Minutes 2014-09-10.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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21. Warrant Ballett(former teacher in the Welding shop)pointed out that you can't build a bridge,a ship, or a tunnel in an Advanced Manufacturing factory. Pure welders are needed to fix and dig. 22. Mike Watese(Arlington parent of a Welding student)explained that he has 30 years of experience in the construction trade,has worked with Mr.Ryan,and is a parent of a student who has loved welding since Middle School. He urged the School Committee to continue the program,and give other students the same opportunity. 23.Dave Manjarrez(Minuteman School Committee member from Sudbury,and author of the Patch article) explained that his immigrant father was a welder, and his great grandfather was an agronomist, so he has an understanding of both sides. He expressed that he was pleased to know there were over 30 Welding programs in Massachusetts,and that Mr.Maxwell offered$100,000 to buy welding equipment,as it is very expensive. He urged looking at ways to enhance both programs. 24. Kathy Allen(parent of an out-of-district Horticultural student from Somerville)explained that her son has had an incredible experience at Minuteman,and was fortunate in landing a summer job at the National Park Service. She can't imagine what he'd do if he was denied the opportunity to attend this program. She pointed out that if a program is not available in their home district,they can apply to a program as an out-of-district. She emphasized that out-of-district students have a right to be here. 25. Dana Ham(former welder,Minuteman graduate of 1999)expressed that he was appalled at the article in the Patch.He pointed out that it's clear that some School Committee members don't consider what's right for kids,and have a personal agenda.He urged that the selection of School Committee members should be made more carefully, and that issues on the School Committee itself need to be addressed. 26. Matt Kelley(2007 graduate,Lexington)explained that after graduating from Minuteman,he went on to Mass. Maritime. He explained that he is a welder,uses this skill in his current work,and owes his success to Minuteman. 27. Anthony Adams(2013 graduate,Arlington)noted that he works at a construction company in Allston. He pointed out that both machinists and welders require years of training. These are true skills that require thinking outside the box,and offered his opinion that the programs can't just be merged. 28. George Marsh(2014 graduate,Concord)expressed his opinion that welding is a true skill,and that it would be a crime to close the shop. He urged the School Committee to please keep it open. 29. Angelo Butera(sophomore Horticulture Program,Needham)expressed his opinion that the Patch article was appalling. He noted that there are hundreds of jobs in the Horticulture field that also require skills in many areas, including plant identification. He pointed out that the industry is growing,and it cannot be characterized as"two schmucks in a truck". The Public Comment period ended,and the group flowed enmasse back to the Paul Revere Room for the next item. Appreciation was extended to the Custodial Staff and to the Minuteman students who helped with setting up chairs. d. Motion,Deliberation,and Vote A motion was made(Spalding)and seconded(DeLuca), as listed on the agenda: To accept the Education Program Plan as presented by the Superintendent and as recommended by the Education Program Plan Task Force One member clarified that the vote refers to 16 programs as shown on the top sheet of Attachment B, referred to earlier. Another member expressed that it was great hearing about the school and its value to work life. It was pointed out that there had been a request at the Public Comment period to explain exactly the vote that the Education Plan Task Force took. The Chair of the Education Plan Task Force explained that there were two votes taken on 9.2.14: 1.) The first vote was on a motion made to substitute Metal Fabrication for Horticulture,and with 4 members of the Task Force present,2 voted in favor of it,and 2 were opposed. As a tie vote,it did not pass. 4