Schools

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER

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

MOTION

At 6:05 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Bruce Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session, under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Sub-paragraph (3).

Mr. Bruce Tretter discussed the Selectmen's Meeting held on January 26,2010 at the Town Offices.

MOTION

Mr. Steve Doret motioned, and Mr. Bruce Tretter seconded, the move back into Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. Committee voted unanimously 5-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session, under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Sub-paragraph (3).

At 9:20 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Steve Doret, seconded by Mrs. Karen Henderson, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn.

Daniel P. Hendricks Secretary (acting)

[The following minutes, posted 3/02/10 on the district site, were copied on 7-Mar-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                                                                                                                                                      January 20, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji.   Mr. Bruce Tretter arrived shortly after the opening of the meeting.  Administrators present were Superintendent, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

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 January 6, 2010.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Towle reported Fine Arts Director, David Jost, announced the High School Honors Quartet, directed by Richard Hager, has been selected by the Massachusetts Educators Association to perform at the All-State Conference in Boston as the featured group that will open the conference.  The performance will take place March 18^th at the Seaport Convention Center in Boston.  Members of this ensemble are Anthony Liu, Tony Yang, Elizabeth Anderson and Jordan Hensley.

Mr. Tretter arrived at the meeting.

Ruisi Shang and Tony Liu accompanied Dr. Towle to the Superintendent Scholars from Central Massachusetts Luncheon at Holy Cross on January 12^th.  Father McFarland, president of Holy Cross, and Mitchell Chester, Commissioner of Education spoke to the students.

Thanks were extended to Representatives Carolyn Dykema and George Peterson who each spent a morning visiting the schools in  Westborough.  They visited regular and special education classes as well as the preschool program, heard the strings orchestra, attended a principal’s meeting and talked with administrators.

Dr. Towle congratulated and introduced the Telegram Fall All Star Athletes. Each was presented a certificate of achievement.  Player of the Year Awards were given to Byron Jones, Boys Cross Country and Kasey Kraus, for Volleyball. All Star Team honorees were Jeff Bush, Boys Cross Country; Bethi Ledoux, Girls Soccer; Karly Murphy, Field Hockey; Alex Cincotta, Volleyball.

Congratulations and a certificate of achievement was extended to Bianca Homberg for being named the 2010 recipient of the National NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing awarded by the National Center for Women and Information Technology.

Mrs. O’Connor announced the kindergarten packets will be mailed January 29 and should be returned by February 26.  A curriculum day was held a week ago highlighting K-8 social studies, 21^st Century Skills and streamlining the curriculum.  January 19, a full Professional Day, was held with other districts in attendance.  All staff members were involved, including librarians and nurses.

Mr. Hendricks reported an energy report will be forthcoming at the next meeting,, including consumption.  He also noted the process is underway to obtain funding for Gibbons School repairs. A Facilities Committee meeting will be scheduled.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Afeefa reported mid year exams will begin tomorrow with two exams per day.  The athletic teams are doing well with basketball and swim teams awaiting tournament bids. By invitation only, band and chorus members performed at the 53^rd Honors Concert at Mechanics Hall January 16.  Maggie Adaval is one of five students to receive a bid to

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                           2.

January 20, 2010

States as a result of the recent Speech and Debate Tournament.  The team was among the finalists.  The high school administration and guidance departments are preparing the Program of Studies for next year.

Mr. Tretter announced the Game of the Week is at the North Star Arena against Assabet.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji noted the Town Manager, Jim Malloy, gave a financial presentation to all town stakeholders last week.  She also stated she was invited to attend an history elective course, “Facing History and Ourselves”, which deals with ethical decisions and diversity of community.

Mr. Doret inquired how the recently passed Education Bill will impact the district.  The Superintendent replied it will primarily impact districts having difficulty in meeting standards or underachieving.  The Bill puts a cap on Charter Schools, allows failing districts to open Charter Schools, allows more authority for the superintendent to make changes only in under performing schools. The Race to the Top Fund may look at different ways of evaluating and will need to be discussed through negotiations.

