HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-20-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Tuesday,June 20,2017
Town Selectman's Office
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA
Present:
Chair, Alessandro Alessandrini; Vice-Chair, Eileen Jay;Jessie Steigerwald; Kate Colburn (joined the
meeting at 8:05); Kathleen Lenihan; 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
At 6:30 in open session, the Chair moved that the School Committee vote to go into Executive Session
under Exemption 3: To Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining for ALA and to
reconvene in open session.
Alessandrini—AYE;Jay—AYE; Lenihan—AYE;Steigerwald—AYE
At 6:55 p.m., Mr.Alessandrini called the Open Session back to order
Public Comments:
None
Former School Committee Chair, Margaret Coppe, was presented with a chair as a gift in recognition of
her service.
Superintendent's Announcement:
Dr. Czajkowski introduced Dr. Ida Pappas as the newly hired Director of Performing Arts, and Mr.
Andrew Stevens, as the newly hired Lexington High School Principal.
Dr. Czajkowski went on to thank the staff, leadership team, parents,School Committee and community
for the opportunity to work together,to complete another year as the Lexington Public Schools
Superintendent. It has been both personally and professionally rewarding. Thank you.
School Committee Member Announcements:
Each School Committee member welcomed Dr. Ida Pappas and Andrew Stephens to the Lexington Public
Schools and expressed their appreciation to Laura Lasa, who recently retired as LHS Principal.
LSC 6-20-2017
Kathleen Lenihan: Attended the Clarke Middle School Chorus concert. Encore presentation was held
on behalf of Mr. Coombs,who is leaving the district to teach in Morocco. Vivid demonstration of the
important role a teacher can play in a student's life. Incredible to see what a difference Mr. Coombs
made in these students' lives and even though he will be far away in Morocco,they won't forget him.
Jessie Steigerwald: Welcomed Mr. Stephens and Dr. Pappas to Lexington. She went on to thank Dr.
Czajkowski and everyone who served on the hiring committees. Hearing both Mr. Stephens and Dr.
Pappas speak tonight and express their goals for Lexington,Jessie feels their goals interconnect well
with Lexington's Mission Statement.
Jessie informed the community of the plaque in honor of Laura Lasa,which was presented at the
afternoon's retirement reception and will be placed at the High School.
The Community Coalition will continue to have welcome coffees over the summer. Dates will be
announced shortly through the Superintendent's office. Everyone is welcome.
Eileen Jay: This year's Community Coalition summer reading is How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-
Haims. In the fall,the Coalition will sponsor book discussion groups that are open to the community.
The book comes highly recommended and was suggested by one of the high school counselors.
Alessandro Alessandrini:Attended the Peace Gathering with Dr. Czajkowski. Nice gathering to fight the
hate crime incident that happened at the High School. Really nice gathering of people coming together
and saying "No to Hate."
Consent Agenda:
1. Approve School Committee Minutes from February 6, 2017—
Motion approved (Alessandrini/Steigerwald) 3-0
2. Request for Approval of Donation to LHS from Wilson Farms for the "Shop your day at Wilsons" in
the amount of$591.00
Request for Approval of Donation to the Track and Field Team at LHS from Wellie Ma in the amount
of$10,000
Motion approved (Alessandrini/Lenihan)4-0
Agenda:
1. Vote to Approve Expansion of First Grade and Second Grade for FUSE Preschool
Dr. Weeks opened up a pre-school in Lexington for special needs children, mostly on the autism
spectrum disorder.Asking for approval to expand into first and second grade. The goal is to make a
sound IEP for these students and to help them transition back into the public-school system.
It was decided that a vote would not be taken tonight, but will be voted on June 29th. The School
Committee would like to see what the daily schedule looks like and review a copy of their curriculum.
2. 2016-17 School Improvement Plan Results and a Goal from the 2017-2018 plan
LSC 6-20-2017
Lexington principals shared descriptions of areas of success and areas to continue to work on that are
related to their School Improvement Plans. Dr. Czajkowski thanked the principals for their hard work
and invited them to make a presentation for each of their schools.
Bowman:
Mary Anton—Principal at Bowman: Discussed the success of a school-wide Social Justice/Serious
Talk/Dismantling Racism Curriculum in all K-5 classrooms.
Goals: Bowman teachers and staff will continue to develop and refine their Dismantling Racism
curriculum, writing additional lessons, refining their current units and examining student data and
perception.
