HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-07-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday,January 7, 2020
Lexington Town Office Building
Selectmen's Meeting Room
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 7:03 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
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Sara Mei
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT
Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent
Dr. Christine Lyons, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
and Professional Learning
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.
Ms. Dawn McKenna noted she may record a portion of the track discussion on tonight's agenda.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS& LIAISON REPORTS:
Mr. Scott Bokun quoted Core Value #1 -We All Belong: We are inclusive of all people, and we
embrace and serve one another. We are dedicated to working toward mutual understanding of
all cultures, backgrounds, identities, ideas, beliefs, learning styles, and abilities that are different
from our own. In our community, we all bring unique skills, perspectives, and experiences. We
create a safe and supportive learning environment when we work to ensure that everyone is
honored and respected.
Mr. Bokun attended a meeting with the Dyslexia Parents Group, along with Dr. Hackett and Dr.
Lyons. Mr. Bokun thanked the parents for their attendance and their honesty and perseverance
as they talked about their experiences and their children's experiences and struggles with
having to deal with dyslexia in our school district. He noted that many of the children are still
receiving services but struggle coping with the amount of work and effort it takes to get through
assignments with dyslexia. Mr. Bokun reported that dyslexia is the most common learning
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
disability that affects 1 in 5 people. Mr. Bokun encouraged people to go to the Lexington
Dyslexia Parents Group website and watch the 7-minute video "Facts about Qv-de-zip"
Mr. Bokun gave a brief update on the Lexington Human Rights Committee. He reported the
LHRC is working on a revision of their bylaws as well as a decision tree flow chart regarding
reporting of rights, bullying incidents and hate crimes. The goal is to work with Lexington Public
Schools and the Town to create a basic chart that shows one how to report incidences, who is
made aware of them, and what happens in terms of an investigation.
Mr. Bokun announced LHRC is sponsoring a townwide community conversation, as part of the
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Events on January 20th from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Grace
Chapel, 59 Worthen Road. The topic for this year's Annual Community Conversation on Race is
"The Necessity of Discussing Race and Racism with Your Own Family at Home."
Mr. Bokun attended a viewing of the documentary movie, Willie, about the first black NHL
player who also played for the Boston Bruins. The movie was produced by a Lexington resident,
Bryant McBride. Mr. Bokun noted the movie would be on ESPN sometime in February. Mr.
Bokun suggested having this movie brought into LHS as part of their curriculum.
Ms. Lenihan wished everyone a happy 2020.
Ms. Sawhney commented on the field house at the high school. She thanked the Recreation
Department and Department of Facilities for the work that had been done recently to make the
field house look better.
Ms. Sawhney announced the Parent Forum on Suicide Prevention on January 8, 2020 from
8:30-10:00 a.m. at Diamond Middle Schol cafeteria.
Ms. Colburn announced an upcoming SEPAC Business meeting for Thursday, January 9, 2020
starting at 7:00 at the Community Center. This business meeting is the Special Education
Parents Advisory Council combined with Special Education Parent Teacher Association. Anyone
with children on an IEP or a 504 plan are encouraged to come and learn more about special
education issues affecting your family. Dr. Hackett will be joining the meeting to give a DEI
update, including discussing the Inclusion Community Input Team and Thomas Herhir's Special
Education Review. In addition there will be a discussion of upcoming events, School Committee
updates and reports from liaisons.
Ms. Jay wished all a Happy New Year. On Saturday, January 11, 2020 CAAL (Chinese American
Association of Lexington) will be presenting a Lunar New Year Gala at Cary Hall.
Ms. Jay attended the Recreation Committee meeting on December 18th. She will report further
on this topic later in the agenda.
Student Representative, Sara Mei, noted that the LHS Student-Faculty Senate had discussed the
homework policy. Overall the students think it's "awesome"that the town is taking steps to try
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
and regulate the amount of homework and increase time with family and friends. She noted
there is some confusion about the specific purpose of no homework dates and think no
homework dates should occur over weekends or long weekends instead of a designated no
homework on weekends. Ms. Mei commented that some teachers follow the words for the no
homework policy but still manipulate the rules, especially with the 6 day cycle (i.e. give
homework during a time when do not have class or have homework due on a day when there is
no class).
Ms. Mei further reported that the Senate is discussing having murals painted around LHS and is
in the process of organizing someone to work on a design and where in the school to place it. It
is also having a discussion about seasonal decorations to be put up around the hallways during
the holidays to brighten up the halls at LHS.
Congratulations & Celebrations:
Dr. Hackett extended her congratulations to three different groups of people.
On December 12, 2019, she visited Ms. Pei-Chi Chuang's sixth grade class at Jonas Clarke Middle
School. Ms. Chuang and her sixth graders taught Dr. Hackett to say Happy Lunar New Year in
Chinese and helped her film a short video for the Chinese American Association of Lexington
(CAAL) and the Lexington community. CAAL has shared the video publicly in advance of their
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Cary Memorial Building on January 11, 2020.
