HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-14-SC-min
SC 05/14/13 Page 1
LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
7:00 p.m.
Lexington Town Office Building
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Present: Dr. Paul Ash, Superintendent, Margaret Coppe, School Committee Chair; Alessandro
Alessandrini, Vice Chair; Members Bonnie Brodner, Jessie Steigerwald and Mary Ann
Stewart; and Sam Alpert, Student Representative
The Meeting Minutes were taken by Jean Curran, Recording Secretary
The Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
I. Call to Order and Welcome:
The Chair called the meeting to order and moved to go into Executive Session for the purpose
of discussing Exemption 3 – Collective Bargaining Pertaining to LEA, Unit A, Grievance
Hearing
A roll call vote was taken:
Alessandro Alessandrini “Aye”
Mary Ann Stewart “Aye”
Bonnie Brodner “Aye”
Jessie Steigerwald “Aye”
Margaret Coppe “Aye”
II. Executive Session:
Exemption 3 – To Discuss Collective Bargaining
The Chair moved to return to Public Session and a roll call vote was taken:
Alessandro Alessandrini “Aye”
Mary Ann Stewart “Aye”
Bonnie Brodner “Aye”
Jessie Steigerwald “Aye”
Margaret Coppe “Aye”
III. Return to Public Session and Welcome:
The Chair called the Public Session to order at 7:39 p.m. and invited public comment.
There were no public comments.
SC 05/14/13 Page 2
IV. Superintendent’s Update on Study of Elementary Foreign Language
Dr. Ash shared that he, Mary Ann Stewart, Alessandro Alessandrini and Carol Pilarski,
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development met about
two weeks ago to discuss the process they might follow to bring back a foreign language in
the elementary schools. The reason for sharing this tonight was to share with the full
Committee and the public that this topic will be on the School Committee Agenda for the next
meeting. At that meeting they will report out what they discussed and the process they would
like the Committee to endorse so that they can formulate a committee and begin the study
process.
V. Members’ Reports / Members’ Concerns
Alessandro Alessandrini shared that he was at a School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
meeting yesterday where he gave the Committee an update on where the Ad hoc Committee
on Youth at Risk stands. He got together with BJ Rudman and Bill Blout to amend the
Charge and other parts of the Charge based upon the Committee’s feedback. Mr. Rudman has
sent the Chair the revised Charge. The other item that came up at the SHAC meeting was
regarding homeless children, and is of interest to Mr. Alessandrini and he would like to see if
we could find out more about these families in order to find ways to help them.
Margaret Coppe responded to Mr. Alessandrini that she attended a meeting at the Estabrook
Elementary School a few weeks ago to discuss the topic of homeless families and children and
her understanding was that Lexington has about thirty families living at the Quality Inn on
Bedford Street. These children have the option of remaining in their home school or attending
Lexington’s schools. The transportation cost for those students choosing to attend their home
school is split between that town and Lexington as required by the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Education Assistance Act. She and Ms. Stewart will be meeting next week with
Senator Michael Barrett who is Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and
Persons with Disabilities to discuss the topic of homeless education needs.
Mary Ann Stewart shared that she attended Lexington Town Meeting Members Association
(TMMA) executive session and gave a School Committee update about what has been on the
Committee’s table since Town Meeting adjourned. Ms. Stewart mentioned to TMMA that the
Committee had the Third Quarter Financial Report at the previous School Committee meeting
and mentioned the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento)
and some TMMA Executive Committee members had some questions which she has sent
along to Mary Ellen Dunn, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance. The law is
very complicated and her understanding is that there is always a fluctuation in the number of
homeless children who are moving from one town to another.
Alessandro Alessandrini shared that he is very supportive of McKinney-Vento and felt that he
is focused on families in our district who may be financially strapped and homeless and if
SC 05/14/13 Page 3
there is some way to help we should do that. Mr. Alessandrini shared a story about homeless
parents who can’t work because they cannot afford after school care and summer care.
Margaret Coppe also stated homeless families living at the Quality Inn are considered to be
Lexington residents.
Bonnie Brodner shared that this is a similar theme she spoke about a few weeks ago when she
reported at the PTA Presidents’ Council Meeting that these issues were discussed. Ms.
Brodner shared that there is a need have a conversation about how to help people that are
really financially strapped.
