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LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEEMEETING
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Lexington Town Office Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Present: Dr. Paul B. Ash, Superintendent; Mary Ann Stewart, School Committee
Chair; Alessandro Alessandrini, Vice-Chair; School Committee Members Bonnie Brodner,
Margaret Coppe, and Jessie Steigerwald, and Noah Coolidge, Student Representative
The minutes were taken by Jean Curran.
The Meeting Convened at 7:00 p.m.
I. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order.
II. Executive Session
The following Motion was made by Mary Ann Stewart and seconded by Margaret
Coppe:
I move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with regard to Exemption 3 –
Collective Bargaining and that I as Chair declare that an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee, and that we
will reconvene in Open Session for the purpose of a Public Meeting.
The Motion was unanimously approved by a voice roll call vote:
Alessandro Alessandrini: aye;
Bonnie Brodner: aye;
Margaret Coppe: aye;
Jessie Steigerwald: aye;
Mary Ann Stewart: aye.
The Committee went into Executive Session at 7:05 p.m.
Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session and enter into Public Session was made
by Bonnie Brodner and seconded by Margaret Coppe.
The Motion was unanimously approved by a voice roll call vote:
Alessandro Alessandrini: aye;
Bonnie Brodner: aye;
Margaret Coppe: aye;
Jessie Steigerwald: aye;
Mary Ann Stewart: aye.
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The Committee went into Public Session at 8:00 p.m.
III. Return to Public Session and Welcome:
The Committee returned to Public Session. Dr. Ash spoke to the reorganization of the
officers of the Committee each year and he called for nominations for Chair of the
Committee.
Motion to Nominate Margaret Coppe as Chair of the School Committee.
(Alessandrini, Brodner) The Motion passed (5-0).
Margaret Coppe thanked Mary Ann Stewart for her year of service to the Committee and
appreciated everything that she has accomplished. She then called for nominations for
Vice Chair.
Motion to Nominate Alessandro Alessandrini as Vice Chair of the Committee
(Stewart, Brodner). The Motion was approved (4-1; Steigerwald abstained)
The Chair invited public comment. There were no public comments.
IV. Superintendent’s Announcements:
Dr. Ash discussed his school visits and how this is part of his new goal to increase his
visibility in the schools. He shared his experiences at Lexington High School and the
Clarke Middle School. He plans on visiting Diamond Middle School tomorrow and
Friday. The following week he will begin his visits to the Town elementary schools. He
stated that he also plans to continue this process in the fall and report back to the
Committee.
V. Members’ Reports / Members’ Concerns:
Margaret Coppe announced that the High School graduation is coming up and the next
meeting of the Committee will be after graduation and that it is a joyful event for the
whole community.
VI. Agenda
1. Social Studies Curriculum Review – Year 1
Jane Hundley, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator – Social Studies, Matthew Mehler,
Social Studies Coordinator Clarke and Diamond Middle School and Robert Collins,
Social Studies Coordinator Lexington High School presented the Social Studies
Curriculum Review to the Committee.
Jane Hundley presented the portion on the history of the Review Committee and its
experience and how they created their mission statement as well as defining what social
studies comprises (i) history, (ii) civics, (iii) economics and (iv) geography. She then
spoke on the elementary level key elements district wide, state standards and how staff
increased content knowledge through professional development.
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Matt Mehler presented the evolving standards from 1993-2011 which now incorporates
the common core state standards and the lack of MCAS data to analyze. He also
highlighted how their Committee created research groups to narrow their focus. He then
discussed the middle schools district wide leadership, collaboration/PLC and
convergence of student and adult data. Teachers collaborate in weekly PLC meetings and
use this time to design and implement social studies which provide feedback loops and
development practice. He spoke about the need to align horizontally and vertically to the
common core standards.
Rob Collins discussed the various groups that were formed (Geography Group, 21st
Century Skills Research Group, Global Education Research Group (ELL groups) and
Assessment Research Group.) He spoke about how important it is for students to see that
they live in a global world and how their choices impact them and the need for respect
and civility towards each other is so important in today’s society. He then spoke about
how the high school is aligned with state standards. He provided examples of the use of
rubrics and how the introduction of national history day project helps prepares students
for the 11th grade research paper. He also spoke about providing for teacher collaboration
with weekly meetings. Finally, the Goals for Year 2 were discussed which included
promoting and insuring vertical and horizontal alignment with common core standards,
identify professional development programs and analyze data to gauge efficiency.
