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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-03-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Lexington Town Office Building Selectmen's Meeting Room 1625 Massachusetts Avenue CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 7:10 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 (8:00 p.m.) Scott Bokun STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Sara Mei SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent Dr. Maureen Kavanaugh, Director of Planning & Assessments The minutes were taken by Kristen Cronin, Executive Assistant to the School Committee and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. SCHOOL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS& LIAISON REPORTS: Mr. Scott Bokun attended the MASC/MASS joint conference in November. He commented that the conference was a fun time seeing and talking with other school committee members from Massachusetts. Mr. Bokun quoted Core Value #2 - Using Your Mind: Lexington district has a lot more than most other districts will ever have. We are fortunate and need to keep that in mind as we go through our redistricting. Ms. Lenihan spent the day at the State House testifying in support of House Bill 3999. Ms. Lenihan reported that Bill 3999 proposes to remove religious exemption from the law that mandates vaccinations for school attendance. She provided highlights of her three minute testimony. She noted that if your religious beliefs compel you not to vaccinate your children, you should be prepared to homeschool them, which is what Bill 3999 proposes. Ms. Lenihan felt it was important to give the testimony to the lawmakers who will make that decision and hope they have the same political courage demonstrated by their counterparts in New York, California, Mississippi, and Maine. Ms. Colburn reported on the SEPAC community meeting that she attended with Mr. Scott Bokun. Ms. Colburn thanked the SEPAC members who attended and also encouraged any families whose children are part of either an IEP or 504 to please join in SEPTA or SEPAC. There are tremendous benefits for those families. Ms. Colburn thanked the METCO families for attending the School Committee meeting on November 19, 2019 in Boston. She noted that it was a tremendous turn out of METCO families, but also non-METCO families, all of whom are a part of the Lexington Community. It was illuminating to hear people's ideas and experiences. Ms. Colburn announced that she will not be running for re-election in March 2020. Ms. Jay expressed her appreciation to Ms. Colburn. Student Representative, Sara Mei, reported on the Student Senate meeting she attended. She noted that there was discussion on student feedback for teachers and reducing lunch lines, and possibly adding more spaces to eat. Further discussion included reducing homework during college deadline dates and organizing a Mental Health Day for sometime in March. Congratulations& Celebrations: On November 8th, Lexington Public Schools held its sixth annual Lexington Learns Together (LLT). LLT is a day of professional learning for all Lexington educators and staff, led by Lexington educators. Dr. Hackett provided highlights of the opening ceremonies as well as a video featuring Lexington students talking about what the LPS Core Values mean to them. LLT this year was focused on three new Lexington Public Schools Core Values: We All Belong, Use Your Mind, and Be Curious and Have Fun. Educators selected from over 120 learning sessions offered throughout the day to further their learning and growth. In keeping with our goals and our desire to promote student agency, LLT concluded with a powerful panel, Student Voices and Educator Choices, led by students who interviewed staff members about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Hackett thanked Ms. Caitlin Ahern, Professional Learning Coordinator, LPS dedicated Professional Learning Committee, and Dr. Christine Lyons, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Learning, for planning a terrific day of renewal designed to help staff and administrators to reflect, learn, and grow. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT: Dr. Hackett reported on the redistricting process to date. She noted that the redistricting process has been thorough and inclusive including four public hearings on October 16, 2019, October 24, 2019, November 18, 2019, and November 25, 2019. The administration has heard from many residents who have emailed, completed surveys, attended public hearings, or met in person with administration to express their views. Dr. Hackett explained that the School Committee will take a final vote on redistricting at tonight's meeting, and tomorrow administration will turn their attention toward implementing the School Committee's preferred redistricting plan. As noted in a previous report, Dr. Hackett appointed Ms. Anna Monaco, former Principal of Clarke Middle School, to lead Lexington's redistricting implementation efforts. Once a final decision on redistricting has been made, Ms Monaco will begin working on implementing the redistricting plan. Specifically, she will work with students, families, and staff to ensure a smooth and positive transition for all involved. Dr. Hackett reported that the administration is in the process of assembling a District Transition Team, comprising an administrator from each K-8 school in the system. Dr. Hackett would also like to