Bridge:
Meg Colella—Principal at Bridge: Discussed the success of Bridge Learns Together. They held seven
sessions taught by Bridge personnel that included how to support your learner at home,various ELL
topics, overviews of our social-emotional curriculum, as well as literacy and mathematics sessions.
Goals: Dedicated Social/Emotional Blocks within our schedule.
Estabrook:
Jeff LaBroad—Principal at Estabrook: Discussed the success of Parent& Community Partnerships.
Events included monthly Principal Coffees on various topics and Sunday Principal Roundtables.
Goals: Pro-Social Instruction; Continue work initiated during the 2016-2017 school year when
Estabrook began dedicating weekly instructional time for social-emotion instruction.
Fiske:
Tom Martellone—Principal at Fiske: Discussed work to align professional learning for staff and
parents. Did work around math and mindset, student anxiety with Jessica Minahan, and mistakes as
part of learning with Maleka Gramling.
Goals: Restructure Fiske's All School Meeting and Learning Buddy Schedule to replicate some of the
features of Global School Play Day as a means to promote creativity and address social-emotional
learning within the students' schedule.
Harrington:
Donna Bonarrigo—Principal at Harrington: Building Professional Community. This year, in addition
to a new principal and assistant principal, Harrington welcomed 8 new teachers representing one-
third of the classroom teachers at the school, in addition to welcoming 4 teachers who filled 5
vacancies due to maternity leaves of absence. Because of the expert guidance from mentors and
other veteran teachers, and the support of the literacy and mathematics coaches, these new
teachers all experienced a successful year at Harrington.
Goals: Social-Emotional Learning. Teachers, Instructional Assistants, and student support staff will
receive training from guidance counselors and social workers in responding to students' social and
emotional needs. Interventions will be provided during What I Need (WIN) blocks built into the
restructured school schedule.
LSC 6-20-2017
Hastings:
Louise Lipsitz—Principal at Hastings: Discussed success of the Hastings School Building Project!
Compliments received from MSBA Board were very gratifying; submitting schematic design next
week
Goals: Coaching Model for all teachers. Continue to expand opportunities for coaching in literacy
and math content areas, across classrooms,grade levels and buildings using a calendar and structure
to increase participation.
Clarke:
Mary Barry—Assistant Principal at Clarke (Principal Monaco was not available): Reviewed slide for
success and goals.
Success: Un-conferences for staff: Very much appreciated and teacher feedback was phenomenal.
Continued growing concern for social and emotional aspects and for safety training. Would like to
put together a protocol for safety and work with police department S.O.S. curriculum and taught the
pilot A.C.T.
Goals: Work on School and Personal Safety
Diamond:
Bayard Klimasmith—Assistant Principal at Diamond (Principal Turner was not available): Reviewed
slide for success and goals to work on
Success: Communication & Building Climate. Ms.Turner focused on the theme of building
relationships and implemented changes to improve communication and the overall climate of the
building. Principal advisory led to staff lead advisory—resulted to some ad hoc work
Goals: Work on RTI—work on team leader meetings more effectively.
LHS:
Laura Lasa—Principal at Lexington High School: Reviewed slide on success and what to work on:
Most proud of Flexible Intervention Blocks (IBlock)—Adjustments to be made over the course of the
next two years,the flexible intervention and enrichment blocks provided time during the school day
for students to access academic and social-emotional support,to collaborate with peers, and to
engage in enrichment.
Goals:
To work on the Changing Face of Students in our Schools: Data and information demonstrates that
the students in our school need increasing support to manage academic expectations and develop
healthy social-emotional skills. Within this context, the high school 2017-2018 SIP will include action
steps that support social-emotional growth through the identification and use of: personal strengths
and internal resources; and school and community resources (prevention and postvention); coping,
resiliency, perseverance, prevention and postvention strategies.
School Committee members asked questions, and offered feedback
LSC 6-20-2017
3. Homework Policy IKB Second Reading—Public Hearing
Eileen Jay, Chair of the Policy Subcommittee, read the revised homework policy for the second
reading of the draft policy.
The Chair opened the Public Hearing. There were no members of the public wishing to speak. The
Chair closed the hearing.
After the reading, there were comments and suggestions from the committee: Kate Colburn
suggested hearing feedback from the teachers on this current version before voting and also wanted
to hear the basics of an implementation plan. Dr. Czajkowski said that teachers,Administrative
Council and Joint Council, (Joint Council comprises of about 75 supervisors and evaluators) have
given feedback. Ms.Jay based the draft policy on responses to staff and parent surveys as well as
informal feedback from educators and community members. Some committee members felt that a
vote tonight was necessary in order to prevent another year of the current homework policy which
most staff already do not follow.