Dr. Hackett congratulated Ms. Angela Carpenter and her students at Harrington Elementary
School. Ms. Carpenter wrote and choreographed the "We All Belong" song. The song is based
on the district's core values, and it was written for the National Blue Ribbon School Recognition
Ceremony that was held on December 13, 2019. The song was a moving tribute to the values
that matter most in the Lexington Public Schools, and the students did an amazing job at the
ceremony.
Lastly, Dr. Hackett expressed her sincere gratitude to the Green Team members, Ms. Tina
McBride and Ms. Natalie Cohen, who forged a partnership with the Department of Public
Health, Whitsons, Food Link, and others to create a Food Recovery Program at Diamond Middle
School. The new Food Recovery Program will enable us to donate meals and food to those in
need. Dr. Hackett thanked Tina, Natalie, Diamond Middle School, and all involved for living our
"Do Your Part" and "Caring for Yourself and Others" core values. Dr. Hackett noted she looks
forward to seeing this program implemented in all our schools!
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT:
Dr. Hackett reported on the FY21 Budget Summitt II-A that was held on Thursday, December 19,
2019. She is pleased to report that since the last School Committee meeting, the FY2021
allocation for the Lexington Public Schools was revised to bring the increase to the base budget
over the previous year's budget from $4.12M (3.6%) to $4.85M (4.3%), representing an increase
of$737,139 in the revenue allocation. Dr. Hackett noted that a $1.5 million shortfall was
originally projected, and the additional increase essentially cuts that gap by half. As found on
page 9 of the FY2021 Level Service and Recommended Budget of the Superintendent of Schools,
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
the revenue allocation history, which reflects the increase to the base budget each year, is as
follows for the past six budget cycles: FY 2016: 8.5%, FY 2017: 7.2%; FY 2018: 6.6%; FY 2019:
6.9%; FY 2020: 5.4%; and FY 20214.3%. A decrease in the percentage increase, combined with
higher overall enrollment, make this a challenging budget season.
Dr. Hackett next provided a brief update on Hastings Elementary School. She noted that
Principal Lipsitz and her team are planning several special events that will make for a
memorable move. Students and staff will decorate the classroom doors with colorful images
designed by Lexington's young artists. They will also create art in the halls by writing memories
and messages to the school. The building will be open to the greater community on Monday
evening, February 10, 2020, so that former students, staff, and families can come to Hastings to
say their goodbyes to the school and add personal notes to the walls. The move itself will take
place during the February vacation week. Prior to the close of school on February 14, 2020,
students and teachers will walk from the current school to the new building, taking the contents
of their desks and tabletops to their new classrooms. The Hastings School community is looking
forward to the big day, and we can't wait to welcome everyone to our new school!
Dr. Hackett concluded her report with an update on the Lexington High School Statement of
Interest. On March 17, 2019, we submitted a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts
School Building Authority (MSBA), which would assist with the funding of a new or renovated
Lexington High School. We were notified on December 10, 2019 that Lexington High School did
not get invited into the MSBA's Eligibility Period at this time. Dr. Hackett noted that many
neighboring districts have waited several years before being invited into the capital pipeline.
The good news is that the MSBA will begin accepting new Statements of Interest on January 8,
2020, and Dr. Hackett will resubmit the SOI at that time.
A complete copy of the Superintendent Report can be found here: Su erintendent's Report
1-07-2020
CONSENT AGENDA:
Acceptance of Donations/Gifts:
Mr. Bokun moved to approve donation from Best Buddies to Lexington High School in the
amount of$860.00 and donation to the Lexington High School Music Department in the
amount of$500.00-seconded by Ms. Colburn (Approved 5-0)
Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrant Approval:
Ms. Lenihan moved to approve payroll dated December 6, 2019 in the amount of
$3,953,156.43;Payroll dated December 20, 2019 in the amount of$3,965,696.89; Accounts
payable dated December 20, 2019 in the amount of$940,106.23;Accounts payable on
January 3, 2020 in the amount of$735,984.68 and Payroll dated January 3, 2020, in the
amount of$3,846,985.90-seconded by Ms. Sawhney(Approved 5-0)
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
Minutes:
Ms. Sawhney moved to approve the November 19, 2019 School Committee minutes and
December 3, 2019 School Committee minutes-seconded by Ms. Colburn (Approved 5-0)
COMMUNITY SPEAK:
Ms. Judith Crocker, 5 Courier Court - Ms. Crocker provided her Annual Lexington's Safe Routes to
School 2019-2020 updates. Highlights include recent accomplishments. For a complete copy of
Ms. Crockers report click here: INSERT LINK
Ms. Crocker provided additional information on a newly adopted program by Safe Routes to
School that was presented at the MASC joint conference in November. This is amendment
suggestions for School Wellness Policy.