engage members of the Advisory Council for Redistricting and members of the President's PTA/PTO Council in efforts to ensure that redistricting is a positive experience for all involved. Dr. Hackett next reported on her meeting with the LEA President and LPS Administrators to discuss the staffing reassignment plan or what is being called "Reassignment in Force" (rather than Reduction in Force). Administration will be asking staff who intend to leave the district or retire to notify the superintendent by February 15, 2020, if at all possible. Once a list of known vacancies is available, administration will then ask for staff who may be interested in volunteering to move in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. Once those placements have been made, the administration may make involuntary moves. Educators' licenses and qualifications will be considered first. If all other factors are equal, the length of service will be the tiebreaker, which means that recently hired staff may be given a new assignment in a different school. They will have an opportunity to select open positions based on availability. It is our intention to have the redistricting staffing reassignment plan completed by no later than March 15, 2020. Dr. Hackett reported on the Budget Summit II from November 21, 2019. As noted previously, it costs approximately$5.6 million to maintain current staffing levels and operations in the Lexington Public Schools. The appropriation that we were given was an additional $4.1 million, reflecting the remaining revenue after set-asides. As indicated, the appropriation is $1.452 million less than what is needed to cover the same number of personnel and operations that currently exist. Additional special education increases and the need for three buses increase the gap to approximately$1.5 million. Our given allocation means the school department can consider no programmatic improvements or innovations, unless we explore further reductions in the current budget or creative funding strategies (e.g. use of grants; donors). A complete copy of the Superintendent Report can be found here: Superintendent's Report 12-03-19 CONSENT AGENDA: Acceptance of Donations/Gifts: Ms. Lenihan moved to approve donation from First Robotics Team Regrant/Refund for Lexington High School in the amount of$1,048.00($524 each)seconded by Ms. Colburn (Approved 4-0) Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrant Approval: Ms. Colburn moved to approve accounts payable dated November 8, 2019 in the amount of $1,585,179.35;Accounts payable dated November 22, 2019 in the amount of$1,369,227.48; Accounts payable (US Bank) dated November 22, 2019 in the amount of$83.23;Accounts payable dated December 6, 2019 in the amount of$1,235,362.95;and Payroll dated November 22, in the amount of$3,890,871.94-seconded by Mr. Bokun (Approved 4-0) Minutes: Mr. Bokun moved to approve the November 5, 2019 School Committee minutes-seconded by Ms. Colburn (Approved 4-0) November 19, 2019 minutes were tabled. COMMUNITY SPEAKS: NONE NEW BUSINESS FUSE School approval of K/1 Transition Classroom Dr. Hackett read a memo provided by Dr. Christine Lyons, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning, in support of granting the FUSE school approval of a K/1 transition class. Back-up materials were provided and can be viewed on the LPS district website. Ms. Lauren Weeks, Founder and Clinical Director of FUSE Program LLC, a therapeutic private school located at 110 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA has requested School Committee approval of their new combined Kindergarten/Grade 1 class. Dr. Lyons visited the school on November 20, and spoke with Dr. Weeks about the program and school overall, and visited the K/1 transition classroom. The purpose of the K/1 program is to provide students with the social skills as well as academic skills needed to successfully transition to the public school classroom. Dr. Lyons noted the class sizes are very small, co-taught by regular education and clinically trained teachers, and designed to have students transition out when they are ready to leave. Dr. Hackett noted that Dr. Lyons is recommending that the Lexington School Committee approve the FUSE K/1 transition program. Dr. Hackett commented that in light of Dr. Lyons' suggestion and recommendation a motion would be in order for approval. Ms. Colburn moved that FUSE Program LLC, a therapeutic private school located at 110 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA, be granted approval of their new combined Kindergarten/Grade 1 program-seconded by Ms. Lenihan-(Approved 4-0) EDCO Financial Update: Dr. Hackett read a memo provided by Dr. Lyons on behalf of EDCO Collaborative's preliminary audit findings. This memo is based on a statement that was issued through EDCO. Members of EDCO Collaborative were informed, through the auditor's annual draft audit results, of a deficit for FY19. This deficit is primarily due to lower realized enrollments in programs and loss of the Title 1 Grant. The Collaborative Administration and Executive Finance Committee will be reviewing the deficit and current FY20 budget to provide further information to the Board and School Committees by the end of the calendar year. Dr. Hackett commented that this is potentially more negative financial news because if, in fact, a deficit does exist, that means partnership schools are on the hook for any kind of deficit that results. Dr. Hackett noted a