Maureen Kavanaugh explained to the committee that much of the process they followed was similar
to any other investigation. The first step was to take a look at a draft based on other exemplars and
looking at feedback already collected and go through a process of revisions. Many of the revisions
that are included are in direct response to feedback already received For efficiency sake, Ms.Jay did
the actual writing but used sub-committee policy meetings to collect our validation from a staff
perspective on whether or not the revisions were in line with the feedback,which they were. As far
as the implementation process, once the School Committee has a policy in place we can go to our
working group over the summer to start answering some of the questions in terms of
implementation.
Andrew Baker commented to members that he sat in on the listening tours to collect feedback for
the homework policy and does not see LPS staff putting up any resistance on the four bullet points.
This is the core of what we do and I do not see them disagreeing. Homework needs to be meaningful
and valuable, it needs to be developmentally appropriate. There may be a need for additional
Professional Development on what that means for each level and how to differentiate it, but the core
development is there,they are in alignment.
Dr. Czajkowski: We will have a working group on August 8& 10 to develop an implementation plan.
On August 22 when I present the implementation plan to school committee, if you do not feel it is in
the spirit of the policy, we will go back and include an addendum in the student handbook and revert
back to the old policy.
Members agreed to table further discussion until the end of Agenda.
4. Vote on Recommended 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting Calendar
Dr. Kelly Chase reviewed with the school committee the dates she consulted with members of the
Muslim community. It was confirmed that Eid UI Adha is on September 1,the beginning of
Ramadhan is on May 16th, and Eid UI Fitr is on June 15h.
Additional revisions to the 2017-2018 School Calendar include the total number of student days for
each month, as well as the date of revision. In addition, not noted on the calendar, but suggested by
LSC 6-20-2017
the committee, would be to add Indigenous People's Day to Columbus Day. It was agreed that until
we find out legally what will happen, the future calendar will have both terms on the date.
Move to Approve the 2017-2018 Calendar as amended(Steigerwald/Alessandrini)
Motion Approved 5-0
5. Vote on Recommended 2018-2019 DRAFT School Calendar
Dr. Kelly Chase reviewed the recommended revisions made for the 2018-2019 School Calendar. The
first Eid day was not noted because it occurs on August 23, prior to the school year beginning.
Ramadhan begins on May 6th and Eid UI Fitr is on June 4th. The June 4th date is a tentative date that
cannot be confirmed at this time. Our community contact will notify us as soon as the information
becomes available.
Move to Approve the 2018-2019 Calendar as amended including Indigenous People's Day
(Alessandrini/Steigerwald)
Motion Approved 5-0
Mr.Alessandrini announced that a committee would be formed with respect to making these official
holidays for the 2019-2020-school calendar.
Resident from 28 Robinson Road Lexington: Thank you and the community on behalf of the Muslim
community. Kids are really excited and we really appreciate your efforts.
6. Vote to Renew Ellen Sugita as Director of Special Education of Lexington Public Schools from July 1,
2017-June 30,2020
Recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools is to appoint Dr. Ellen Sugita to the position of
Director of Special Education effective July 1, 2017—June 30, 2020.
Motion to Renew Ellen Sugita as Director of Special Education of the Lexington Public Schools,from
July 1,2017—June 30,2020. (Jay/Alessandrini)Motion Approved 5-0
7. Update on Clarke, Diamond, Bridge, Bowman and Fiske Building Projects
Pat Goddard, Director of Facilities, updated the School Committee on Clarke, Diamond, Bridge,
Bowman, and Fiske construction projects. Ian Dailey reviewed previously approved traffic plans at
Clarke and Diamond.
• Diamond Middle School will be closed to staff over the summer during construction.
Administrators will relocate to Estabrook.
• Parking lots installed in front and back and complete site work for appropriate traffic
patterns for when school starts
• Additional site work for summer of 2018 for Hancock rotary entrance to add a 3rd lane
• Clarke Middle School will be open during construction. School Administration will be located
on the third floor, accessed from Stedman Road side
• Parking will be significantly better this year at end of project
• Renovations and folding wall replacement to be completed for August 2017
LSC 6-20-2017
• Traffic pattern will be the same as this year, with improved circulation angles
• Modular Classrooms:
o Modular classroom installation nearly complete
o Occupancy finalized in next few weeks
o Bowman site work to be completed in July
• Fiske & Bridge:
o Site work completed
• Bowman:
o Site work to be completed this July as additional paving was contracted to complete
repaving of rear of building to include work budgeted in FY2016
8. Vote on Continuation of After-School Elementary Rider Program for 2018-2019 and Beyond
Program—Motion Approved 5-0
Ian Dailey, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, discussed the after-school
transportation program for 2018-2019 and beyond.
