Schools

WESTBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Message sent - 10/27/2009
Superintendent's Search

The Westborough School Committee is looking for input regarding the replacement for School Superintendent Anne Towle, who will retire on June 30, 2010. We would like to involve the entire Westborough community, including school staff, parents, residents, town officials and students, in this search process.

To begin with, we are asking for feedback and input on the needs of our district and what criteria and overall characteristics people think are important for our next superintendent to possess. To assist us in gathering that information, please complete the confidential survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Z5ttHTLJg3vAvzEOENeOvg_3d_3d . The responses to the survey are being collected directly by the School Committee, not via the schools or administration.

At a future time, we will also have public forums at which stakeholders will have the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of the candidate(s). Information on these forums and any additional details on the search process will be communicated at our School Committee meetings, by e-mail and/or through the district website.

We appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback.

Westborough School Committee
Karen Henderson
Ilyse Levine-Kanji
Steve Doret
Craig Harris
Bruce Tretter

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

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday September 23, 2009

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, 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; Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

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 4-0 to approve the minutes of September 9, 2009, as amended.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Towle reported on receipt of a Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative School Grant in the amount of $5,155. written by David Jost, and used to support guest artists in the schools.

The Superintendent announced the Fees Sub Committee met and has scheduled four additional meetings. Minutes of the meeting have been forwarded to the School Committee.

The 2010 National Merit Semi Finalists are Anthony Liu, Sukmin Moon, and Xiao-Yu Wang.

A Connect Ed survey has been sent out by the parent groups requesting information on the manner to inoculate especially the younger children. Should it be during school hours, after school or in the evening? The local Board of Health will be receiving the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine in October and will dispense it at free clinics for children 5-18 years of age. The latest guideline on returning to school after an illness is 24 hours after the fever goes down.

Mrs. O’Connor referred to a press release identifying sixty students at WHS who have earned AP Scholar Awards. Gabrielle Ehrlich earned an average of 4 or higher on a 5 point scale on all AP exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on 8 or more of these exams. Twenty-three students qualified for the Scholar with Distinction Award and sixteen qualified for Scholar with Honor.

There are 263 ELL students being served in the district, including 30 kindergarten students at the Hastings School and 23 at the Armstrong School. The greatest number is of the Indian population. Results of the MEPA testing of ELL and Title III students will be mailed September 24.

Joint Professional Development meetings are being held with the Assabet Valley Collaborative to reduce costs. Global Education will be the topic in October, December and March.

Mrs. O’Connor reported the Grant Writing Committee will be meeting next week.

Mr. Hendricks reported the Transportation Sub Committee met and will be meeting again September 30. Minutes will be forwarded to the School Committee. The Energy Committee met and is gathering pertinent information.

COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS

Afeefa stated the High School sports teams are doing very well: Field Hockey has had 3 wins and the Football and Cheerleaders are doing great. At a Peer Mediation training assembly a mock conflict was staged including resolution. Clubs are starting up and Homecoming is October 3.

Mr. Tretter asked the parents to take part in the H1N1 survey. He reported he attended an excellent senior Wellness Class, which dealt with topics of transition after high school.

School Committee Meeting

2.

September 23, 2009

Mrs. Levine-Kanji wished to remind the community of the Special Town Meeting, October 19. She also reported

on a national grant of $10,000 from the Kennedy Center for Arts Education that David Jost is willing to help write. School Boards are invited to submit a grant for the support of high quality arts in education. A picture of the School Committee and letters from Board members must accompany the proposal. The picture has been scheduled for October 7, and Mr. Tretter and Mr. Doret will write the letters.

Mr. Harris inquired whether the Fee Sub Committee will be addressing the possibility of transportation fees in addition to the Transportation Sub Committee. He also asked that the community be kept informed the reason the fees are being considered is the projected $1.7 million dollar shortfall next year that could grow to $2.5 million. The Chapter 70 funds as well as Circuit Breaker funding is projected to have a 6% reduction across the state. The Superintendent’s Association also looked at the Federal stimulus funds which were used for the FY09 and FY10 budgets and will not be available next year. It appears there will be a 12.5% decrease in state funding next year. This computes to a $550,000 - $600,000 decrease and the town side may also see a decrease in state funding. At the October 21 meeting a better financial picture should emerge due to the new sales tax increase and alcohol taxes.

Glen Koocher of MASC will be in attendance at the October 7 meeting to give direction to the School Committee about the hiring of a new superintendent. The meeting will open with an executive session at 5:30 p.m. followed by open session.

Mrs. Henderson introduced and welcomed Brigitte Casemyr, Finance Committee liaison to the School Committee with Judy Lucas.

STATE OF SCHOOLS NEWSLETTER

The Superintendent reviewed the proposed sub titles for the State of Schools Newsletter. Committee members offered suggestions for changes and wished to especially emphasize the financial situation the school district is facing on the next budget. The community needs to be aware that the school system in place today cannot continue because of budget constraints. Mr. Tretter suggested minimal writing, incorporating graphs and much more pointed information toward the probability of cuts in technical support personnel and teachers. The state’s role needs to be emphasized. Discussion followed as to publishing two documents, one highlighting school and student accomplishments; a second document emphasizing the financial situation.

MCAS RESULTS FROM SPRING 2009

Mrs. O’Connor reviewed the MCAS 2009 results with the Committee and noted the district will not be able to sustain the results seen now because the resources will not be available with budget cuts. There is strong grade progress in grade eight. There is a small weakness in two sub groups at the Mill Pond School which is addressed. through Professional Development training. There is a plan in place to rectify and remediate. The MCAS are aligned to the state standards which means the district must have the needed curriculum in place. The longer we have students in Westborough, the better chance they have of being successful. Reading is especially important to math improvement.

The Committee will be meeting with the Finance Committee September 28 at 7:20 p.m. Mrs. Henderson reviewed the information to be presented at the meeting. She felt the federal and state’s reductions should be highlighted, last year’s reductions, the contingency amount of past years that could not be included this year.

The School Committee will meet with the Board of Selectmen October 13. A discussion of materials for that meeting was discussed.

Mrs. Henderson was in receipt of correspondence from Louis Cornacchioli, MTA representative, requesting recognition of twelve tutors who wished to be organized. Ten of the twelve signed cards authoring the WTA to act for them. The matter will be referred to counsel for advice.

School Committee Meeting 3.

September 23, 2009

MOTION

At 7:20 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted 4-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30A, Section 21 for the purpose of discussing ongoing litigation.

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

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji. The Committee voted 4-0 in favor of the motion.

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 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.

Superintendent Towle announces retirement
By Scott O'Connell/STAFF WRITER [Wicked Local Westborough]
Thu Sep 10, 2009, 04:04 PM EDT

WESTBOROUGH - After to spending close to 40 years in education, including what will be five in her current position, Westborough Superintendent Anne Towle has announced her retirement.

“I had decided that when I first came to Westborough, I would give them five years,” said Towle. “I just had my 60th birthday and I thought it was time to retire.”

She informed the School Committee of her decision in August, according to chairman Karen Henderson, and made a school-wide announcement on Tuesday.

...

[Please read the full article, located at the Wicked Local Westborough web site -- webmaster]

[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.

[click "READ MORE..." below to view the entire minutes -- webmaster]