Jessie Stiegerwald (i) congratulated the Ultimate Frisbee Team who won the Northeastern
Championships held at Fort Devens over the weekend; (ii) shared that she attended the high
school performance of “Miss Saigon” and congratulated everyone involved; (iii) shared that
the High School Jazz Combo Group attended the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz
Band Competition and Festival in New York City and were also mentioned in a Boston Globe
article; (iv) shared that the Ad hoc Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee
(AhTFMPC) will be meeting tomorrow and they will be meeting weekly until AhTFMPC has
a report. Currently, there is a draft report and there will be an inclusion of the Hastings
Elementary School and the High School incorporated with the municipal list of projects. The
Consultant came and walked around with Dr. Ash and herself and the consultant is including a
more accurate number on the central office. Ms. Steigerwald recommended that the
Committee update their master plan. Ms. Steigerwald stated that the Committee should
include our priorities for these two schools; (v) a 300th anniversary update included three
events that are related to the schools that will take place over the Memorial Day weekend and
they include (a) Saturday, May 25 the time capsule is going to be dedicated and everyone who
submitted ideas will be announced that day; (b) Sunday, May 26, the Old Time Baseball
Game and police and firefighters will be playing in that game; and (c) on Monday, May 27
there will be a concert in the evening and it includes Jeff Leonard and the Bicentennial Band;
(vi) commented on a matter that came up at the last Committee meeting regarding the cost of
the 8th grade Mandarin trip proposed by Anna Monaco, Principal at Jonas Clarke Middle
School. Ms. Steigerwald has drafted a memorandum which proposes a lottery system for the
students in the 8th grade Mandarin program in order to address the inequity of the field trip
cost to students. Ms. Steigerwald made a comparison to the Debate Program and how it has
financing and fundraising available for all students.
Mary Ann Stewart had a few announcements tonight (i) shared that she would like to see
more newsletters from the schools in their Committee packets; (ii) commented on Dr. Ash’s
May 9th Superintendent’s Bulletin and the book “School Systems That Learn
Improving Professional Practice, Overcoming Limitations, and Diffusing Innovation by Paul
B. Ash and John D’Auria”; (iii) asked the Chair about the mailing from Murphy, Hesse,
Toomey and Lehane, a law firm which frequently sends updates on labor, employment and
school related issues, regarding the DESE Guidance on Gender Identity Law which requires a
policy and inquired where the Committee was with our Policy Manual; and (iv) the
Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) rescheduled the Day on the Hill to
Thursday, May 23.
SC 05/14/13 Page 4
Margaret Coppe shared that the Policy Manual has been on vacation this year because the
Committee has had so many items to deal with over this past year. We do have some policies
that are ready to come forward and we have some that we still have to deal with.
Bonnie Brodner inquired if the Committee was doing anything for the time capsule.
The Committee discussed various ideas for the time capsule and decided that they would have
a discussion about this topic after the meeting and come to an agreement.
Alessandro Alessandro shared that he sent a copy of class size policy to the Committee a
while ago and to please forward any amendments to Margaret Coppe.
Jessie Steigerwald asked the Chair to send out a copy of the last Executive Session vote.
VI. Superintendent’s Announcements
Dr. Ash announced that Lexington High School student, Donny Fox was the winner of the
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) New England Emmy for 2013
student PSA video for his video on gun control. Mr. Fox is a student in Mary Pappas’ Digital
Production Class.
Thomas Plati, Director of Education Technology and Assessment played Mr. Fox’ video for
the Committee.
Donny Fox, in attendance with his family, shared that he picked the topic of gun control
because it is the topic of our time. Mr. Fox wanted to pay tribute to the victims of the Sandy
Hook Elementary School shootings that took place in December, 2012. Mr. Fox stated that
his video has a neutral message about gun control and the overall message is to seek
professional help when you feel like using gun violence.
Mary Pappas, Lexington High School Teacher, shared that she is very proud of Mr. Fox as
well as all her students. Ms. Pappas then announced that the third annual Lexington High
School Film Festival will be held on Monday evening at the Lexington Venue.
Dr. Ash announced that Alec Sun was the winner of the 2013 Raytheon MATCHCOUNTS
National Competition held in Washington D.C. The MATHCOUNTS Competition Program
is a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes
mathematics achievement through a series of contests.
Anna Monaco, Principal, Jonas Clarke Middle School congratulated Mr. Sun on winning the
national competition and she explained the significance of the competition. Joshua Frost,
Math Teacher, Jonas Clarke Middle School was the team’s coach. This was the first time that
an individual student won and she is very proud of both Alec Sun and Josh Frost and the
whole team for all their hard work. Mrs. Monaco also shared that Alec was on the Good
Morning America show yesterday.
SC 05/14/13 Page 5
Alec Sun, in attendance with his family, shared his experience at the competition. Mr. Sun
shared that as part of his winning prize he will be going to space camp over the summer break
and he also received $8,000 for college.
Dr. Ash then announced that this past Saturday, 75 staff members took part in the Ride for
Neighbor Brigade which is an opportunity for Lexington Public School and municipal
employees’ to engage in a year-end activity which promotes employee wellness and also
raises funds to provide assistance and needed care for Lexington Residents. Dr. Ash gave
special thanks to Kathy Pike, Chapter Leader, Neighbor Brigade and Robert Harris, Assistant
Superintendent for leading this effort and to all who participated.
VI. Agenda
1. Vote to Authorize Installation of Recommended Fiske Shade Structure
Michelle Oldershaw, 10 Keeler Farm Way and Thomas P. Martellono, Principal, Fiske
Elementary School presented a plan by the Fiske PTO to build a shade structure for students
at Fiske Elementary School. The Committee had comments and questions regarding cost,
vendor, manufacturer, materials, and plans for expansion.