more detailed discussion would be provided at some point in the near future but wanted to provide School Committee with an early indication that this was a concern. Ms. Colburn wanted to know Lexington's legal commitment with EDCO. Dr. Hackett commented seeking legal council would be appropriate, and that we may want to consider whether or not to continue membership with EDCO. Secondary No-Homework dates for FY 19-20 Update Dr. Hackett read a few excerpts from a memo provided by Dr. Lyons on the implications of the homework policy (IKB) for the high school in particular, and on how discussion and selection of no-homework dates on the calendar unfolded. A full copy of Dr. Lyon's memo can be found here: Development process for RevisedNo-Homework Calendar, Grades -12 memo Members had a brief discussion around the calendar and no-homework dates. Dr. Hackett noted this is a pilot and the calendar is something we can continue to review, including gathering feedback or a survey of some sort. Phase II Redistricting Deliberations and Final Vote Ms. Jay noted that this is the first time School Committee is able to deliberate about redistricting due to Open Meeting Law. It was agreed that Dr. Kavanaugh would reintroduce and summarize Plan A, then pause for School Committee comments on that plan summarize Plan B, then pause for School Committee comments; and summarize Plan C, then pause for School Committee comments. Dr. Kavanaugh stated that this would be a reintroduction of existing plans and would review some implementation details. She noted there still remains some clarifying questions mostly about the grandfathering. Dr. Kavanaugh went on to review the high points of the presentation and noted that currently-enrolled students will attend schools based on the newly-revised maps during the 2020-21 school year. This includes students residing outside of assignment areas due to Phase I grandfathering or flexible assignment. As an exception, students who will be in the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and live in newly-assigned areas during the 2020-21 school year will have the option to remain in their current school. Grandfathering of students in these grades does not apply to other siblings enrolled in the same school. Dr. Kavanaugh noted per School Committee policy, all families with an approved request to transfer a student to a LPS school outside of their school assignment area must reapply every year. In this case, students must revert to their "home" schools and then reapply for transfers. Dr. Kavanaugh reviewed Plan A: Original Proposal: Elementary Assignment Map • Movement of components from Bridge to Bowman; Bowman to Harrington; Harrington to Fiske, and Fiske to Hastings; In addition, components moved from Bowman, Bridge, and Estabrook to Hastings • Students will be assigned to a single school in several areas where students are currently attending multiple schools • No moves for 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade based on proposed grandfathering • Achieves equitable distribution of students • Community concerns relate to walkability impacts, neighborhood splits, and the overall number of students assigned to new schools • All maps discussed this evening will eventually decrease enrollment at Clarke Middle School Each School Committee member presented their feedback on Plan A, including what each person saw as the pluses and minuses of the plan. Some members provided input on the walkability concerns. It was agreed to have further discussion and propose some type of walkability policy (i.e. anyone who lives within a mile of the school to walk, bike or take the bus) regardless of what plan is chosen. Dr. Kavanaugh reviewed Plan B: Minimal Impact Scenario • Involves Fiske moves to Harrington and Hastings • No changes to southern components; does not set off domino effect • Lowers number of students affected • Capacity achieved • Students will be assigned to a single school in several areas where students are currently attending multiple schools • It maintains the possibility of walking for some families by maintaining assignment areas around Harrington and Fiske • Does not address middle school proximity for students south of Rte 2 currently assigned to Hastings • No moves for 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th grades based on proposed grandfathering • Considers the possibility of current Hastings students living in areas assigned to other schools (e.g. Estabrook 3 &4 located along Reed St) remaining • Final update includes: Bridge3 assignment to Bowman (prior version kept assignment to Bridge) Each School Committee member presented their feedback on Plan B, including what each person saw as the pluses and minuses of the plan. Dr. Kavanaugh reviewed Plan C: Alternative Minimal Impact • Involves Fiske moves to Harrington and Hastings • Other differences include: ESTA3 & 4 (Reed St.) stays in Estabrook, BOW3 (Monroe Hill) assigned to Hastings & Hast6 (April Lane) assigned to Bowman • Final update includes: ESTA2 assignment to Hastings (prior version kept assignment to Estabrook) • No changes to southern components; does not set off domino effect • Lowers number of students affected • Capacity achieved • Students will be assigned to a single school in several areas where students are currently attending multiple schools • Considers the possibility of current Hastings students living in areas assigned to other schools (e.g. Estabrook 3 &4 located