Minutes 2014-09-10.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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enthusiasm and eagerness to learn,as well as the importance of kids being out in nature. He expressed appreciation for their work,and noted the importance of invasive plant management to maintain outdoor resources. 10. Bonnie Polokoff(Concord)encouraged parents to make use of the"Stay Put"state law option available to students on IEPs. She also noted that the reality of getting TV/Film/Multimedia type jobs is tougher than portrayed, and her opinion was that people need to get an MFA to get a job in this area. 11. Bernadette Goudey(parent of an out-of-district Horticultural student,Billerica)expressed appreciation to the Superintendent for allowing her son to attend Minuteman. She referenced the Patch article,and noted that while she acknowledges that Welding is an important core occupation,there are 31 other cities and towns that offer this program,and suggested that this is why the out-of-district student number in this program is low. She compared this with the few Horticulture program offerings across the state, and pointed out the many skills her son is learning in the Horticulture program. She also referred to costs and suggested that the writer of the article check his numbers. She emphasized that both careers are very important and that to discontinue either would be a loss to students. She encouraged continuing both as a good choice. (Comments included in Attachment C.) 12. Bob Lucite(representing Mass.Flowergrowers)spoke to the need for Horticulture in Massachusetts,and encouraged the leadership to allow this program to grow and prosper. 13. Jacob Littlefield(2011 graduate from Stow)spoke of his experience in the field of Welding,working with people who are masters of the craft. He pointed out that 4 people in the yard he works in are from the Minuteman program. 14. Jim Maxwell(President and Owner,Hub Foundation Construction)pointed out that he employs 49 people in his business,and 46 of them are earning union wages that,including benefits and retirement,amount to$143,000/year. He emphasized that Minuteman's program is a good program. Graduates are highly productive and play an important role in the communities. He extended an offer of$100,000 to fund the equipment for a new Welding shop. 15. Dan DeRocco(Billerica)noted that he has 25 years in the Welding business,and works with 10 Minuteman welders who have earned the D125 certificate through Rich Gallant,and this is an easy pass into the union,which then provides good wages,insurance,and financial freedom. He noted that the program is perfect just as it is. 16. John Goudey(Horticulture student,Billerica)read an email submitted by Jason Crowdle,JC Landscaping Company in Newton/Needham. Mr. Crowdle explained that he was an out of district Watertown student and was able to benefit from the Horticulture program and now operates a landscape company with an annual sales of approximately$2M,and employs a staff of over 25. He affirmed his support of this program. (Email included in Attachment C.) 17. Andreas Aluia(Horticulture student,Somerville)read an email submitted by Michael R.Kelley,President of the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals. Mr.Kelley,on behalf of the 500 members of this association,expressed support for the essential instruction provided by the Horticulture program and Minuteman. He alluded to national and local numbers associated with this industry,and referenced the ongoing concern for having a qualified workforce. He noted that Minuteman students have joined this industry and have gone on to have successful careers.He urged that the program continue as a pipeline for career-oriented professionals. (Letter included in Attachment C.) 18.A Boxborough 2012 graduate in the Welding Program,working with Jim Maxwell at Hub Foundation,noted that he loves his career. He quoted what he learned from Mr.Ryan: Come to work on time,with your boots tied, and sober,and you'll have a job for life.He expressed his opinion that it would be a sin to shut down the Welding program. 19.Nick Godfrey(2010 graduate from Watertown)pointed out that Advanced Manufacturing is not a skilled trade, whereas in pipefitting,you need more experience. 20. Robert Ard(employee of Wilson Farm in Lexington)referred to the Patch article. He expressed his opinion that School Committee members should be serious about their role,and that the information in the article is false. He urged that there is no place for making fraudulent statements,and that passing them off as fact is shameful. 3