At the conclusion of the April 12, 2017 meeting, it was determined that the after-school
transportation program would continue in 2017-2018 with further discussion to take place regarding
the 2018-19 school year and beyond. One of the largest concerns raised by the public was the lack of
advance notice.
The Administration proposed changes to the program during the budget process based on the
following concerns:
• Safety Concerns with complex dismissal plans and children going to the wrong places
• Growth in the program exceeding seats available on allocated buses
• High Cost (operating budget subsidy) of the program to operate
Move to terminate Lexington Public Schools'administration and operation of Elementary Ride
After transportation program beginning in the 2018-19 school year. (Alessandrini/Steigerwald)
Motion Approved 5-0
9. Budget Transfers FY17
Ian Dailey, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, addressed the re-allocated needs.
The transfers below are required. A summary of the Q4 Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget transfers can
be found in the table below, along with notes:
LSC 6-20-2017
Q4 Fiscal Year
Line# Program 2016-17 Budget Notes
Transfers
Salaries&Wages
Line 1 Unit A-LEA 1 -$145,42011.Fund various needs in the District.
Subtotal-Salaries&Wages 1 -$145,420
Expenses
2 Bridge $9,000 1.Fund needs for additional section.
3 Estabrook -$9,800 1.Fund K-5 Literacy additional needs.
6 Hastings $15,000 1.Fund needs for additional section.
10 K-5 Literacy $35,640 1.Fund K-5 Dept needs for additional sections.
11 K-5 Math $1,290 1.Fund K-5 Dept needs for additional sections.
12 K-5 Science $5,41011.Fund K-5 Dept needs for additional sections.
13 K-5 Social Studies $5,17511.Fund K-5 Dept needs for additional sections.
29 K-12 Curriculum -$30,0001.Funding the first$30,000 for K-5 additional sections.
1.Technology needs for new staff,student devices,projectors and
30 K-12 Technology $106,705 interactive boards and First Class Gmail migration project.
32 K-12 English Learner Education $4,000 1.Fund additional expenditures fortranslation and testing.
1.Fund purchase of equipment for special education students to access
36 K-12 Athletics $3,9251 curriculum.
1.Fund the AED battery replacement,and dedicated fax machines for
38 Health Services $3,000 health offices.
1.Fund purchase of equipment for special education students to access
40.2 6-8 Special Education -$3,925 curriculum.
48.4 Human Resources -$74,400 1.Fund the Emergency Planning and Training needs.
60 Emergency Planning&Training $39,4001.Fund Building Security Consultant.
61 Facility Improvements 1 $35,000 1.Fund the space mining project at Lexington High School.
Subtotal-Expenses $145,420
Grand Total I $
Move that the School Committee approve the transfers outlined in Table 1 of the Fiscal Year 2016-
17 Budget Transfer Request, per School Committee Policy DBJ. (Alessandrini/Steigerwald)Motion
Approved 5-0
10. Vote on Recommended 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting Calendar
Motion to Approve the Recommended 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting Calendar as
Amended. (Alessandrini/Colburn)Motion Approved 5-0
School Committee will break for a 5-minute recess
11. Vote on Homework Policy—Continued Discussion
Members reviewed and made edits to the Homework Policy that was read earlier in the evening.
Move to rescind the current IKB Policy effective June 30,2017 to approve the new IKB homework
policy as amended effective July 1,2017(Jay/Steigerwald)
Motion Approved 5-0
LSC 6-20-2017
Motion to Adjourn (Alessandrini/Steigerwald)
The Motion was approved 5-0
The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 p.m.
Meeting Materials:Agenda;A.1- Letter from the director of the FUSE School A.2-PowerPoint
Presentation A.3-Current Homework Policy, Draft Homework Policy - May 8,2017, Draft Revised
Homework Policy A.4-None A.5-Draft 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting Calendar A.6-2017-2018
School Calendar, 2018-2019 School Calendar A.7-PowerPoint Presentation update on School
Construction
LSC 6-20-2017