along Reed St.) remaining • Also considers students from Lexington Ridge & Lexington Hill/Main Campus staying in their current schools. Each School Committee member presented their feedback on Plan C, including what each person saw as the pluses and minuses of the plan. Committee members had continued discussion and questions for Dr. Kavanaugh, which she addressed. One member asked for a recommendation from the superintendent. Dr. Hackett expressed her appreciation to the School Committee for taking the time to thoroughly understand the different plans. She went on to give a brief history of how each plan came into play and recommended Plan C, knowing and understanding that it is also imperfect and cannot guarantee that we will not have extreme pressures in the future. Ms. Jay asked each member to rate their preference in order from best to least favorite plan. Mr. Bokun: C, A, B; Ms. Lenihan: A, B, C; Ms. Sawhney: C, B, A; Ms. Colburn: C, A, B; & Ms. Jay: B, A, C. Sara Mei, the student representative, commented on how thoughtful school committee was in considering so many factors during the redistricting decision. Ms. Lenihan felt Plan C treats the rental communities differently from single home family neighborhoods. She has concerns with using flexible assignment from Day 1. Dr. Kavanaugh commented that the Avalons are two rental communities; they are not our only rental communities. All of the maps do a reasonable job of placing all of the other rentals. One of the challenges of this whole process has been that it's not possible to maximize a variable exactly equally across the map. It's not possible to maintain walkability for every area across the map. Choices have to be made.The reason this is up for discussion is because of the density characteristic. Dr. Kavanaugh noted there are many other rental properties that are placed in a more traditional fashion. Dr. Kavanaugh continued to comment on the flexible assignment. Members expressed further concerns that need to be addressed such as grandfathering and transportation, implementing a policy for walking, biking, bussing, and additional transportation from Diamond to Bridge. One member expressed concern over the Special Transfer Request Process. Dr. Hackett commented that Special Transfer Request Process is being discussed and will be held off long enough to take in what the submissions will be. We need to be judicious about any being granted to be sure we are being as fair as possible, as a system. She would like to notify families sometime in the spring. Dr. Hackett wanted to clarify that the Special Transfer Requests are a "maybe." It is a mechanism available if families feel their needs have not been met; however, they may still be unsatisfied by the outcome if the Special Transfer Request cannot be granted. The process is designed to catch big errors and inequities in the system and they will, if they exist. Ms. Colburn moved to approve Plan C for redistricting, with the understanding that implementation details will be discussed at the next meeting on December 17, 2019- seconded by Ms. Sawhney(Approved 4-1)-Bokun, Colburn,Jay, Sawhney- YES;Lenihan-NO Community Speak: Michael Ocean from the Fiske 6 component spoke and expressed concerns about the small number of middle school moves from the grandfathering 5th graders. He noted that the entirety of Fiske 6 makes up 3.7% of the operating capacity of Fiske (if you were to keep them) and 2.3% of operating capacity of Hastings. The ability to keep those kids going to Diamond is important. The plan is moving the entirety of Fiske around, but in a way that stays at Diamond, yet, these fourteen kids in Fiske 6 are the only ones going to Clarke. Jenn Parsons from Fiske 6 area - Ms. Parsons commented about the Student Transfer Process and grandfathering. 375 Lincoln street - Bridge 4 District -The resident wondered if Bridge 4 could still be considered with Bridge and asked if it would be on the next agenda for School Committee. Ms. Jay responded that tonight was the final vote on this matter. There are many challenging situations and many things School Committee would like to accommodate that they weren't able to do even though they tried. Given the number of things that are being juggled, they have worked every which way to try and maximize putting areas in the best possible place and Bridge 4 was difficult. School Committee is aware of some of the safety challenges of walking to Hastings. Families in the Bridge 4 would have the same ability to apply for a Special Transfer Request. Unfortunately, a lot of the schools are reaching close to their capacity so transfers are not guaranteed. Given the small number of students being moved in some areas, there is a special necessity to be welcoming and supportive of these students. 377 Lincoln Street - Expressing concerns for his two black children. Bigger impact for his family living in a community of predominantly white and Asian families. The transition to be part of this community was a big hurdle for his children. Did equality ever play a part in the decision? Ms. Kavanaugh noted equality would be looked at during the implementation plan. 351 Lincoln St - Parent would like to help her child make connections with other students in their newly-assigned school. She asked if it is possible to receive a list of other students who will also be moving to Hastings in order to help with the transition. Ms. Colburn made a motion to adjourn at 11:05- (Approved 5-0)