Mrs. O’Connor added the Race to the Top brings together administrators, school committee and union to agree on best practices and how teachers perform in relation to student performance.  It is a positive step to bring the parties to the table together.  The grant could bring between $15,000 - $20,000 to the district.

Mrs. Henderson reported Mill Pond’s Black and White Dinner will be held January 23.

ACTION ITEMS

The administrators are asking to enter into negotiations with the School Committee.

MOTION

Upon the Superintendent’s recommendation, Mr. Tretter made a motion to enter into negotiations with the administrators.  Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to approve the Massachusetts School Building Authority Initial Compliance Certification. Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted unanimously, 5-0 in favor of the motion. This is part of the process for the Gibbons School repairs, which include window replacement, plumbing, floors, roof, infra structure.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Hendricks reviewed the charge to the committee:

1. continue current transportation program and estimate costs for 2010-11 budget
2. make recommendations for alternatives to current program
3. make a recommendation regarding fees for bus service

Committee members:  Mr. Hendricks, Cindy Crowley, Jeff Slomski, Chris Fournier, Chip Dapolite, Ilyse Levine-Kanji, Karen Henderson, Lynn Oswill and Amanda Priest.

Mr. Hendricks reported the committee met 8 times.  The district has 3600 students; it transports 2000 per day.  The district is looking at a 5% increase in the cost of transportation.  It presently budgets $1.2 million dollars for transportation.  Approximately one-half of the K-6 students live outside of the 2-mile limit and cannot be charged fees.

Recommendations:

1. Continue discussion with administrators to determine whether additional late buses could be reduced.
2. Reduce the number of regular buses used to transport students.  Each bus costs approximately $46,000.
3. Initiate efficiencies in the transportation program.  Administrative research on fewer stops. .

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                           3.

January 20, 2010

1. School Committee should consider implementing fees for student parking and bus fees.

The committee does not recommend dropping grades 7-12 busing.  It did recommend an  increase in the loading, and if implementing fees, to collect them early, develop the routes, and possibly eliminate one or two buses.  The time spent on a bus must also be taken into consideration, especially for those 14 and under.  There is a four hour minimum in the contract, which should be reduced.

Mr. Doret pointed out the reason the School Committee is looking into this matter is because of the dire financial straits of the town.  There is a significant amount of money in this area.

ELL STATE RESULTS

Mrs. Joanne Fridley is a Department of Education certified ELL trainer.  The Westborough ELL program has 346 students enrolled from over 18 countries who speak 30 different languages.  The Department of Education has three units of measure: (1) achievement – percentage of LEP students making adequate English progress. Westborough has 87% making that progress.  (2) attainment – percentage of students scoring at level 5.  55% met the target versus 25% at the state level.  (3) MCAS – students have made adequate progress since 2007.

Westborough is one of fourteen districts in Massachusetts with a Title 1 school where Limited English Proficiency students are making significant progress.  Based on the results of students in the school, Westborough is eligible to apply for Title 1 Academic Achievement Grant funds covering the period March 2010 to August 2011.  As a model district, Westborough’s best practices will be evaluated.  The grant for $25,000 can be used for professional development, instructional materials and teacher collaboration.  $5,000 will be provided to cover the cost of the review. There will be more grant funds available in the second year for developing materials, increase instruction. The funds can be used to supplement only.

In response to Mr. Harris’s question, Mrs. Fridley responded teacher training is required by the Department of Education, but is an unfunded mandate. Sixty Westborough teachers have received four-day training. Westborough has the only suburban program recognized and eligible for the grants.

FY10 FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr. Hendricks presented the Committee with a financial report for the period July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010, which is on target.  There will be some changes in the lighting account due to changes that have been made.  Salaries, Expenses and status of the Warrant Articles is included.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji inquired about the $3 million dollar out of district tuition account.  A discussion of reductions in IDEA funds, Circuit Breaker and Chapter 70 ensued.  The Committee was also given a copy of an updated list of Capital Expenses.  Mr. Hendricks was asked to create a “must do” capital column so that major necessary repairs will not fall through the cracks.

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2010

The Committee was in receipt of a draft version of the School Calendar for 2010-2011.  It has also been sent to the WTA union president. School will open September 1 for students.  There will be no school September 6 and 9. A vote on the calendar will be taken at the next school committee meeting, February 10, 2010.

