HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-28-SC-min-draft LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Town Hall,Selectmen's Meeting Room
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA
Present:
Chair, Alessandro Alessandrini; Kate Colburn; Kathleen Lenihan,Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Kelly
Chase (in replace of Superintendent, Dr. Czajkowski)
Absent:
Vice Chair, Eileen Jay, Superintendent, Dr.Czajkowski;Jessie Steigerwald, Student Representative,
Rosana Jiang
The minutes were taken by Kristen Cronin, Executive Assistant to the School Committee and
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
The meeting convened at 7pm
Call to Order and Welcome:
Chair, Alessandro Alessandrini called the meeting to order, and introduced committee members.
A moment of silence was held on behalf of Mr. Richard Michelson who passed away on November 28,
2017.
Public Comments:
Superintendent's Announcement:
Dr. Kelly Chase provided two brief announcements. Admin Council and representatives from the Human
Rights Commission and representative from Commission on Disabilities met earlier today and worked on
developing a survey related to discipline in the category of students with color and students with
disabilities. Kelly Chase will be following up with district council tomorrow to see what next steps will be
taken.
Visioning Committee will be working with consultant Frank Locker on Monday, December 4 to discuss
trends in education and what the LHS student of the future can expect to get out of Lexington High
School and the skills that he/she will need going forward into the future. This is the first part of three
part series.
School Committee Member Announcements:
Kathleen Lenihan: Congratulated Lexington high school students involved in production of"Almost
Maine". Students put on a great performance.
Debt exclusion vote will be held on Dec.4 to rebuilding Hastings elementary school, rebuilding fire
station headquarters, and building Lexington Children's Place (LCP) town wide state mandated
preschool.
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LSC Meeting 11/28/2017
Kate Colburn:These building projects that are part of the debt exclusion are absolutely essential. If they
do not pass, it could have very drastic consequences for our children. Urge every adult in your
household to vote on Monday, December 4 and pass these projects for the good of Lexington students.
Alessandro Alessandrini:This past Thanksgiving had time to reflect on what I am thankful for. I am
thankful for the environment here in our district as a school committee member for honest dialogue
between people, and ability to share constructive criticism without fear of retribution and thankful
especially for teachers and administrators for what they do for our students.
Consent Agenda
1. Approval of School Committee Minutes as amended from September 19, 2017
2. Approval of School Committee Minutes as amended from October 3, 2017
3. Approval of School Committee Minutes as amended from October 12, 2017
Motion Approved (3-0)
Agenda:
1. Policy Reading#2—JICI: Weapons in School
Kathleen Lenihan read draft policy JICI: Weapons in Schools
2. Vote Policy JICI: Weapons in School—Tabled
3. State Board of Education—Mary Ann Stewart
Mary Ann Stewart gave a brief overview of Board of Education,the structure and how the process of
becoming a member of the Board of Education. Mary Ann Stewart is a parent representative
member.
The following items were reviewed:
• Every Student Succeeds Act(ESSA)
• DESE will approve LIDS plan
o Highlights of the new law include:
■ Focus on attendance, graduation &drop-out rates;
■ Turning around low-performing schools and districts;
■ New provisions for Migrant& Military Students; McKinney-Vento; Students
in Foster Care
■ Title I Parent & Family Engagement Set-Asides
• New Commissioner Search
o December 15: application deadline
o January: All-day Interview 17th or 18th
o January Board Meeting: discussion of Candidates; selection of a Candidate
o June: Hire
• FY19 Budget Priorities
o Education Aid
o Civics Education
o Early Literacy
o School Breakfast
o Gifted &Talented Students
o Educator Licensure
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LSC Meeting 11/28/2017
• Regulatory Priorities
o Safe &Supportive Schools
o Educator Evaluation
o MCAS 2.0
o Curriculum Frameworks:
■ History/Social Studies
■ Arts Education (last update 1999)
■ Health Education (not updated since 1999)
• Other Matters
o Language Opportunities for Our Kids (LOOK) provides— Bill for bilingual
o Support for students from Puerto Rico—seeking shelter from hurricane
o School Climate Survey on bullying—Opt-in 69%of eligible students participated
o Governor's Announcement on Opioid Addiction—3parts continue development of
particular challenges; 2)training for nurses 3) establish new trust to support for
schools for comprehensive communication
o SEL/Whole Child (Social Emotional Learning—teaching our kids to fly
In closing, Mary Ann Stewart showed a slide on the Constitution of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Members had some questions for Mary Ann and thanked her for attending tonight's school
committee meeting.
Motion to adjourn: (Alessandrini/Colburn)
The Motion was approved 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:49
Meeting Materials:Agenda;A.1
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LSC Meeting 11/28/2017