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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-20-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE Monday, March 20,2017 Cary Memorial Building, Estabrook Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Present: Chair, Alessandro Alessandrini; Eileen Jay;Jessie Steigerwald; Kathleen Lenihan; Kate Colburn; Superintendent, Dr.Czajkowski; Absent: Student Representative, Matt Campos The minutes were taken by Kristen Cronin, Executive Assistant to the School Committee and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent The meeting convened at 6:30 pm Call to Order and Welcome: Chair, Alessandro Alessandrini called the meeting to order, and introduced committee members. Public Comments: Dawn McKenna speaking as Chairman for the Tourism Committee. Dawn wanted the School Committee to know and to thank Dr. Kelly Chase and Dr. Czajkowski for a wonderful event we had with the French Consulate a week ago Friday. There was a bit of a miscommunication among Lexington students participation and with very short notice, and Dr. Czajkowski out of town, Kelly was very kind to make sure they were there and represented and the French Consulate was so happy that he intends to bring this event that they used to go from place to place back to Lexington and hoping to have another event on a Sunday next year, so that it will be a weekend event. Dawn wanted the School Committee to know the French Consulate is in a financial position to help any school system across the country that is interested in supporting French education and given that they view Lexington as a model and most active sister city relationship in the country, it may be worth our while to do that and also add for History sake. Lexington was the initial leader in bringing Elementary Foreign Language and it was French. Dawn expressed again that she really wanted the school committee members to know how well and how fast the staff worked to make sure Lexington was represented with the French Council. Agenda• 1. Reorganization of the School Committee Alessandro Alessandrini: Announced that after every election School Committee would reorganize with respect to leadership, asked if at this point there were any names to consider. Jessie Steigerwald nominated Alessandro Alessandrini to continue as Chair, remaining members voted unanimously. Kate Colburn nominated Eileen Jay as vice chair, remaining members voted unanimously. Superintendent's Announcement: Dr. Czajkowski gave an update on the After School Transportation Rider Program—A letter was sent to elementary parents from Mr. Dailey on March 13 regarding the cap on elementary transportation rider LSC Meeting 3-20-2017 program. To date, we have received 26 email responses from parents and I want to thank Mr. Dailey for responding very promptly to the parents indicating that we are in discussion regarding the Rider Program. We would like to discuss this with the school committee at our meeting on Wednesday, March 29 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. before adjourning to town meeting. We would invite parents to attend this meeting. Student safety is a big concern, and cost is an additional concern. I want to thank the parents for responding and to their suggestions as well and we look forward to continuing this discussion on March 291" Also, on March 27 the school committee will start its meeting at 6:00 p.m.to discuss the Master Capital Plan prior to adjourning to town meeting,whereby we will recognize the Diversity Award recipient at 7:15 p.m. Kate Colburn had some questions regarding Central Registration. I met with Sandy today in respect to central registration and provided feedback to the questions. I think it's important to provide all school committee members with updates to central registration. Last, Mr. Dailey will be chairing a task force to investigate school start times. If any member of the school committee is interested in serving on this task force, please email me by Thursday of this week. School Committee Member Announcements: Jessie Steigerwald: Would like to thank Dr. Czjakowski for speaking at the last Coalition Open House. It has been really helpful for new people as they move in to see our Superintendent align with those three goals and I thought your comments were really inspiring to people who were there. For the community "If Only" a film on the opioid epidemic will be showing at Cary Hall on April 6 from 6:30-9:00. Eileen Jay: Would also like to thank Judy Crocker for her service. She has been a great colleague and the hardest worker on the planet. I wish her the best. Parent Academy will be held this Saturday, March 25`n at the Community Center, organized by SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) encourage parents to attend this very informative event. Kathleen Lenihan: It's an honor to be serving our students,teachers& community as a member of the school committee here in Lexington. Kate Colburn: Would like to thank Bill Hurley and Judy Crocker for their service and thank the voters for giving us the opportunity to be here. I'm really looking forward to working with everyone at this table and the rest of the staff. Alessandro Alessandrini: Would like to thank Judy Crocker for her dedication to the School Committee. Judy put a lot of time and effort into her position. She was instrumental in reducing the fees for buses as well as increasing the number of ridership. She was part of updating our Policy Manual and instrumental in bringing back the Finance Subcommittee, so I thank her and know we can reach out to her with any problems we may have. LSC Meeting 3-20-2017 Consent Agenda: 1. Vote to Approve Anonymous gift of books to Hastings school. Motion to approve consent agenda items 1. The Motion was approved (5-0). Agenda Continued: 2. Discussion of Motion for Article 17 Jessie Steigerwald volunteered to move Article 17 at Town Meeting. 3. Liaison Re-Assignments Discussion revolved around re-assignments for School Committee members. The liaison assignments are posted on the Lexington Public Schools Website. Motion to remain in session and relocate to Battin Hall for the purpose of participating in Town Meeting(Steigerwald/Jay) The Motion was approved 5-0. Meeting Materials:Agenda;A.3-Liaison Assignments LSC Meeting 3-20-2017