PRESENTATION: -Superintendent's FY2021 Budget
Dr. Hackett and David Coelho, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, reviewed
the FY 2021 Level Service and Recommended Budget of the Superintendent of School.
Dr. Hackett started the presentation by reviewing the LPS Strategic Plan, including the new
Mission Statement: Joy in learning; curiosity in life; and compassion in all we do. She also
outlined our Vision: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion; Redefining Success; Students as Active Agents;
Authentic learning Experiences; Community Partnerships. Dr. Hackett stated that in the next 10
years these are the areas of focus for the school system. In addition to areas of focus, Dr.
Hackett reviewed the Strategic Goals: Goal #1: Address and Narrow Equity Gaps; Goal #2:
Redefine Success; Goal #3: Cultivate Student Agency; Goal #4: Innovate for Sustainable
Change.
Dr. Hackett reviewed the FY 2021 Revenue Allocation Model. She reported the district is
receiving a 4.3% increase for FY 2021 over the previous year's budget. On the FY21
Recommended Budget and Summary of Changes slide, Dr. Hackett noted that a -9.86% decrease
from funding sources reflects an adjustment down from Medicaid reimbursement as well as a
slight reduction in amounts related to Chapter 70. The Finance Department has sent a memo
recently seeking guidance in Medicaid reimbursement. Dr. Hackett will share the memo at the
next School Committee meeting.
The 4.3% increase in FY 2021 represented a 1.5M shortfall in the amount needed for a level
service budget. Dr. Hackett reviewed strategies under consideration to make up for the shortfall
such as: reduced fixed personnel costs through attrition and reduction; offset budget utilizing
revolving funds; reduce supplies and software contracts; review Special Education placements;
Special Education audit; access Special Education stabilization funds at Town Meeting.
Dr. Hackett asked Mr. Coehlo to explain the Special Education Stabilization Fund. Mr. Coehlo
noted that about 10 years ago $350,000.00 was set aside from the school budget, and the Town
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
put additional funds aside as well. Since that time, it has been growing and now contains $1.3
Million. Mr. Coehlo said that a portion of these funds could be used to offset Special Ed costs,
tuitions, transportation. He also noted that, once these funds are used and the money runs
out, we do not have a mechanism or location to replace it. The fund goes away, yet the
expenses that they are tied to continue.
School Committee had questions for Dr. Hackett and Mr. Coehlo which they addressed.
For a complete copy of the Superintendent's FY2021 Level Service and Recommended Budget
click here: FY21 Superintendent's Budget
Community Speak:
Mr. Jason Ross, 38 Winthrop Rd. Mr. Ross congratulated the School Committee on the
redistricting efforts. It struck a nice balance between minimizing the impact on students and
providing a sustainable enrollment plan for the community. Mr. Ross expressed his
encouragement to vote in favor of allowing 4th graders (current 4th graders/rising 5th graders)
to be allowed into their original middle schools before plan was adopted.
Ms. Dawn McKenna - Precinct 6 TMM - Ms. McKenna spoke about the Center Track memo
which stated that construction of a field for throwing events was not eligible as a change order
under the scope of the Center Track project. Ms. McKenna believes that the Recreation
Department and the School Department made commitments to the track students during 2019
Town Meeting, so that the programs that existed at the time would continue to exist. During
Town Meeting, it was said they would make the facility in the separate practice field. Ms.
McKenna commented that if it wasn't going to be done, then that is a problem for this season.
Ms. McKenna wants to know how this issue is going to be resolved. She is recommending that
these two projects move forward as independent Capital Requests. For FY2021, consider using
Operating Funds to make the programs happen in time. Ms. McKenna commented that it is
critical that conversations begin about what the priority for use of school-based facilities is and
how, in this particular case, the school department had been shut out of the conversations until
decisions have already been made. She believes there is a conflict between the paid
programming that the Recreation program wants out of that track and field service vs. providing
for the LPS students that are currently here.
Rucha Londhe, 126 Kendall Rd. - please reconsider grandfathering the current 4th graders.
Mr. Simler- 351 Lincoln St. - Mr. Simler commented on the budget and redistricting.
NEW & UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Redistricting Discussions: Grandfathering; Transportation; Flexible Assignment; Walking,
Biking, Bussing Policy
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
The topics related to redistricting on tonight's agenda came from concerns that were raised at
the last meeting. Dr. Hackett suggested it would be worthwhile to have the people who
indicated their concerns talk briefly about what they have been hearing and share their
thoughts about a particular item.
Ms. Colburn wanted to discuss the Fiske 6 issue. She thought that this district is somewhat
unique because, if grandfathered, those students would go to Diamond rather than Clarke
which could help relieve some pressure at Clarke. She would be interested to see how the
numbers work out. Dr. Kavanaugh said that the LPS administration has been in communication
with most of the Fiske 6 families. The administration will be reviewing Special Transfer Requests
where applicable.
