Minutes 2014-09-10.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jack Weis,Chair of the Education Plan Task Force,summarized the work of the reconvened Task Force. He explained that the charge was to recommend to the full School Committee a menu of vocational and technical education programs that would fit within a 628 student school. He also explained that to be productive,they did not debate the size,but looked at updated enrollment data.He then referred to documents at the table(Attachment B), which outlined the recommended plan,capacity,comparisons,and rationale. He explained the details of the sheet comparing 2013 approved programs with the ones being recommended for 628 students. He then explained that the Task Force considered substituting metal fabrication for horticulture,but this was not approved; they voted to accept the Superintendent's recommendations. c. Public Comment In order to accommodate the overflow crowd,many of whom wished to make a Public Comment,the decision was made to move to the Mezzanine area of the building. On short order,the custodial staff rallied to set up the space, under the guidance of the Principal. The Chair explained the parameters of Public Comment, and the following Public Comment was given: 1. Carole Yelle(parent of Carlisle Welding student)expressed her concerns about lack of notification and lack of voice, asked that the School Committee to vote no,and to get input as required by the Open Meeting Law. (Comments included in Attachment C.) 2. Barbara DeVeaux and spouse(parents of Lexington Welding graduate,2013)spoke of the positive experience her son had at Minuteman and his status as a college student pursuing his field. She extended thanks to all who made this happen for her son. She also spoke of the benefit of this program on a female student who had fewer advantages than her son. She urged the School Committee to consider the next generation of young adults and not to deny them this opportunity. 3. DeAnne Dupont(Arlington)expressed her concerns with the way in which the June,2014 updates to the School Improvement Plan were approved by the School Committee in July,and pointed out that the School Council had not provided input as claimed by the Superintendent. She articulated facts about the 2013-14 School Council Meetings, and emphasized the School Council's role and her opinion of diminished transparency.(Comments included in Attachment C.) 4. Sarah Bazydola(parent of Welding student)explained the excitement and reasons for her son's enrollment at Minuteman. She expressed concerns that her son will not be able to gain certifications,or to finish a program in which he is having success,that parents were not informed about the dismissal of Mr.Ryan in June,and not informed about this meeting and the upcoming vote. She urged that comments expressed be considered before a vote is taken. (Comments included in Attachment C). 5. Thomas Fern(member of American Welding Society)spoke of the need for welders, the many opportunities for their employment,and urged maintaining the program. 6. Randall Blakelocke(2011 graduate,Lexington)explained that he is now an apprentice pipefitter,and is proud to be a part of the local union. Alluding to the building boom in Boston and Cambridge,he pointed out that there is a great demand for welders and metal fabricators. 7. Anita Gottschalk(out-of-district parent,Wilmington),spoke of the importance of the Horticulture program from the perspective of being a business owner in this field. She referred to a September 4,2014 Patch article written by School Committee member Dave Manjarrrez,and noted that contrary to what was portrayed in the article,the green industry has a great demand for trained people, and is much larger than simply growing plants. (Referenced article included in Attachment C.) 8. Heidi Corton(parent of a senior)pointed out that both Horticulture and Welding programs are necessary to build bridges and to farm locally. She affirmed her understanding that the programs are changing,but urged the School Committee to keep going and include both. 9. Jeff Grossman(ranger,Minuteman National Historic Park)pointed out that while he is a government agent,he is not allowed to give his opinion on the matter before the School Committee,but he shared his experience with some of the Minuteman Horticulture students in their community service projects at the Park. He highlighted their 2