MOTION

At 7:32 Mr. Tretter made a motion, seconded by Mr. Doret to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21, for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion by roll call vote.  There was a short recess until the room cleared.  The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:12 p.m. Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 9:13 p.m.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                           4.

January 20, 2010

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.

[The following minutes, posted 1/28/10 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                                                                                                                                          January 6, 2010

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

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

MINUTES

[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.

[The following minutes, posted 1/14/10 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 OF SPECIAL MEETING

Thursday                                                                                                                                                       December 10, 2009

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji, Mr. Stephen Doret, and Mr. Craig Harris.  Administrators present were Assistant Superintendent, Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Principals, Reene Hatherley, Pattie Berkey, Assistant Principal, Jack Foley; Director of Technology, Kathy Martin.

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

Mrs. Henderson announced the purpose of the meeting is to conduct an interview with superintendent candidate, Marianne O’Connor.

Mrs. O’Connor reviewed her background in the district.  She noted she has been a member of the Westborough community for twenty years, eighteen of them working for the school district.  Mrs. O’Connor has worked in the educational field for thirty years, in New York, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Her career in Westborough began as a teacher at the Fales School.  She was appointed by former superintendent, Jack Doherty, to be principal of the Fales School for five years.  From there she was appointed by Stephen Dlott to open the new Mill Pond School.

Mrs. O’Connor stated opening the new school was a wonderful professional experience. She was able to set the tone and develop the culture of the school, and choose the staff.  Following her position at Mill Pond, Mrs. O’Connor was appointed Director of Instruction and Curriculum at the central office.  She spent one year under Dr. Stephen Dlott and five years with Superintendent Anne Towle.

Academic leadership and curriculum development

Mrs. O’Connor stated curriculum instruction is paramount to success of the district.  Every school curriculum has been aligned with the state frameworks.  Many curriculum grants have been secured and all mandates have been addressed.  The MCAS scores are great.

MCAS – Role and value of the instrument

Mrs. O’Connor stated she looks at all the MCAS data received and the numbers.  A meeting with each principal is held, the individual student score is reviewed and student support is determined.  She meets with all team leaders in grades four to six and reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the students and the classroom programs.  Through supervision and evaluation, Mrs. O’Connor determines what is happening in the classroom.  There is a great deal of collaboration with teachers and the students’ work.

In response to Mr. Harris’ question, Mrs. O’Connor stated she prioritizes the curriculum by meeting with the middle and high school principals and department heads, reviews the modifications to textbooks to determine the course of study.

Due to the financial situation facing the district, what kind of planning do you envision to meet the needs of all students and maintain the quality of education we provide?

Mrs. O’Connor stated she would continuously gather information from the state.  She would then review the school committee goals and use them to make every decision.  Personnel decisions go back to the goals and every dollar must be spent in the appropriate way.  The team leaders, principals, town leaders all have to be engaged in the process.  We have to be creative as we go forward.  The people ask for and expect this, and we must provide that for them.

Mrs. O’Connor noted the Grant Committee is looking at how it can bring revenue into the community; transportation services are being looked at; everything is being looked at.  Sub committees are crucial.  This school committee has been very aggressive in looking at that.

Special School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                             2.

December 10, 2009

How can 21^st Century technology be integrated across the curriculum?

Mrs. O’Connor noted the district had a wonderful professional development day this week.  The entire staff was involved in either ELL or technology.  Kathy Martin brought in tremendous people.  There are SmartBoards in the classrooms that are used as instructional tools in an active way to extend curriculum.  Students must understand not only the use of technology, but how to use it to extend learning.  The students are exposed to science labs and mobile lab carts where every student has a computer in front of them.  There have been amazing results in the foreign language labs and technology is used at the administrative level.

We can now communicate with China.  A recent visitor from China spent a week with us, spoke with our students and taught a class.  Mrs. O’Connor will be visiting his school in the spring.

On line Grades

Mrs. O’Connor noted teachers send grades to the guidance office.  This is happening.  To have students and parents access grades will take time.