Motion to Authorize Installation of Recommended Fiske Shade Structure
(Stewart, Steigerwald) The Motion was Approved (5-0)
2. Social Studies Curriculum Review – Year 2
Carol Pilarski, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional
Development introduced Robert Collins, Lexington High School Social Studies Department
Head, Matthew Mehler, Middle Schools Social Studies Department Head, and Jane Hundley,
K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator who each presented the summary of the work of
the Social Studies Review Committee (Year 2) to the Committee. Messrs. Collins and Mehler
and Ms. Hundley’s presentation included (i) Curriculum Review Committee; (ii) Mission
Statement; (iii) Review of Year One; (iv) Sources of Support; (v) Year Two Goals; (vi) K-12
Content and Skills; (vii) District and Summary Level Reports for the elementary schools,
middle schools and high school; and (viii) Year Three Goals.
The Committee had questions and comments regarding (i) the Partnership for Assessment of
Readiness of College and Careers (PARCC) assessments and its effects on teaching; (ii) Asian
studies and world history; (iii) Professional Learning Communities (PLC) and what types of
professional learning is needed; (iv) how to maintain fresh content through curriculum
reviews and goals for Year 3 with State Standards; (iv) professional workshops; (v) equipment
and/or instruction needs; (vi) how immigration fits into the curriculum; (vii) students and
personal electronics; and (viii) communication and crossover between English and Social
Studies Department .
Thomas Plati, Director of Education Technology and Assessment addressed the Committee
with respect to iPads and the 10th grade iPad pilot project. Mr. Plati also commented on the
text book Social Studies Alive.
SC 05/14/13 Page 6
3. Discussion of 2014-2015 Recommended School Calendar
The Chair stated that tonight there will be discussion only on the recommended School
Calendar and the vote will be conducted at the May 28 School Committee Meeting. Dr. Ash
presented to the Committee two calendars. The first proposed calendar has school beginning
before Labor Day on August 26, 2013 and ending on June 15, 2014 (with no snow days) or
June 19 or 22 (with snow days). The second proposed calendar would begin after Labor Day
on September 3, 2013 and would end on June 19 with no snow days or June 26 (with snow
days.) Dr. Ash stated his preference would be to start school before Labor Day because of a
gain of 4 days in June for professional learning.
Carol Pilarski, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional
Development suggested that the Committee allow teachers and the public to provide feedback
before the Committee votes on May 28.
There were questions and comments from the Committee.
4. Vote on School Choice
Motion that the Lexington School Committee not participate in School
Choice in Academic School Year 2013-2014 (Brodner, Alessandrini) The
Motion was Approved (5-0)
5. Vote to Appoint Voting Representative to the LABBB Collaborative
Board of Directors
The Chair stated the State Law requires School Committees vote to appoint a voting
representative for all Collaboratives. Dr. Ash has been the Committee’s voting
representative and also superintendent’s in surrounding towns are usually chosen.
Motion to Appoint Dr. Ash as the Voting Representative to the LABBB
Collaborative Board of Directors (Stewart, Brodner) The Motion was
Approved (5-0)
6. Vote to Appoint Voting Representative to the EDCO Collaborative
Board of Directors
Motion to Appoint Dr. Ash as the Voting Representative to the EDCO
Collaborative Board of Directors (Steigerwald, Stewart) The Motion was
Approved (5-0)
7. Vote to accept a $610 Donation from Wilson Farms’ Shop at Wilson Farms
School Fundraiser to Be Deposited in the Maria Hastings School Gift Account
SC 05/14/13 Page 7
Motion to Accept with Gratitude, a $610 Donation from Wilson Farms’
Shop at Wilson Farms School Fundraiser To Be Deposited in the Maria
Hastings School Gift Account (Stewart, Brodner) The Motion was
Approved (5-0)
8. Vote to accept a $163 Donation from 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 $163 Donation from Wilson Farms’
Shop at Wilson Farms School Fundraiser To Be Deposited in the
Lexington Children’s Place Gift Account (Steigerwald, Brodner) The
Motion was Approved (5-0)
9. Vote to Approve School Committee Minutes of February 26, 2013, as Amended
Motion to Approve School Committee Minutes, as amended (Steigerwald,
Stewart) The Motion was Approved (5-0)
The Chair announced the next School Committee meeting will be held on May 28, 2013
Motion to Adjourn (Steigerwald, Brodner) The Motion was Approved (5-0)
The Public Meeting Adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Documents: Meeting Agenda; Letter dated May 1, 2013 from Thomas P. Martellone, Fiske Principal
to Dr. Paul Ash re PTO’s desire to build a shade structure; Memorandum dated May 10, 2013 to Dr.
Paul Ash from Robert Collins, LHS Social Studies Department Head, Matthew Mehler, MS Social
Studies Department Head and Jane Hundley, K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator re
Summary of the work of the Social Studies Review Committee (Year 2); LPS School Calendars 2014-
2015; Letter dated April 29, 2013 to Lexington School Committee from Louise Lipsitz re $610
Donation from Wilson Farms; Lexington Public School Committee Meeting Minutes of February 26,
2013, March 12, 2013, March 18, 2013, March 20, 2013, March 27, 2013, April 3, 2013 and April 8,
2013.
Voted by the School Committee August 27, 2013