There were questions and comments from the Committee regarding lack of MCAS data,
developing leadership skills, sequencing of student skills, anti-stress initiatives, and the
need to map out where the committee is going, finding gaps and how to proceed.
Jane, Rob and Matt each addressed the Committee on how each groups of students will
be marking the 300th Celebration of Lexington.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street shared her thoughts about how the Lexington Tourism
Committee and school students could work together.
2. Special Education Overview and Discussion of the PreK Program
Dr. Ash began this discussion by sharing how the Committee requested more information
regarding the Special Education Department and that tonight, two speakers would present
an overview of their department. After the presentations tonight, he would be looking for
direction from the Committee on what other areas of this department they would like to
see.
Linda Chase, Director of Student Services presented the Student Services Department
overview to the Committee. She introduced the leadership team and thanked Mrs. Chris
Greeley, Assistant Director of Student Services who is retiring and has done a
tremendous amount for the department which has benefitted greatly from her services.
She presented the disability categories which include (i) autism, (ii) developmental delay
(ages 3-9 only), (iii) intellectual impairment (slower rate of learning, mental retardation),
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(iv) sensory impairment – hearing, vision deaf blind, (v) neurological Impairment –
traumatic brain injury, (vi) emotional impairment – serious emotional disturbance, (vii)
communication impairment – expressive receptive language (viii) physical impairment,
(ix) health impairments, (x) specific learning disability (an area of over utilized category
and the last several years the Federal government has added more requirements for this
category). She then discussed the various programs that are offered which include the
pre-school program, Developmental Learning Program (DLP)/Autism Program, Resource
Room Services, Specialized Reading and Intensive Learning Program (ILP), PALS
(Bridge), CARE (Estabrook), COMPASS - Clark and Diamond Middle School program
and MST – Lexington High School Program, Language Learning Program (LLP),
Developmental Learning Program (DLP, transition program (students 14 through age 22)
helping to planning their core selection and build a transition program once they leave
school. Mrs. Chase went on to discuss the major accomplishments of the department
which included: Special Education Programs ILP, DLP, MST and LLP; Literacy
Leadership Committee; Compliance Review, Anti Bullying Plan/Process; Preschool
Tools of the Mind; Behavior Committee; Special Education Committees; Assistive
Technology and Augmentative Communications; financial savings to the district and
town in-district services vs. contracted services, circuit breaker (to receive more money),
finance and operations manager position, data specialist (helps in reporting to DESE and
monitor services and student information services; Evaluation Team Supervisors Model;
Committee Work; Alpha Program (service to students in crisis for emotional and mental
health services through a general education program) and has been very well received by
teachers and families; Student Achievement (all students received at level or advanced
and is a tribute to staff, teachers and parents). She finished her presentation with future
topics such as program highlights by disability category and related services; special
education committees; and other student services departments such as (i) guidance
services and (ii) nursing services.
Linda Chase took questions and comments from the Committee about identifying
disabilities, support services, eligibility and monitoring progress.
Elizabeth Billings-Fouhy, Supervisor – Preschool Student Services, made a presentation
on early education and addressed the goals which include (i) fostering positive feelings
towards learning, (ii) striving for excellence through a developmentally appropriate
nurturing curriculum. She went over the history, staff ratios, and staffing. The various
programs were discussed such as Child Find, Transitions and Service Provisions. Also
discussed were Integrated Preschool and Intensive Learning Program Preschool (for
children on autism spectrum) and in-service trainings around town. She spoke about
“Tools of the Mind” by Lev Vygotsky which is an approach to teaching children that
changes the way children learn and teachers teach. Liz took questions from the
Committee regarding funding of the programs, target areas, children’s play and
developing social skills.
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3. Discussion of 2013-2014 Recommended School Calendar
Dr. Ash recommended to the Committee beginning the school year before Labor Day,
2013. He surveyed principals and teachers when they would like to open school and
teachers were slightly more in favor of beginning before Labor Day and principals are all
in favor of beginning before that date. Mrs. Neufeld, President, Lexington Education
Association was unable to attend tonight’s meeting to provide her thoughts. One
principal expressed concern to Dr. Ash that the FY2013/2014 Bridge and Bowman
building projects may need extra time and Dr. Ash concurs. By starting after Labor Day,
the contractors gain four work days if something goes wrong in the building project. Dr.
