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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-21-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, May 21, 2019 Lexington Town Office Building Selectmen's Meeting Room 1625 Massachusetts Avenue CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 7:05 p.m. Chair Eileen Jay welcomed and introduced committee members SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Eileen Jay, Chairperson Kate Colburn, Vice-Chairperson Kathleen Lenihan, Clerk Deepika Sawhney Scott Bokun Rosanna Jiang (student Rep) SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent Dr. Christine Lyons, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development Peter Rowe, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations The minutes were taken by Kristen Cronin, Executive Assistant to the School Committee and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Public Hearing School Choice: Ms. Jay opened the public hearing on School Choice. Per the Massachusetts General Law, the School Committee is required to vote annually as to whether the school district will participate in the School Choice Program. This vote is required to be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Given that there were no public comments, Ms. Jay closed the hearing. School Committee Announcements& Liaison Reports: Mr. Bokun thanked the Indian community for the Festival of Colors event on Saturday, May 18th. The Festival of Colors celebrates the many colors in our lives and the oneness of it all. Ms. Lenihan attended the Lexington High School Senior Art Show and extended her congratulations to all who participated in the show. 1 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19 Ms. Jiang had a few announcements and congratulations to share with the committee but first noted that today was the last day of school for the seniors and congratulated seniors for their upcoming graduation. On May 24 &25 at 7:00 the annual LHS Pops Concert will be held in the gym at the high school. On Saturday, May 26, the Lex Splash event will be held. Inspired by MIT Splash, Lex Splash is a student group that organizes classes for middle school students, taught by high schoolers. Ms. Jiang extended congratulations to Clarke Middle School for winning the National DOE Science Bowl along with the Diamond Middle School Science Olympiad team, and the LHS Marathon Team for winning their state competitions and heading to the national competitions this summer. Ms. Sawhney provided a brief update on the Strategic Planning Synthesis team "feedback" meeting she attended at Bridge Elementary School, as well as the Spring Summit with Board of Selectmen Ms. Colburn thanked the Estabrook community for being invited to their read-aloud day. Ms. Jay noted there would be one more community event for community members to provide input for the LPS Strategic Planning work on Tuesday, May 28, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Ms. Jay said that the Homework Working Group has been meeting and asked Dr. Lyons to provide a brief summary of the meetings which included discussions to address concerns around the no-homework calendar. Dr. Lyons reported that a short survey would be sent out to teachers, as well as to parents, in order to get feedback on a proposed alternative calendar as it compares to the current plan. Some considerations related to potential changes in the no-homework calendar include reducing stress for students, creating consistency for teachers in order to help their instructional planning, and respecting religious culture and family observances. It is also necessary to consider the needs for each grade span and ensuring pedigogically sound practices regarding homework. Ms. Colburn asked Dr. Lyons if a similar survey would be sent out to students, as well, to hear their feedback. Dr. Lyons wanted to clarify that the goal is to not make changes to the larger part of the policy but to adjust the schedule of no-homework dates to account for some of the unintended consequences that happened this past year. Congratulations& Celebrations: Superintendent Hackett echoed her appreciation of the celebration of Holi, The Festival of Colors. It was an amazing event and she was thankful to attend. 