Written by Webmaster

[The following minutes, posted 1/19/10 on the district site, were copied on 28-Jan-2010.  Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy --webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                    December 16, 2009

 

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 5:10 p.m by Chairman, Karen Henderson. Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Administrators present were Assistant Superintendent, Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Town Manager, Jim Malloy.

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 3-0 in favor of entering Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21 to discuss collective bargaining strategies.

At 5:55 p.m. the Committee returned to Open Session and declared a short recess.

At 6:10 p.m. Mrs.Henderson called the meeting to order.  Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti, joined the meeting.

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

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 3-0 in favor of approving the minutes of December 2, 2009.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Towle extended thanks and appreciation to the Board of Health, the secretaries and school nurses for the time and effort they have put forth in setting up the H1N1 vaccine program in the schools.

Dr. Towle wished everyone Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year.  The schools will close the end of the day on December 23 for the break.

Superintendent Towle presented Ellen Scannell a plaque in appreciation for her years of dedicated service to the school district.  Mrs. Scannell, who will be retiring next week, worked for Marianne O’Connor for six years, and worked in the district for fifteen years.

Mrs. O’Connor reported the Robotics team won a silver medal and the Judges Award in competition last Saturday in Connecticut.  Advisor, Maria Homberg, accompanied the team.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Afeefa noted the Winter Sports season is underway at the high school   Ned’s Coffee House was a successful evening.  A blood drive will take place December 17, sponsored by the National Honor Society.  The Winter Concert season is underway.  The Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir have performed.  The a cappella group, orchestra and chorus will perform next week.  Dress for Success, Stuff a Bus, and a food drive have all contributed to giving back to the community.

Mr. Tretter announced the Gibbons Middle School Concert will be held December 21 at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Tretter also brought up the subject of school spirit and questioned why some high school events have been under attended.  Ned’s Coffee House, a 20 year tradition, had difficulty finding an audience and the Winter Ball was cancelled due to lack of interest.  The Lobby-O has addressed the matter in an article in its recent publication.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji noted the Transportation Sub Committee met today and is coming closer to resolution.  The Committee will present recommendations January 20.

Mr. Stephen Doret arrived at 6:20 p.m.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                           2.

December 16, 2009

Mr. Doret reported he will be attending an Energy meeting in Westborough December 17.  He has been working in Wisconsin this week on similar energy needs.

Mrs. Henderson thanked the members of the faculty and staff, and the parents and public, who attended the public meetings for the superintendent candidate, Marianne O’Connor.  The School Committee will take a vote January 6 on whether to appoint or extend the search.

ACTION ITEMS

Dr. Towle recommended the Committee accept the donation of a digital piano from the Music Parents and a grant from Avidia Foundation, valued at $2200.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept the donation with great thanks.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

Superintendent Towle announced the Westborough Country Club Charitable Corporation has donated $500 each to the Kids’ Fund at Armstrong, Fales, Hastings and Mill Pond Schools.  The Fund provides assistance to children for field trips, snacks, whatever is needed.  She recommends acceptance. 

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept the recommendation with great thanks.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

The contract with the Paraeducators Unit of the WTA will expire on June 30, 2010.  The paraeducators unit employees are asking to enter into negotiations with the committee.  The Superintendent recommends the School Committee agree to enter into negotiations.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept the recommendation.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

The contract with the Secretaries Unit of the WTA will expire on June 30, 2010.  The secretaries unit employees are asking to enter into negotiations with the committee.  The Superintendent recommends the School Committee agree to enter into negotiations.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept the recommendation.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

The contract with the WTA will expire on June 30, 2010.  The teachers are asking to enter into negotiations with the committee.  The Superintendent recommends the School Committee agree to enter into negotiations.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept the recommendation.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

Mrs. Henderson reviewed the School Committee representatives that will be negotiating with the unions:

Teachers                Mrs. Henderson and Mr. Doret

Paraeducators       Mr. Tretter and Mrs. O’Connor

Secretaries             Mrs. Levine-Kanji

Custodians            Mr. Harris

School Lunch       Mr. Harris

Administrators     Dr. Towle

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                           3.

December 16, 2009

MISSED TIME AT FALES SCHOOL

The Fales School was closed for a day because of a break in a water main November 10.  To make up the time missed, the school will add five minutes to the beginning of the school day starting after the Holiday break.  The early recess will end five minutes earlier.

Mr. Tretter noted the Joint Labor/Management team was consulted and agreed.

MOTION

Mrs. Levine-Kanji made a motion for the Fales School to start five minutes earlier to make up the time.  Mr. Tretter seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE LABOR ATTORNEY

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to appoint Elizabeth Valerio of the Deutsch/Williams law firm as the School Labor Attorney.  Mrs. Levine-Kanji seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor.

DISTRICT STANDARDS STEERING COMMITTEE

Dr. Towle presented the Committee with an action plan to formalize the process of the School Committee and administrative teams to involve stakeholders in the planning for the next fiscal year’s budget.  The process will involve staff meetings and school councils.  The principals will present the budgets to the Committee and will include a team leader who will explain how reductions will affect programs.  A member of the School Committee and the administration will attend a school council meeting in each of the schools.

Mrs. Henderson requested the proposed plan from the school councils contain cost saving and efficiency information.

MOTION

At 6:35 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 4-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21, for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations.

 

The Committee returned to Open Session at 7:15 p.m., signed bills.  Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 4-0 to adjourn at 7:16 p.m.

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.