Members discussed the issue of possible middle school grandfathering for current 4th graders
who can stay at their current school for 5th grade, but would be assigned to a different middle
school. The LIPS decision is that they would not be grandfathered, but could apply for Special
Transfer. Dr. Kavanaugh indicated that they could contact LIPS administration now, even though
these students would not enter middle school until 2021.
Dr. Hackett noted that the message being communicated, based on the Plan C decision, is that
the administration would entertain anything outside of the decision with Special Transfer
Requests. The grandfathering pieces left for discussion related to grade 4 students and whether
or not there would be transportation provided was another question. Dr. Hackett stated the
more transportation exceptions and grandfathering accommodations that are made, the harder
the operation is (i.e., more costly, time consuming and more congestion on the road). She
noted the district needs to be conservative when it comes to transportation. There was a
consensus among School Committee members that bus transportation should be provided for
all students who were grandfathered under Plan C,
Committee members had further discussion around grandfathering, transportation, and Special
Transfer Requests. Ms. Kavanaugh noted that anyone who has a question regarding the Special
Transfer Request process should call or email the administration directly.
Dr. Hackett summarized what was discussed: (1) Plan C stands; (2) Majority feel if
grandfathering was given before, then transportation will follow; (3) Transportation will be
provided with grandfathering; (4) For all the people who feel they have unresolved issues (Fiske
6, grade 4) submit Special Transfer Request to the administration by February 1st; (5) People
who make Special Transfer Request shall not count on transportation. It does not mean that it
is a hard no, but should proceed as though you have no transportation.
FY19 Center Track & Field Budget Memo from Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and
Community Programs.
Ms. Jay attended the Recreation Department meeting and provided an update on the FY19
Center Track & Field Budget. She noted the project being constructed was coming in slightly
under budget and the question was raised on how to use their remaining funds. The Recreation
Committee put forward 5 items to consider as potential use for the remaining funds.
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
1. Protective Covering for the Track & Field surface
2. Additional site lighting to the bathrooms
3. Emergency Blue Box
4. Repaving of Park Drive and parking area
5. Installation of hammer/discus cage/pads &field improvements to the practice field
After discussing and seeking guidance from Bond Council, items number four and five did not
qualify for funding under this project budget as neither fall under the original scope of work. It
was recommended that those two projects move forward as separate, independent capital
requests.
Ms. Colburn shares Ms. McKenna's frustration. She noted during Town Meeting it was very
clear that there was going to be an effort made to install a throwing facility so it wouldn't have
to be on the artificial surface. Ms. Colburn commented that if it doesn't fit under this project,
the funds should be reserved and returned to the town and then reappropriated to create that
facility and not doing other additions that maybe aren't as high a priority.
Members had questions about the throwing field to which Ms. McKenna provided some further
information.
Community Speak:
Ms. Dawn McKenna - Ms. McKenna commented that the Recreation Department has no
incentive and has not been committed to making the track and field facilities work for
school-based programs. She noted that the Recreation Department did not include them from
the beginning, nor did they include them during the conversation on using remaining Center
Track funds. Ms. McKenna commented that reserving and appropriating is too late and she
wants to know what School Committee is going to do about it.
Ms. McKenna suggested three solutions:
1. Suggest the Recreation Enterprise Fund be used to pay for the project
2. School Committee use money from FY20 Operating Budget
3. Ask Selectmen to put a Special Town Meeting warrant at the beginning of Town Meeting
Ms. McKenna requested School Committee include on their agenda to figure out a process for
the Superintendent and staff to be in control of the facilities that provide programmatic needs
for the schools.
Dr. Hackett noted she will look into suggestions and options to see whether it would be possible
to make improvements to the practice field.
Community Speak:
Community members continued to comment on redistricting and grandfathering.
Proposed 2020-2021 LIPS Calendar
Dr. Christine Lyons, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional
Development, reviewed the proposed 2020-2021 school calendar.
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020
Committee members had a few suggestions and questions for Dr. Lyons which she addressed.
Dr. Lyons said that she will present the 2021-2022 school calendar to School Committee by the
end of this school year.
Ms. Colburn moved to approve 2020-2021 academic calendar as presented by Dr. Lyons-
seconded by Mr. Bokun (approved 5-0)
Fiscal Year 2020 First Qrt. Year end financial report -Tabled (11:24 p.m.)
Vote to Adopt Policy FEC: Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy
Ms. Colburn moved to adopt the Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy as School
Committee Policy FEC-seconded by Ms. Lenihan (Approved 5-0)
Ms.Jay made a motion to adjourn at 11:25 p.m., so moved by Ms. Colburn (Approved 5-0)
SC Minutes Approved 2/04/2020