee Meeting 3.

September 9, 2009

　

MOTION

Upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Doret as the School Committee representative on the committee. Mr. Doret will join representatives from the Department of Public Works, Building Department, and Buildings and Grounds.

CABLE ADVISORY BOARD

MOTION

Upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Tretter, the Committee voted to appoint Mike Pascarella as the School Committee representative on the Board of Directors of the Westborough Cable Advisory Board. The vote was 5-0 in favor of the motion.

BACK TO SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS

Dr. Towle announced the enrollments at the schools are all in line with the School Committee goals. The third grades at the Hastings and Armstrong Schools are averaging 22-24, the remainder have 18-22 students in a classroom. Mill Pond has 23 for all three grades. There are 11 sections, where in previous years there have been 13. The High School is up 30 students, the junior class being the largest. Gibbons is consistent. Grade 7 has 290 students; Grade 8, 293. Total enrollment to date is 3602.

At 7:10 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted unanimously under Chapter 30A, Section 21, by roll call vote to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing negotiations.

At 7:35 p.m. the Committee returned to Open Session.

The Committee discussed the Article to be presented at the Special Town Meeting. The School Committee is asking for $160,000 to cover the unanticipated costs of Special Education students who have moved into the district. In the past the Committee has budgeted for any late entering students, but because of the bare budget this fiscal year, there is no reserve line item. The community will be informed of the expense, and the vote will determine what happens. If the amount is not provided by some means, there will have to be staff reductions. The community needs to be made aware of this process.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion at 7:40 p.m. to adjourn. Mrs. Levine-Kanji seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

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.