If finances were not a concern, what would result in better classroom achievement, both academically and beyond?

Mrs. O’Connor stated the ELL students and Special Needs population should all be on the same curriculum as the regular students.  Time should be spent on aligning that curriculum, which will take a lot of work and planning.  Getting great results from all students, program resource materials that students need, and have that happen K-12.

With diminishing state and federal funds, plus a shortfall of $1.7 million dollars locally, how would the budget process be different and what would be the priorities?

Mrs. O’Connor stated the job is to educate and guide the school committee in the decision making process.  People need to be involved in the decision leading process and you have to ask for the best scenarios.  We have the capacity to do that.  You have to build trust to make it happen; make it the mission of the district.

Mrs. O’Connor added she truly believes in Westborough, having worked in five districts.  When the superintendent opening was posted, she felt she had to put her name forward.  She truly believes the Westborough schools are excellent and will continue to be excellent.

Management and communications

Mrs. Levine-Kanji asked Mrs. O’Connor whether she was comfortable in the role of management and communications and how she planned to do that.

Mrs. O’Connor replied you start with the teachers, meet with the principals and sub groups, parents, town officials, and you continue to educate and guide.  The position requires a PR person, a cheerleader.   The parent groups are huge supporters of the school system, and they have a right to complain if they are not informed.  That goes with the job.  If people do not understand, that is why they complain.  It is OK to disagree; change happens; everything could be different next year.

Staff Relationships – what have you seen outside and inside the district that you could bring to keep enthusiasm and morale high in light of changes in the future.

Mrs. O’Connor noted that when people are not happy where they work, the product suffers.  There must be trust with each other as well as true professionalism.  Treating each other with respect builds morale.  People are happy when their child is happy.  We have the capacity to do that here.  Mrs. O’Connor said, when speaking with a staff member regarding a problem, she has used three options to resolve it:  1. Suggest  2. Recommend 3. Expect (consequences).

Visibility

Mrs. Henderson noted it is crucial that the superintendent be visible in the schools.  Mrs. O’Connor replied that is the best part of the position.  She has meetings in all the buildings and makes that a priority.

Special School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                             3.

December 10, 2009

Mentoring

Due to financial constraints, Mrs. O’Connor has assumed the role of mentor coordinator.  She meets with new teacher employees for one year, reviewing student behavior, leadership, instruction and has the person observe seasoned teachers.  The second year she checks in from time to time to see that everything is going well.    She does not want anyone to fail.  The people are hired because the district wants them to be successful.  Very few new teachers leave because of dissatisfaction.

Replacement

Mrs. O’Connor was asked whether she has thought of anyone to fill her position if the opportunity presents itself.  She replied that she has thought of several people who would fit into the position and be very capable in it.

The leadership team is critical for success in Mrs. O’Connor’s eyes. You need to have complete confidence in principals, department chairs.  The leadership in this district can take feedback, criticism, and ask for support if needed.  Mrs. O’Connor prefers to meet personally with a teacher if there is a request for a meeting, rather than email.  Her door is always open and she would keep that same philosophy.  You have to be accessible to the staff, and you start with the leadership team.

Mrs. O’Connor commented on the development of the Mill Pond School before it was opened.  A lot of team building went into the process before school opened, and it was evident by Thanksgiving that some things were not the right fit.  The team knew what it wanted and what was needed to get the job done.  Some long standing programs were not working and the data was available to support changes in curriculum and instruction.

Mrs. O’Connor looked for people who were passionate in what they do.  Her core belief is that you are passionate in your work;  if not, it is not the person for her.  Teaching is an honorable profession.  You need to give the teacher the tools needed to teach.  Sometimes it is just a gut feeling, that the person is not the right fit.

Professional Organizations

Mrs. O’Connor is a member of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Co-chair of the Curriculum Committee for the Assabet Collaborative, Phi Delta Kappa Society member, Curriculum Association, and NTA.  She noted when a new superintendent comes on board, the MASS rallies around and mentors that person legally and otherwise.

Mr. Doret felt the MASS was a place where significant changes can be made.

Mrs. O’Connor noted when she became curriculum director, there was no outside support organization.  Through the Assabet Collaborative, she has developed a group of people who have a similar position.  They meet regularly and share cost sharing programs especially in the professional development area.  It is a great support group.