Ash recommends to the School Committee that school begin for teachers the day after
Labor Day and two days after Labor Day for students. There were questions and
comments from the Committee with respect to the start date, professional development
dates and calendar management.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated her support for beginning the school year after
Labor Day.
Carol Pilarski, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Development addressed the
Committee regarding Professional Development activities and timing.
Diane Biglow, 15 Bellflower Street stated her support for beginning the school after labor
day.
Dr. Ash queried the Committee on their support starting school after Labor Day for
FY2013/2014. The Committee supports this recommendation and will vote on the
calendar at its next meeting, June 5, 2012
4. Vote to Increase Student Parking Fee
Dr. Ash recommended to the Committee that the parking fee at the High School for
students be increased to the same fee charged for bus ridership to $150 per semester. He
stated that this money goes into the general fund and feels that this fee hike will help
encourage bus ridership.
Noah Coolidge reported on the student faculty senate recommendations which were (i)
resolved that the LHS Student Faculty supports school parking raised fees to the same
level as bus fees; and (ii) supports position of transportation options without the need to
return home without a car. There were questions and comments from the Committee.
Mary Ellen Dunn addressed the Committee regarding the funding of the Campus Monitor
position at the High School as well as explaining the reasoning for the fee monies going
into the general fund.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated her support of raising the fee.
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Motion to Increase Student Parking Fee From $108 to $150 Per Semester
Starting in School Year 2012/2013. (Brodner, Alessandrini). The Motion
passed (5-0).
6. Vote to Accept a $342 Donation from a Wilson Farms’ Shop at Wilson Farms
School Fundraiser to Be Deposited in the Lexington Children’s Place Gift
Account
Motion to Accept with Gratitude, a $342 Donation from Wilson Farms’ Shop
at Wilson Farms School Fundraiser To Be Deposited in the Lexington
Children’s Place Gift Account. (Stewart, Steigerwald). The Motion passed
(5-0).
7. Vote to Approve School Committee Minutes of March 27, 2012
Motion to Approve School Committee Minutes of March 27, 2012
(Steigerwald, Stewart) The Motion was approved (5-0).
8. Vote to Approve and Not Release School Committee Executive Session
Minutes of March 27, 2012
Motion to Approve and Not Release School Committee Executive Session
Minutes of March 27, 2012 (Steigerwald, Alessandrini) The Motion was
approved (5-0).
9. Vote to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 9, 2012
Motion to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 9, 2012 (Brodner,
Steigerwald) The Motion was approved (5-0 )
10. Vote to Approve and Not Release School Committee Executive Session
Minutes of April 9, 2012
Motion to Approve and Not Release School Committee Executive Session
Minutes of April 9, 2012 (Steigerwald, Alessandrini) The Motion was
approved (5-0).
11. Vote to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 23, 2012
Motion to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 23, 2012, as amended
(Stewart, Brodner) The Motion was approved (5-0)
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12. Vote to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 24, 2012
Motion to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 24, 2012, as amended
(Steigerwald, Brodner) The Motion was approved (5-0)
13. Vote to Approve School Committee Minutes of April 25, 2012
The Committee discussed holding off on approving these minute until next meeting.
Motion to Adjourn. (Stewart, Brodner) The Motion passed 5-0.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
Documents: Meeting Agenda; Memo from Robert Collins, Matthew Mehler and Jane Hundley to
Dr. Paul Ash dated May 22, 2012 re Summary of the work of the Social Studies Review
Committee (Year 1); Memo from Linda S. Chase, Director of Student Services to Dr. Paul Ash
dated May 18, 2012 re School Committee Presentation; Memo from Elizabeth Billings-Fouhy,
Supervisor of Early Childhood Special Education dated May 17, 2012 re Early Childhood
Special Education Presentation Handouts; Letter from Dr. Paul Ash to the Lexington School
Committee dated May 17, 2012 re School Year FY 2013/2014; Memo from Mary Ellen Dunn,
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business to Dr. Paul Ash dated April 17, 2012 re FY13
Transportation and Student Park Fees; Letter From Elizabeth Billings-Fouhy to Lexington
School Committee dated May 2, 2012 re Wilson Farm Donation; draft Lexington School
Committee Executive Session Minutes dated March 27, 2012; draft Lexington School Committee
Executive Session Minutes dated April 9, 2012; draft Lexington School Committee Minutes dated
April 23, 2012; draft Lexington School Committee Minutes dated April 24, 2012; draft Lexington
School Committee Minutes dated April 25, 2012.
Voted by the School Committee June 12, 2012