2 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19 Superintendent Hackett thanked the Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) for their support of the Lexington Public Schools and introduced Kim McCormick to report on LEF's grantmaking during the 2018-2019 academic year. Since its founding by Lexington residents in 1989, LEF has supported exceptional work that addresses the Lexington Public Schools' priorities, but falls outside the district budget. LEF is proud to partner with LPS to fund curricular and pedagogical innovations, professional learning opportunities, new uses of technology, and initiatives to address students' social and emotional needs. LEF grants often serve as pilot programs that point the district towards the most effective ways to address the challenges facing our schools. Ms. McCormick reported that in 2018-2019 (FY2019) the organization has thus far granted awards totaling $174,727 (two additional grants are pending final approval) in three categories: Program Grants support the exploration and implementation of innovative instruction, enriched curricula, pro-social and emotional literacy initiatives, and the use of new technology in the classroom. FY 2019 Awards (for implementation during the 2018-2019 school year) $125,756 Fellowships enable individual educators to participate in structured professional development opportunities that will have a direct impact on their teaching in the classroom. FY2018 Awards (for fellowships taking place in calendar year 2018) $40,828. School Community Grants enable each of the ten Lexington public schools to undertake activities that will strengthen learning and build community school-wide. FY2019 Awards (for implementation during the 2018-2019 school year) $58,750. School Committee members thanked LEF for their continued support and dedication to the Lexington Public Schools. COMMUNITY SPEAK No speakers CONSENT AGENDA International Field Trips: Lexington High School International Field Trip to Rome, Italy on February 14-22, 2020 Committee members had some questions around the International Field Trip. Dr. Hackett suggested approval of the field trips and would get back to the committee with answers to their questions. 3 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19 Ms. Colburn moved to approve Lexington High School International Field Trips to Rome, Italy on February 14-22, 2020 and to Madrid and Salamanca, Spain on February 14-24, 2020 seconded by Ms. Sawhney(Approved 5-0) Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrant: Ms. Lenihan moved to approve School Department's payroll warrant dated May 10, 2019 in the amount of$4,046,639.66 seconded by Ms. Colburn(Approved 5-0) Ms. Lenihan moved to approve the School Department's accounts payable warrant dated May 17, 2019 in the amount of$1,199,954.07 and School Department's accounts payable US Bank Reconciliations in the amount of$43,225.06 seconded by Ms. Bokun (Approved 5-0) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Tabled COMMUNITY SPEAK: Gresh Lattimore -Spoke to the committee about the importance of the AFS (American Field Service) Exchange Program at Lexington High School. Fourth-grade students from Fiske elementary presented their "Be Smart, Don't Start" smoking and vaping project to School Committee. Their presentation mainly involved vaping and the effects of nicotine. A complete preview of their presentation can be found here: gg.gg/dt8u8 Ms. Yang - 165 Lincoln Street - Expressed concerns regarding the after-school transportation and would like School Committee and administration to reconsider their decision about after school transportation. Ms. Finnigan -ABCL's Education Chair- Ms. Finnigan recognizes that a lot of work has been done with Dr. Hackett and expressed her concerns that the children of brown and black colors are under psychological warfare and the administration needs to act now, it cannot wait another year for a change. PRESENTATION: Redistricting Update Dr. Maureen Kavanaugh, Director of Planning and Assessment, provided a project update related to elementary and middle school redistricting. The update included brief background information on ways the district has been managing growing enrollments. Dr. Kavanaugh explained the process, roles and progress related to current redistricting, what has been learned so far from recent analysis and what's next in the process. The redistricting process is expected to be completed according to the original timeline, with a School Committee vote on final maps expected some time early in the fall of 2019. Implementation of new school assignment areas and maps will begin with the 2020-21 school year. 4 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19 For other information and updates, you may see the Superintendent's Blog at: t ://bit®Iy/Redistrict Io Members had some questions for Dr. Kavanaugh that she responded to. Policy Reading#2- Revisions to: EEA- Student Transportation & EEAA- Walkers and Riders Ms. Jay explained that the Policy Subcommittee and Dr. Kavanaugh reviewed policies related to assignment areas, as well as redistricting and related transportation issues. Discussions from the meeting resulted in a few adjustments and edits. Dr. Kavanaugh reviewed the edits to School Committee. Ms. Colburn moved to approve the following policies as amended:Policy EEA, Policy JCA, Policy JC, and Policy JCAC and to remove PolicyJCAA and Policy EEAA -seconded by Mr. Bokun (Approved 5-0) COMMUNITY SPEAK: Some community members spoke out about concerns on the redistricting, especially for Hastings