Mrs. O’Connor has been involved in the peripheral area of collective bargaining, but has not been at the table, but will be this year.  She stated that when people disagree the level of professionalism has to be maintained at all costs. She added that in some districts, the superintendent is at the table; in others, the superintendent is not.  In terms of an attorney being used during negotiations, Mrs. O’Connor replied it depends upon the skill set of the attorney and whether the cost is worth doing it.

When participating in the Joint Labor and Management issues, Mrs. O’Connor feels you discuss things in a way that is forth with, let the group speak its mind and engage in healthy discussion.  You can avoid a lot of grievances getting the facts.  Talk about it, and get it solved before the next step.

Mr. Doret inquired whether the former school districts were unionized.  Mrs. O’Connor responded New York and New Hampshire definitely; Raleigh was a private school and not unionized.  Mrs. O’Connor stated she has not always been in the role of supervisor, but has been one of the rank and file.  When a strike was called in one district, Mrs. O’Connor did not strike. She wanted to teach.  It took many years to regain friendship with her colleagues.

Special School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                             4.

December 10, 2009

She was active in Westborough.  The experience has helped her to see both sides of an issue.  You make a decision on the big picture; it all has to fit; it is about ALL of us taking little steps to get there.

In response to a question about homework, Mrs. O’Connor stated this is a difficult area for every student and every teacher.  It depends upon the goal of the homework assignment.  If it is truly work that needs to reinforce a foundation, then it is appropriate.

Is giving homework a way to teach?  If you can teach, you own it.  If you teach facts, you own it.

Relationships in the community

Mrs. O’Connor stated she lives in town; her husband is active in town and she is very comfortable speaking with people in town. There are limits, however.   She is entitled to a personal life, and if someone needs information or a meeting, she suggests a more appropriate time.  Mrs. O’Connor has served on the Capital Expenditure Committee in town and noted most of the work has been put on hold or moved out in years to come.

Mrs. Henderson announced Mrs. O’Connor will be available Monday, December 14, in the high school library to take questions from faculty and staff.  At 7:00 p.m. she will again be in the library to answer questions from community members and parents.

At 8:15 p.m. the Committee took a short break and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.

Superintendent, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor, and Director of Administration and Finance, Mr. Daniel Hendricks, joined the meeting.

Mrs. Henderson introduced Elizabeth Valerio of the Deutsch/Williams law firm, and stated that she is present to be interviewed for the position of attorney to the School Committee.

Ms. Valerio stated her work involves primarily the public sector, working 99% of the time on the management side of schools and towns.  Her expertise is in the areas of labor relations, unfair labor practices, arbitration, student discipline.  She does not do court litigation.  Another member of the firm would have that expertise.  Ms. Valerio served six years on the school committee in Wrentham, so is aware of both sides of the table.

Ms. Valerio noted a legal answer is not always the right way. The school boards need to be trained to work with the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee because they know where the money is.  The school committee needs to live up to its part of the deal. The community needs to be involved in the schools.  Keep the senior community in the schools; they vote.  Selectmen and the town manager need to be on board when negotiating with the unions.  When dealing with counsel, it is best not to wait a week or two.  Try to sign agreements immediately.

In response to a question from Mr. Doret, Ms. Valerio stated time and billing is as much or as little as a district needs.  Travel time is not billable, and the firm does bill in 1/10 of an hour increments.

Ms. Valerio tries not to have a lot of arbitration and keeps away from litigation. She is available by phone or email.  An attorney does not always have to be present at the table.  It depends upon strategy and language.  The committee can run things by her for an opinion, and she can work in the background.

Regarding a Labor Relations complaint, Ms. Valerio stated the Board is better than it was in responding.  The Board may try to mediate, issue a complaint or dismiss it.

Ms. Valerio reviewed the municipalities currently represented by the firm.

MOTION

At 8:50 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 by roll call vote in favor of entering Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21 for the purpose of discussing collective

Special School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                             5.    December 10, 2009

bargaining strategy.

The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:24, signed bills.  Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 9:26 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.