families. They noted this past year has been a hardship for the children, teachers and neighbors, particularly having the school be under construction with no playground. The feeling expressed was that Hasting families would very much like to attend the new school and not be redistricted. Vote on School Choice: Ms. Colburn moved that the Lexington Public Schools will not participate in School Choice program for the 2019-2020 school year-seconded by Ms. Lenihan(Approved 5-0) Proclamation for Race Amity Day: School Committee member and Liaison to the Human Rights Committee, Mr. Scott Bokun, shared with the School Committee a Proclamation for Race Amity Day that was proposed by the Human Rights Committee. Proclamation May 2019 Mr. Bokun moved that the School Committee approve and sign the HRC proclamation for Race Amity Day, as well as post it on the district website and send a copy to the Administrative Council as well as the PPC-seconded by Ms. Sawhney(Approved 5-0) FY 2019 Third Quarter Summary: Mr. Peter Rowe, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, reported on the FY2019 Third Quarter. Mr. Rowe projected a surplus of$1,038,013.00 from the approved Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. This represents a surplus of approximately 0.96% of the total School Department budget, which is consistent with the second quarter mid-year projection. $523,202 of the total surplus is projected from the Salary & Wages portion of the budget while $514,811 5 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19 is from the expense portion of the budget. A full copy of the FY 2019 Third Quarter Report can be found here: -21-19 SC Packet Mr. Rowe responded to questions from the School Committee members. Mr. Bokun moved that School Committee approve the transfers outlined in Table 7 of the Fiscal Year 2019 Third Quarter Financial Report, per School Committee Policy DBJ-seconded by Ms. Colburn (Approved 5-0) Policy Reading#1- Revisions to: Policy IJOA Field Trips&JJH - Student Travel: Ms. Jay introduced Dr. Chris Lyons who reviewed suggested modifications/edits made to Policy IJOA Field Trips &JJH - Student Travel with the School Committee. After some discussion and questions it was agreed to proceed with another Policy Subcommittee meeting to try and work through much as possible. Superintendent's End of Year Evaluation: Superintendent Hackett gave a brief explanation of the Superintendent Evaluation process and reviewed with the School Committee the self-assessment rubrics and four standards provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (unsatisfactory, needs improvement, exemplary, & proficient). The evaluation in total is based on district goals plus ratings on each of the standards. Some discussion was had on past evaluations and how to proceed with the process going forward. Members agreed to submit their written evaluations to Ms. Jay prior to the next School Committee meeting on June 4, 2019. School Master Planning Advisory Committee Update: Ms. Colburn reported on the School Master Planning Advisory Committee meeting from May 10th. Ms. Colburn noted that people had met in subgroups of three to discuss the purpose of: (1) elementary recommendations (2) middle school recommendations & (3) high school recommendations. The purpose of the May 10th meeting was to review the prioritization of various strategies: • non-building strategies • space mining & temporary building space strategies • permanent building strategies • mapping against various scenarios Ms. Colburn noted they would continue discussion and narrowing down possible options at the next meeting. 6 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19 Ms. Colburn reported on the cost estimate that was received for an expansion to the LHS cafeteria at 2.5 million. Facilities department and architects would try to look at less expensive options. Ms. Colburn noted that there was some discussion on portable classrooms and interest in the LABBB program providing some funding for some of the portables. Continuing discussion on how many portables are in need and how much funding might be available from LABBB to help contribute to offset the cost. Bridge Last Day of School Update: Dr. Hackett addressed a memo that she wrote to the Commissioner asking for a waiver for Bridge School to have their last day of school to be the same day as the rest of the district. Bridge had missed one extra day of school due to a water main break in the area. Dr. Hackett reported that Bridge School had hit the 900 hour time on learning requirement and 180 day requirement; therefore, Dr. Hackett is suggesting that Bridge have the same last day as everyone else. Dr. Hackett noted that teachers would be making up their time and principals are working with them to record their time. At 11:11 p.m. Ms. Jay made a motion to adjourn, so moved by Ms. Lenihan (Approved 5-0) 7 LSC Meeting 5/21/2019 MINUTES APPROVED 8/27/19